332 BRISTOL SOCIETY. 



bushels of fruit; 323,000 lbs. of butter; 158,000 lbs. cheese; 

 1,300 lbs. honey, and 153,000 gallons of milk. 



Those portions of the county of Bristol, bordering on the 

 Narragansett, Mount Hope, Acushnet and Buzzard's Bays, and 

 the Providence, Taunton, and other rivers flowing into the 

 same, are among the most productive. Bat other sections pre- 

 sent many of the finest specimens of cultivation. On the 

 whole, it may safely be stated that the agricultural products of 

 the county of Bristol, compare well with other sections of the 

 State. She produces about half as many tons of hay as each 

 of the counties of Essex, Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin ; 

 almost as much as Norfolk or Plymouth ; more than half as 

 much as Berkshire ; and more than Suff"olk, Dukes and Nan- 

 tucket together. 



From these statistics, it will be perceived that a large share 

 of the population and capital of our citizens, is employed in 

 other pursuits than those of agriculture. But this all important 

 interest is beginning to receive increased attention. 



Breeding Stock. 



The number of animals exhibited this year, is not so large 

 as usual, owing, it is presumed, to the unfavorable state of the 

 weather. The committee regard the character of breeding 

 stock as of great consequence to the success of farmers in this 

 county. Our soil is less fertile and productive in the usual 

 crops raised here, than that of most other counties in the State, 

 and therefore, the qualities of our stock of domestic animals, 

 are of more importance to our success in farming pursuits. 



The committee are gratified to find, that more attention is 

 given to this subject now than heretofore, and that our agricul- 

 turists are beginning to appreciate the value of an improved 

 breeding stock to their pecuniary interests. By a general law 

 of nature, good qualities are transmitted from the parents to the 

 progeny. This principle has been long acknowledged and 

 relied on in the vegetable kingdom. The observant husband- 

 man, guided by experience, always aims to select the best seed 



