224 WORCESTER WEST SOCIETY. 



The committee award the first premium, of $5, to Reed S. 

 Ruggles, of Hardwick, for his bull, one year old, half Durham 

 half Hereford. 



To John Corbin, of Barre, the second premium, of ^4, for 

 his bull, sixteen months old, seven-eighths Durham. 



In passing to the third class, the expectations of the com- 

 mittee were more fully realized. They found in the pens eight 

 animals of the description that come within their jurisdiction, 

 and a finer company of youngsters could hardly be found in 

 one assembly for show and competition for the prizes. The 

 committee, on examining the several animals, their merits and 

 demerits, found no difficulty in determining which among the 

 good were best, and award the following premiums : — 



To Oriston N. Doubleday, of Dana, the first premium, of 

 $5, for his bull calf, six and a half months old, three-quarter 

 Durham one-quarter native. 



To Joseph Brown, of Petersham, the second premium, of 

 ^4, for his bull calf, seven months old, half Devon three-eighths 

 Durham one-eighth native. 



The committee, in awarding the above premiums, have the 

 pleasure of saying, that there were other animals in the com- 

 pany that came within their notice, and worthy associates of 

 their more fortunate competitors, and had they the means at 

 their disposal, would gladly have extended more substantial 

 favors to their owners than mere commendations ; but they 

 can only say to such, " Be not weary in well doing," 



The committee, in closing their report, beg leave to suggest 

 that there has been, in their opinion, a mistaken policy among 

 breeders of cattle in putting their bulls to service too young. 

 It is said, by many, that calves are better from a yearling bull 

 than from an older one, hence the older ones are thrust aside, 

 notwithstanding their many good points and qualities, to give 

 place to younger ones, which in their turn must give way to 

 others. When, if the bulls were kept from service till tv^'-o or 

 three years of age, as is believed to be the practice of breede'rs 

 in foreign countries, their stock would continue good, and we 

 should not witness the deterioration in the progeny of bulls, 

 that is so frequently complained of. It is believed that this is 

 an evil that ought to be considered by all who raise stock and 



