MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 729 



on a small scale and look for immediate returns. They have 

 more system and a superior knowledge of the science of agri- 

 culture and the laws of breeding. 



But it may be doubted whether any English farmer, how- 

 ever skilful, would succeed on the best farm in New England. 

 But principles are the same ; the laws of nature, whether ap- 

 plied to the cultivation of the earth or the raising of animals, 

 are the same everywhere. 



It is for us to know how to apply them to our circumstances. 

 It is true that in determining the kind of cattle suited to a 

 farm, regard should be had to the soil, climate, and general 

 mode of feeding. That it is most profitable to the farmer to 

 have them rather under than over the produce of his land ; 

 that the cattle of the valleys and rich pastures are invariably 

 larger and better than those bred and kept on the hills with 

 short feed ; this holds good in all countries. Cattle of the 

 same blood will be smaller or larger, as they are bred on high, 

 thin, or deep, rich soil. The natural consequence of poor feed 

 and neglect of animals, is to deteriorate them. They lose their 

 disposition to take flesh and become flat-sided and of feeble 

 constitution. 



We cannot expect that cattle brought from a cool, moist 

 climate like that of England, where they get a full supply of 

 green food seven or eight months, and a liberal supply of roots 

 in winter, should carry the same heavy coat of flesh, or in any 

 way sustain the same superiority in our hot, dry climate, 

 where they are less liberally fed. Our cultivation is improving. 

 We feed our cattle better than our fathers did, and as we pro- 

 gress (as progress we shall) we shall have the means of s&s- 

 taining a larger and more profitable class of animals than at 

 present. 



We cannot, however, but think that either of the pure breeds 

 of Great Britain would be an improvement upon our present 

 degenerate race. If they consume more food, which many of 

 them do not, they will give a better return for the food con- 

 sumed. When animals are bred for the carcass merely, and 

 become fat at an early age, they not only return sooner the 

 price of their food, but in general a greater value for the food, 

 than slow feeding animals. The great desideratum is a race 

 of cattle that combine the best qualities for flesh and milk- 

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