HORSES. 195 



We have good advantages in Nantucket for producing an 

 improved grade of stock — advantages somewhat resembluig 

 those of the Channel Islands of England. The near proximity 

 of the Gulf Stream to our shores causes our climate to approach 

 nearer to that of Jersey, Alderney and Guernsey, than does the 

 climate of any other part of New England ; and in point of 

 isolation, and freedom from trouble by any intermingling of 

 foreign stock, our advantages are fully equal to theirs. 



The republican spirit of our New England farmers will proba- 

 bly never allow that exclusive monopoly of cattle-raising which 

 exists in the islands of Jersey and Alderney ; but it is to be 

 hoped that a regard for the general interest of all concerned 

 will induce them to raise the common stock of Nantucket to 

 the highest possible grade. It is for the interest of every farmer 

 to have his stock represent the greatest market value ; and if a 

 cow that is one-half or three-quarters Alderney or Ayrshire will 

 sell for one-half or one-third more than a native animal, it is 

 evident that some advantage is to be gained by raising the 

 stock to a higher degree of improvement. 



Joseph M. Folger, Chairman. 



HORSES. 



BERKSHIRE. 



From the Report of the Committee. 

 A stallion, for a stock horse, should possess qualifications of 

 the highest order. He should be sound and without a blemish, 

 of a good, vigorous constitution, resolute style of action, high 

 spirits, and a good degree of nervous or vital energy which 

 gives life to the whole. The great want of the whole country is 

 better horses at more reasonable rates. Now there is nothing 

 to prevent the production of such horses to any required extent ; 

 but it cannot be done without labor and money. That we have 

 some specimens which cannot be surpassed, we do not deny ; 

 but these, generally, are accidental exceptions and not an estab- 

 lished breed, and therefore cannot be reproduced. The great 



