ESSEX SOCIETY. 13 



it proceeded, so that future efforts may be directed by the ex- 

 perience of the past. 



Who is to commence this, and how it is to be conducted 

 and perpetuated, we do not undertake to prescribe. If it is an 

 Enghsh practice " to keep a herd book " we believe the lovers 

 of fine stock must come to it here, or trust more to accident 

 than they need to do, in accomplishing their desired object. 



For the committee, 



MOSES NEWELL. 



Working Oxen. 



Twelve pairs of oxen were entered for trial. Only ten pairs 

 appeared on the ground, and those were well trained, and such 

 as would do credit to any county in the State. Each pair was 

 tried with a load weighing more than two tons, and the weight 

 of the waggon another ton. 



The committee regret that it was no" in their power (for it 

 did not come within the rules of society) to give Henry Poor, 

 of Andover, a premium for his bull. The manner in which 

 this remarkable animal drew the above load, with an addition 

 of fifteen men, showed plainly that his power in a harness was 

 great, and that he had been well trained. 



JAMES STEVENS, Chairman. 



Breeding Mares. 

 The committee are of opinion, that a mare for breeding, 

 should be free from any permanent lameness, such as ring-bone, 

 spavin, or founder, or any other material unsoundness. There 

 can be no doubt that there is much risk of the transmission of 

 those infirmities, in some form or other, to their offspring. 

 Other qualifications are also important. Without attempting a 

 general description, we would allude to a iew, such as, good 

 size, kind disposition, good form and action, and last, though 

 not least, that she shojild be an easy and quick traveller. Since 



