186 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



of our county arc such cross-breeds. Their get is oftener bad 

 than good. We are therefore of opinion that the wealth of this 

 farming community can be very greatly increased in the next 

 ten years by immediately disposing of all such stock-getters, 

 and using thoroughbred bulls in their stead. 



Theron L. Foote, Chairman. 



HEIFERS. 



PLYMOUTH. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



During the three years we have served on the Committee on 

 Heifers, there has been a marked change in this class of stock : 

 the Jerseys were then in the hands of a few, but they now seem 

 to be almost the only breed which our farmers think worth 

 rearing for cows. In our own experience they have proved 

 very satisfactory as to butter, and if properly bred they give a 

 fair quantity of milk, the cream being very thick, and yielding 

 more butter from the same amount of cream than that of any 

 stock we have ever known. 



The statement of Henry M. Porter was the only one which 

 gave the pedigree. This we think should always be done, when- 

 ever it is known, as it adds character to the stock and leads to 

 more care in breeding. 



Mr. Porter's heifer was the only full-blood Ayrshire offered, 

 and was a very fine specimen, though a little under-sized. The 

 Ayrshires have always found favor with us for the dairy. We 

 have found them very hardy, and well calculated to thrive on 

 short pasturage. They endure long winters well, give a large 

 quantity of good milk, and have strong, healthy calves. We 

 Lope to see more of them on exhibition in future. 



As we are expected to give our reasons for our decisions, we 

 will state what we consider the essential points in a heifer, that 

 those who offered animals of that class may see the reasons for 

 awards, and also the causes of failure. In choosing a heifer, 

 we want to see the udder broad and large, with four good-sized 

 teats, standing well apart both ways, skin yellow, with fine hair, 



