SECRETARY'S REPORT. 73 



and knoivledi^e are the key-notes, and requisite no less in 

 breeding than in feeding. After the light and experience of 

 the past, it seems hardly necessary to repeat what has been so 

 clearly proved, that resort should be had to the best males of 

 improved breeds, as the best and most economical means of 

 improving our present stock. In addition to this, we feel safe 

 in urging a more liberal system of feeding young stock. To 

 this all agree in theory ; but is it so in practice ? If any words 

 of ours can induce in tlie mass of farmers a more liberal course 

 in this respect, we shall rest assured of having contributed to 

 increase the material wealth both of the farmers and the State. 

 Stock intended solely for beef should be so fed as to be turned 

 at an average age of three years at most ; the heifers at two 

 and one-half, and steers at three and one-half, or usually in 

 autumn, thus securing the advantage of more summer than 

 winter feeding. 



There is little danger of overstating the value of manure, 

 and especially of that from fattening animals. Its economical 

 value is increasing from year to year, selling readily at the 

 present time, in portions of Massachusetts, at six to eight dol- 

 lars per cord, and is doubtless worth to the tiller of the soil 

 a much larger sum. 



It has been claimed that in stall feeding, where a large 

 portion of grain is fed, that the value of the manure is equal 

 to that of the hay consumed, leaving only the price of grain to 

 be realized from the sale of beef. 



Is it not better economy to feed more sparingly of grain than 

 has been the practice, taking more time, and relying largely 

 upon hay and grass ? 



We have thus imperfectly considered a subject which is of 

 incalculable importaiice to the farmers of Massachusetts, and 

 to which, more than to any other, we are to look for the recu- 

 peration and renovation of our somewhat exhausted and sterile 

 soil, — a branch of husbandry to which large portions of the 

 State are by nature well adapted. 



We cannot better close this report than by borrowing the 

 following language : 



" It is highly necessary to repeat that this branch of hus- 

 bandry is so important that it has employed the best agricultu- 



10* 



