MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 731 



not all ascribe to them a large quantity. Foreign writers 

 represent them as of small size, bad form, narrow-chested, big- 

 bellied, and of feeble constitution. Their appearance does not 

 give them a better character in the eye of our most experienced 

 breeders. We cannot recommend them for general purposes 

 until their real merits have been better tested. They will, 

 however, be sought for by amateur and gentlemen farmers, 

 who are able to sacrifice economy for rich milk, thick cream, 

 and high flavored, golden hued butter. 



The feeding and rearing of cattle is a subject requiring stu- 

 dious attention. We know little of the relative value of the 

 various kinds of food adapted to the animal economy. We 

 rely mainly on grass, and fatten few in the stall. We have in 

 our country few well-tried experiments on record. We form 

 vague conjectures, and consequently make many mistakes. 



In our winter feeding we are apt to let our cattle lose flesh, 

 and rely on summer pasturage to restore them. By so doing 

 we suffer a greater loss than many are aware of. Animals in 

 good flesh in spring are better for any purpose. Young cattle, 

 that have been kept in a growing condition through the winter, 

 will not need a whole month's feed on grass to give them a 

 start, but they will grow on more vigorously. Our oxen will 

 do more work, and are more cheaply fitted for the shambles. 

 Our cows will bear their testimony by the manner in which they 

 fill the pail. All will tell the story in autumn, especially such 

 as go to the scales of the butcher. 



It will be of little use for us to discuss the subject of raising 

 our own cattle. Whenever we are convinced that we can 

 make more money by good animals than by poor ones, we 

 shall take measures to possess them. The progress may be 

 slow, but it is sure. Whatever may be the conviction of the 

 public mind, the fact will remain, that well-bred animals are the 

 best and most profitable in all places, on rich land and poor 

 land. 



The subject is copious, and I can treat it only in the most 

 summary manner. It requires an abler hand fully to illustrate 

 and do it justice. 



SETH SPRAGUE. 



DuxBURY, December, 1852. 



