THOROUGHBRED BULLS. 161 



from Messenger, Justin Morgan and Black Hawk ? And we all 

 know what results have followed by pursuing the course adopted 

 by the originators of the Shorthorn cattle. So also with the 

 Ayrshires : sprung from an ordinary race, by scrupulous care in 

 breeding, the breed has, in the minds of some, attained the 

 highest type of dairy animals. So with the Jerseys : in their 

 native island home, the law forbidding the importation of cattle 

 has preserved the race in its purity, and the highest point in 

 one direction is here obtained — the richness of milk. 



These are facts which everybody knows about, and yet why 

 are we so slow to profit by their teachings ? Now the classes of 

 animals to which we have alluded can be as profitably bred here 

 as elsewhere, if the New England farmers will but apply them- 

 selves to the business of breeding, as the English and Scotch 

 farmers apply themselves to breeding the very best animals 

 possible. 



There is no doubt that this whole business of breeding is one 

 which requires the utmost care, the keenest discernment and 

 closest observation ; yet all that is wanting is to set about it 

 with determination — yes, with enthusiasm — and then we shall 

 make rapid advancement. Our herds, instead of presenting 

 here and there a few first-class animals, will all be made up of 

 a corresponding high type of excellence. 



The English agricultural societies offer premiums for nothing 

 but thoroughbred animals of some specific breed ; and many of 

 the New England societies are doing the same, believing there 

 is no real progress in any other direction. Be that as it may, 

 can we not improve upon what we have within our reach — in 

 our hands ? A man must be " master of his own situation ; " 

 must determine in his own mind what breed is best for his local- 

 ity, and apply himself to the selection of animals for breeding 

 purposes ; and then to reproducing and increasing them on his 

 farm. How to do this successfully — how to obtain the best 

 dairy cow — is a question of the first importance. A few 

 suggestions which occur to us may not be out of place here. 

 We are mainly dependent upon the male for the improvement 

 of our stock. 



We believe that there is a great error committed by the too 

 early and too great use put upon bulls for them to get strong 

 and healthy calves, full of vitality, as they would otherwise. 



21* 



