66 ON MILCH COWS. 



entered for premiums, it is matter of regret that they could not have 

 been accommodated with pens. Other cows were exhibited, whose 

 appearance made a favorable impression on the Committee ; but the 

 statements which accompanied them were so deficient that they 

 could not be entitled to premiums under the rules of the Society. 



Considering the number and variety of cows, their different quali- 

 ties, their relative value, and the cow best adapted to our climate, 

 keeping, and wants, we think that the short time allowed to decide 

 upon the claims of the numerous applicants for premiums, will be a 

 sufficient apology, if we have in the judgment of any others com- 

 mitted any errors in recommending the Society's premiums. We 

 endeavored to arrive at just conclusions, and were unanimous in our 

 decisions. The many necessaries and luxuries of life, and the sources 

 of industry and income which directly or indirectly receive their ori- 

 gin from the cow, place her among the invaluable blessings with 

 which a beneficent Providence has favored us. To improve the 

 cow so as to produce better milkers, with form, size, and constitution 

 best adapted to our fare and climate, should be the studious solici- 

 tude of all engaged in rearing neat stock. How this can be best 

 effected, experienced and intelligent men differ in opinion. Here 

 the chairman of your Committee will venture a few remarks, and 

 for which he is alone responsible. 



Having more than twenty years since, introduced the Durham 

 short horns into my stock, and subsequently other approved breeds, 

 I can speak from experie nee ; and although three of the best cows I 

 have ever owned were of the cross breed, yet I think, on the whole, 

 the milking qualities of my stock has not thereby been improved. If 

 there have been exceptions, I have found in the aggregate the Dur- 

 hams give less milk than the natives, in proportion to the food they 

 consume, and their milk is of a poorer quality. I much prefer the 

 half blood Durhams to the natives for oxen ; they are of better 

 form, larger size, and faster travellers. The objections brought 

 against them by some, that they possess constitutions not adapted to 

 our hard climate, I have not yet from experience or observation 

 found correct. I have seen them severely tested in the log swamp 

 in winter ; on the farm and road in summer, for a period of six 

 years, and at the age of ten years fatted, and have never known 

 their equals that were of the native breed. If the Durhams are not 

 the better milkers, they are better for the stock grower, and should 



