500 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



said that our premiums are thus bestowed on creatures of acci- 

 dent or feeding. Still, extraordinary cows are rare among us, 

 and yet it is desirable that they be seen at our cattle shows, 

 and that their good points and marks of distinction may be 

 witnessed by all who are interested in these animals. And as 

 the owner of a good cow is apt to believe her the best that can 

 be produced, a large number of such cows is generally found 

 on the show ground, thus adding to its interest, and even by 

 the display exciting a laudable emulation. That by this course 

 encouragement is offered for the breeding of improved stock — 

 for the improvement which would follow from careful selection 

 and raising of the best calves, whether from native or foreign 

 breeds, we will not undertake to determine. To some extent 

 this may be the effect, but we have serious doubts if it tend di- 

 rectly to produce this result. Where the breeding of animals 

 is the business of the farmer, he will be stimulated to breed 

 only the best, by the high prices obtained for them. Let the 

 demand for good cows be general, let there be quick sales and 

 large prices, and the self-interest of the breeder is excited to 

 endeavor to breed and raise none but the best. Whatever, 

 therefore, goes to enhance the price and increase the demand 

 for good cows, tends strongly, as we conceive, to stimulate the 

 breeding of them. The exhibition of such cows, in competi- 

 tion with one another, at a cattle show, adds largely to their 

 value, both in the mind of the owner and in that of the public; 

 — and this much, at least, can be safely said in favor of offering 

 premiums for single cows. 



But that the average standard of the cows in Massachusetts, 

 is altogether too low, both for her interest and reputation, and 

 that greater and more systematic efforts should be made to raise 

 it, your committee cannot entertain a doubt. Some intelligent 

 farmers have expressed the opinion, that by proper care in the 

 selection of cows, the average quantity of milk might be in- 

 creased, equal to two quarts per day, for nine months in each 

 year ; and that by a like regard to the quality, the value might 

 be enhanced nearly as much more ; — say, that by this attention 

 to selection, an improvement may be made equal to an increase 

 of two quarts per day, for 274 days in each year. And this 



