230 HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 



decidedly the most profitable stock. In them we find great 

 milking qualities, hardy constitutions, and mild disposition. 

 These are good feeders, and will take on flesh remarkably quick 

 when not in milk. So far as the chairman has been able to 

 ascertain, by consulting the best authorities, where fair trials 

 have been made between the Ayrshires, and most or all other 

 breeds, the result has been in favor of the Ayrshires. 



We now come to cattle for all work, and for this the Devons 

 are decidedly the best. Although somewhat smaller in size 

 than the Dnrhams, yet, considering their beauty of color, com- 

 pactness of shape, quick movement and great muscular powers, 

 and withal the fact that they are easily trained, they are very 

 valuable as workers. In making some experiments by way of 

 testing the qualities of the different breeds as workers, it was 

 ascertained that the Devons would do a given amount of work 

 in less time, than any other race known among us. 



It may be well to inquire, here, the comparative value of 

 horse and ox teams for farming purposes. Much depends upon 

 the situation of the farm and character of the soil. In some 

 locations, where the soil is light, and the farm so situated as to 

 require a great amount of travel, horse teams may be more con- 

 venient and profitable ; but on most of the farms in New Eng- 

 land, ox teams are unquestionably the most profitable. In 

 proof of this, several reasons may be given. In the first place, 

 the outlay or cost of a pair of horses, with the necessary fix- 

 tures, is nearly or quite double that of a pair of oxen, with 

 their fixtures. And this is not all ; a pair of horses, after they 

 are matured and ready, or fit for farm work, seldom, if ever, 

 increase in value: while oxen, with the same care bestowed on 

 them as on horses, will increase in size and value, as long as 

 they are usually kept for work. It is also ascertained by care- 

 ful observation and experiment, that the value of feed necessary 

 for a pair of horses, while at work two weeks, was sufficient to 

 keep a pair of oxen three weeks, in equally good condition, 

 doing the same amount of work in the same time. There is 

 one other point that ought not to be overlooked, and that is, 

 the value of the manure. The oxen, while consuming the 

 same amount of feed in value, produce the greatest amount of 



