BULLS. 289 



most of our farmers depend largely for whatever profits irfay 

 be derived from farming operations upon their dairy, it should 

 be with them a matter of the first moment to secure the best 

 breeds. That there are found occasionally, in farmers' yards, 

 one or two specimens of native breed, or those which are re- 

 puted such, of superior excellence, is admitted. But is there 

 any assurance that those qualities will be transmitted to their 

 offspring by the use of any known native breed ? Are not the 

 repeated failures in the matter an admonition that but little 

 reliance can be placed upon the experiment ? 



No one will question for a moment that our native stock can 

 be improved. Yet few farmers, it is presumed, have thought 

 upon any thing like entering upon a systematic courseof breed- 

 ing, whereby distinct characteristics will become established, 

 and unfailing properties developed. This is to be the result 

 of a long course of careful breeding before the public confidence 

 will be secured in their favor, and until this systematic course is 

 pursued, and a native breed of known and approved merit is es- 

 tablished among us, is it not the part of wisdom to avail our- 

 selves of the experience of those whose attention has been long 

 directed to that subject, and which has resulted in the produc- 

 tion of breeds of distinct and unfailing characteristics, and of 

 known and approved excellence ? Hence the Durham, Devon, 

 Ayrshire, and other foreign breeds of stock, which have been 

 imported into the country. English stock breeders have long 

 imderstood this subject and acted upon it. An English farmer 

 cannot afford to keep a poor or indifferent breed of stock. 

 Nor should a Massachusetts — a "Worcester County farmer. 



The importance of this subject cannot be overstated; and 

 notwithstanding the few animals seen in the pens to-day, of full 

 and part blood of foreign breeds, yet the number of improved 

 stock in the farmers' yards in this county would be found to be 

 very limited. 



Aug. G. Hill, Chairman, 



37^ 



