206 HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 



which although known are not applied and brought into prac- 

 tice to such an extent as the importance of the subject de- 

 mands. We refer to the diiference in value between a good 

 cow and an ordinary one, and the importance of breeding from 

 stock possessing high milking qualities ; for it will not be 

 doubted that while a good cow may have a bad calf, a poor cow 

 is much more likely to have one. We will not attempt to pre- 

 scribe rules, or define marks for the breeding and selection of 

 cows ; but venture the assertion that no individual who has 

 observed closely, and has bred and selected with reference to 

 good qualities, has failed to find his reward in the increased 

 productiveness of the animals so bred and selected. 



Neither do we attempt to give the comparative value of a 

 good cow, and an ordinary one. But usually the difference in 

 value is far more than the difference in price. 



The cows entered for premium at this time, are Durham, 

 Ayrshire, and Native ; or a mixture, in different proportions, of 

 the above-mentioned breeds. 



The whole number of entries is fourteen. We have award- 

 ed the first premium on cows five years old and upwards, to 

 John Chase, of Chicopee, for a Durham cow nine years old. 

 This cow calved in July last, and has given during the last ten 

 days 44| pounds of milk per day. Her keeping, good pastur- 

 age. It is also certified, that in 1850, during four months from 

 the first of May, she yielded an average of 40 pounds per day. 

 To Amos Carleton, of Chicopee, 2d premium, of - $5 00 

 " James Chapin, of Springfield, 3d premium, of - 4 00 

 " James Bagg, of W. Springfield, 4th premium, of - 3 00 

 " W. W. Boyington, of Springfield, 5th premium, of 2 00 



MILCH cows UNDER FIVE YEARS. 



To J. L. Briggs, of Springfield, 1st premium, of - 5 00 

 " James Chapin, of Springfield, 2d premium, of - 4 00 

 " M. W. Ham, of Springfield, 3d premium, of - 3 00 



" Pliny Merrick, of Wilbraham, 4th premium, of - 2 00 

 " Carlos Allen, of Springfield, 5th premium, of - 1 00 



P. STEDMAN, Chairman. 



