202 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



seek for food for its support. It sucks its food, composed of 

 mineral, earthy and other matters, from tlie soil through the 

 little mouths, at the extremities of the roots, just as effectively, if 

 not in precisely the same manner, as an animal ; and it absorbs 

 the carbon and other necessary food through its leaves from the 

 atmosphere. All its food is taken in a liquid state. It has the 

 power of selecting and depositing in their proper places all the 

 ingredients that make a perfect tree or plant, of perfecting our 

 grains and fruits, and of giving the beautiful colors to our flow- 

 ers. In fact, it has the power of growing from a little seed — an 

 acorn, for instance — by the processes named, laying on layer 

 upon layer of circles of wood through centuries, and thus form- 

 ing the noble and sturdy oak, simply by giving it the proper 

 food, ample space and a well-prepared soil. 



John B. Moore. 



Lewis H. Bradford. 



John T. Ellsworth. 



This Essay, after an animated discussion, was then laid over 

 under the rule ; when Mr. H. S. Porter, Chairman of the 

 Committee upon the subject, submitted the following Essay 

 upon the 



BREEDING AND TRAINING OF HORSES. 



The breeding of horses is a subject of great importance to 

 the farming interests of our country, and one that almost every 

 person is interested in, either for pleasure or profit. The man, 

 or woman either, who does not like a good horse, would be 

 as hard to find as one who does not like good music. But each 

 one has his own ideas of perfection. One wants a horse that 

 can get himself up in the best possible style ; another wants one 

 that can go a mile in 2.25 ; and still another one wants one 

 that he can hitch to his plough as well as his carriage. As it is 

 impossible for one horse to possess all these qualities, we must 

 admit the importance of breeding for some special purpose. 

 In order to produce the best style and action, without particular 

 reference to speed, the parents must be stylish. Where speed 

 is the object, the breeder should select animals whose build is 

 adapted to that purpose. There are among horses, as among 

 cattle, a great many distinct breeds, each having its own pecu- 

 liar merits. When a man has decided what kind or breed of 



