1S2 BRISTOL SOCIETY. 



that the animal "takes back," as it is commonly termed; in 

 other words, the cow herself is the accidental product of inferior 

 stock, in which the good qualities are not sufficiently confirmed, 

 to be propagated, otherwise than by chance. 



What are called the improved breeds, are the results of con- 

 stant care and attention of the breeder, to the particular char- 

 acteristics of those animals which are best adapted for certain 

 purposes, and by discarding, for breeding, all which do not pos- 

 sess the required qualities. When this policy has been pursued 

 for some time, and the characters have been well preserved 

 through several generations, they may be looked for, in the proge- 

 ny, with considerable security ; and even when breeds so es- 

 tablished have been crossed with others, a person tolerably 

 well acquainted with them, will easily recognize their peculiari- 

 ties. 



It is a common remark of farmers, that many native cows are 

 equal to the improved breeds, and this position the committee 

 will not attempt to controvert; but it must be admitted, that the 

 animals referred to cannot be considered as a fair specimen of 

 the stock. It must also be admitted as very desirable to obtain 

 a breed, all of which will be equal to the best selections from 

 the native. It is believed that, for this purpose, the well-known 

 improved breeds may be introduced to great advantage ; not 

 that a single cow of superior quality may be produced, but with 

 some degree of certainty, that but few will be very inferior. 



After the introduction of such animals, it is only by great 

 care and judgment in breeding, that all the peculiar attributes 

 can be preserved in the highest degree. EveTy farmer will 

 readily know when he is possessed of a good cow ; but to have 

 a good bull is equally important, and far more difficult to select. 

 Even the most experienced may err; and the most unfortunate 

 part of the failure, in this respect, is, that the discovery is too 

 frequently made in the miserable character of the offspring. In 

 England, the breeding of bulls is made a separate business, 

 and only the best judges are engaged in it, and the farmers pur- 

 chase approved animals of them. In this way, the good char- 

 acter of a breed is maintained. 



It is probably owing, in a great measure, to ignorance in this 



