154 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



The statements appended show the prize cows to be very large 

 milkers of very rich milk, as shown by the quantity of butter 

 made per week — from fifteen to eighteen pounds. There were 

 others brought to the notice of your Committee which were 

 worthy of premium ; particularly the cow " Buttercup," owned 

 by N. Foster, Jr., of Belmont ; others of J. C. Converse, of 

 Arlington, and H, M. Clarke, of Belmont, showing good points. 



The Jerseys have long been esteemed for butter-making 

 qualities. The Committee is of opinion that they will soon 

 become favorites for milking qualities. They universally hold 

 out longer than other breeds — seldom going dry more than 

 thirty days — and giving more milk in the year. Without 

 exception, they come in at two years old, and without detriment 

 to their growth or milking qualities. They are as hardy and as 

 easily kept as other breeds. 



The Dutch cows entered by W. W. Chenery, of Belmont, 

 fully maintained their high reputation, and were every one well 

 worthy a premium. 



There were but two entries of Shorthorns (the best breed 

 for beef in the United States — maturing early, and with com- 

 paratively little offal,) both by J. A. Harwood, of Littleton, 

 and both showing fine points and worthy of notice. 



Of Ayrshires, the milk-farmer's favorite, but one entry was 

 made, and that taking a prize. It is to be regretted that no 

 more of this fine breed was on exhibition. 



It is gratifying to see the interest and improvement in 

 thoroughbred stock. It costs no more to keep a good cow than 

 a poor one, and the profit is largely in favor of the good one, 

 even at the present prices of blood stock. 



The Committee deems it proper, in this report, to urge upon 

 those who keep cows — whether few or many — the importance 

 of the root crop for feeding ; particularly the mangold-wurzel 

 and the parsnip, from both of which large crops may be rmsed. 

 The parsnip gives the richest and best-flavored milk and butter, 

 and is very desirable to feed out in spring after standing in the 

 ground through the winter. Corn fodder, particularly sweet 

 corn, cut fine and steamed makes a savory mess much relished 

 by cows, and increases the yield and quality of milk materially. 



A much larger quantity of valuable fodder may be got from 

 an acre of good land in roots than in any other way. Cows 



