44 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



for dairy cattle, which would be worth a good deal to us, to say 

 nothing of increasing the productiveness and econoniy of our 

 herds. Ten years would scarcely elapse before the prevailing 

 character of the stock of whole neighborhoods would be changed, 

 and, in most cases, vastly improved. Is it not worth an effort, 

 especially as it could be accomplished with so little outlay to the 

 State? 



I cannot see how the suggestion can fail to commend itself to 

 the favorabje consideration of every reflecting man who is at all 

 capable of appreciating the importance of it to the community. 

 I want to see the plan begin and begin rightly. "Well begun is 

 half well done." 



In conclusion, the following Resolutions were offered : 



1. Resolved, That in the opinion of the State Board of 

 Agriculture, it is the duty, and for the interest of the several 

 public institutions, to which there are farms attached, as a part 

 of the system of State and town charities, to adopt the plan of 

 keeping and breeding only one class of pure-bred stock of a high 

 character, of each of the species kept by them, to be selected 

 with reference both to the wants of these institutions and of the 

 farming community in the sections where they are located. 



2. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Board, this course 

 would be for the pecuniary advantage of the public institu- 

 tions, and of the highest importance to the agriculture of the 

 Commonwealth. 



3. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Board, the Ayrshire 

 cow offers the greatest inducements to such institutions through- 

 out the middle and eastern part of this State, as aim to produce 

 milk for the consumption of their inmates, and as being the 

 animal best adapted to the wants of farms in the sections where 

 such institutions are located. 



4. Resolved, That we will do all in our power to promote the 

 recognition and adoption of this plan as one well calculated to 

 elevate and develop the stock interest of this Commonwealth. 



Mr. Stedman, of Chicopee. — I move that the Resolutions be 

 taken up and acted upon separately. 



The motion was agreed to, and the first Resolution was read. 

 Mr. Stedman. — I agree with the Resolution in the main ; but 



