STOCK. 175 



as we deem them wanting, in sufficient nourishment from our 

 own pastures and well-filled barns of hay. 



In consideration of the importance of the cow to mankind, 

 the question arises, How shall farmers obtain the best breed of 

 cows ? What breed of cows will produce the greatest amount 

 of rich milk for the food consumed ? For it costs no more to 

 keep a good cow than it does a poor one. 



As to the best breed for farmers, that will depend on circum- 

 stances, whether for making butter, cheese-making or selling 

 milk. 



Much might be said in favor of the Jersey cow for the rich- 

 ness of her milk and the amount of butter which may be ob- 

 tained from the smallest quantity of milk. They are becoming 

 popular with some farmers. The larger breeds of cattle require 

 more feed than some of the smaller kind. Some farmers con- 

 sider them good for their milking quality. 



The Ayrshire is considered by many farmers who have had 

 experience in stock-breeding to be the most profitable to raise, 

 giving the most in return for the amount of food consumed, 

 and being best adapted to the climate of New England. They 

 are becoming favorites of the dairy farmer. The Devons make 

 good oxen, and the cows are considered good milkers. 



Farmers, in the first place, must procure a cow from which 

 to breed ; then, instead of slaughtering all her calves for veal, 

 raise her best heifer calves, and keep them in a good, healthy, 

 growing condition until they arrive at maturity ; or, in the lan- 

 guage of another : " I believe it is much the best way for a 

 farmer to raise his own cows. By so doing, with judicious 

 management, he can always have a good milking stock. Raise 

 the best cows in your lot, and keep them in a healthy condition." 



Many think a young calf can live on little or nothing, and 

 give it food just sufficient to sustain life. The consequence is, 

 they always have a miserable- looking animal. I believe a calf 

 will make a better cow for being kept growing and healthy when 

 young. It gives her growth in all the elements together that 

 constitute a good cow. I am not in favor of doing as some of 

 our stock-raisers do — let the calf have the milk of one or two 

 cows, and all the meal it will eat until it is eight or ten months 

 old, to see how large an animal they can get, almost worthless, 

 except to relieve some fancy farmer of a few hundred dollars 



