Preface. V 



grow to immense sizes ; and that as fine samples of beef, 

 are evei^ day to be met with in the markets o? Philadelphia^ 

 as in any other part o! the world. But as respects cows, we 

 are much deficient,* a circumstance which is the more to be 

 regretted, as probably in no country, does the article of butter, 

 yield greater profit than in the United States. Some attempts 

 have indeed been made, to improve our stock, by the impor- 

 tation oi bulls and cows, particularly in Maryland and New 

 York ; but the public generally, are not yet informed of the 

 success, which has attended the experiment ; and whatever 

 may be the result oi imported brood animals, the great price 

 at Avhich they must necessarily be held, to remunerate the 

 concerned, for the heavy expences of importation ; will pre- 

 vent the desired benefit from being speedily or generally de- 

 rived from them. This circumstance ought to operate as an. 

 additional reason, for a careful selection of the most valua- 

 ble animals rom our domestic stock, and tor the preserva- 

 tion ol such others as we mav occasionally meet with. 



With respect to shecp^ the objects to be attended to are in 

 part common, with those first noted as to oxen. Within a 

 few years, large sizes were chie* objects of attention in En- 

 gland; but repeated experiments have shown, that they are 

 not so profitable, as those of a moderate size. 



The fortunate introduction of the Spanish, English, and 

 Barbary sheep, all of v^hich are now spreading through the 

 middle States, may be considered as important acquisitions 

 to the agricultural interest. With regard to tht Spanish sheep, 

 it is found by years of experience, that the cross with A?7ie- 



* In Holies agricultural survey of the county of Lancashire, a plate is 

 given of a cow, which, as a pattern of excellence and model of perfection, 

 was said to have been sent some years since to America. The place un- 

 fortunately, is not mentioned. Three years since, information respecting 

 this cow, was sought for by advertisements in news papers ; and although 

 the request was universally circulated, no intellig-ence was obtained- res- 

 pecting her. 



