60 



DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



[CnAP. I. 



7C. The Improvement in Breeds and Weights of Cattle. — "What lias raised 

 the average -weight of beef cattle from 5(J0 to SUOlbs., and some individuals 

 up to 3,GuO lbs. ? "What has raised the crojis of corn to double their former 

 yield, and in several instances produced over I'M bushels of corn to the acre 

 — tliat was in Kentucky ; but in the State of Kew .York whole lields have 

 averaged 100 bushels. In Connecticut, 134 bushels of ears of corn have been 

 [iroduced upon half an acre, at an expense for culture and harvest of less 

 than $3. "What has induced men to root up old orchards of natural fruit, 

 " five to the pint," and plant pippins, baldwins, greenings, russets, etc., some 

 of which have been sold from $;8 to $'20 a barrel, and retailed at a guinea 

 a dozen? "What has induced ingenious men to devote the best energies of 

 their minds to inventing plows, harrows, drills, reaping-machines, and every 

 other implement of husbandry, while every class of domestic animals has 

 also been improved — neat cattle probably the most of all? 



The answer is, the publication of just such facts as we arc now giving, 

 which tend to show what has been done by some mea, and may be done by 

 others. This encourages us to continue our labor. 



SECTION VI.-FEEDIXG CATTLE AND CARE OF FARM-STOCK. 



electing Calves for Rearing. — Use judgment in 

 selecting such heifer calves as are to be reared. 

 Select only those M-hose mothers are good milkers, 

 and whose sires have come from good milkino: 

 stock ; at the same time, the calf itself should have 

 those characteristics that indicate an aptitude to develop 

 good milking qualities, viz. : small, fine head, rather long 

 in the muzzle; bright cj'es; thin, tapering neck; small, 

 well-shaped legs ; long body ; large hind quarters, set wide 

 behind ; soft skin ; fine hair — the color of which is immate- 

 rial ; and, above all, the milk-mirror or udder-veins should 

 be large and well developed. 



The raising of bull calves for breeders had better be left 

 to those who have time and means to devote their attention 

 to it, Avho procure the best animals to begin witli. It would be no loss to 

 the country, were the numerous specimens of scrub bulls, too often seen, 

 condemned to perpetual exile. 



But there is no reason why a portion of the male calves, at least, should 

 not be reared as bullocks, either for the team or the butcher; and it is 

 important that such as are reserved for this purpose should possess certain 

 points indicative of future excellence, viz.: well-shaped head; small ears; 

 short, thick neck ; deep brisket ; broad chest and shoulders ; fine bone ; long 



