31 



Under two years old, thorough-bred Jersey, first premium, 

 $5, to Geo. A. Abbott, Andover, for bull " Victor." 



There were eight entries in all, but the above premiums were 

 the only ones, under the rules of our Society, that could be 

 awarded. When will exhibitors understand that tliey " are 

 required to give a written statement of pedigree," and that the 

 judges cannot receive a bull as thorough-bred simply because 

 that Avord is prefixed ? It would be well for competitors to 

 remember this, if tliey expect premiums. 



This rule, if adhered to, will, in the course of years, do 

 more for the encouragement of breeding good stock than it is 

 possible for our Society to do in any other way. Tliat there is 

 sound reason for this rule hardly any one at the present time 

 would care to dispute. Merely to strengthen our position, I 

 shall quote from a little book, entitled " Cattle and Cattle 

 Breeders," by William M'Combie, M. P., a breeder of many 

 years' experience, one who bred for profit ; and also from the 

 writings of the " Northern Farmer," published in the Farmer's 

 Magazine for 1870. The former says — " Pedigree is of the 

 most vital importance. We ought always to prefer a bull of 

 high pedigree, with fair symmetry and quality, to another bull, 

 though much superior in appearance but of questionable pedi- 

 gree." " Breeders have not given the subject the attention it 

 deserves. I have paid dearly for my experience in the matter." 



The latter says — " The surprising influence for good which 

 the male of pure descent, of whatever the breed, exercises on 

 the quality and character of the future offspring being now well 

 understood, no effort should be spared to procure purely-bred 

 bulls, and on no consideration should a cross-bred animal be 

 used. The extra price is not wortli a thought, as by the time 

 the progeny of the pure-bred bull have reached the a'ge of 

 twelve months, they will have paid not only the difference 

 between the pure and the cross, but the entire value of their 

 sire, and that without extra feed and attention." 



Farmers are apt to breed in a haphazard, careless sort of 

 way, and if luck favors, now and then get something they call 

 pretty nice. Successful breeding requires the closest study. 



