202 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



AVe believe it to be a fixed law of animal life, that in 

 medium size shall be found the greatest activity, the best 

 constitutions, the greatest power of endurance, and the most 

 courage and vital energy. 



T. R. BouTELLE, Chairman. 



NORFOLK. 



From the B.eport of the Committee. 



The committee on horses respectfully report that the exhibi- 

 tion and performance of the horses at the society's fair tliis 

 autumn, formed one of its most interesting and attractive 

 features. 



In a county abounding in pastures, as the county of Norfolk 

 does, it is remarkable that so little attention is given to the 

 breeding of horses. There is always a good demand for, and a 

 good horse will command a reasonable, and often an unreason- 

 able, price. We have fine horses in the county, but compara- 

 tively few are raised in it. We are by no means disposed to 

 encourage mere speed ; there are other qualities that make the 

 animal more valuable for the ordinary purposes of business. 

 A good horse is not one that will merely go in 2.40 or three 

 minutes, but one that will safely and cheerfully perform his 

 ordinary Avork or journey in fair time, and, perhaps, having 

 latent qualities, will be capable, upon emergency, of exhibiting 

 endurance and any reasonable speed when more than ordinary 

 is required. All who can afford to keep a horse would prefer 

 to have a good one — one that will not fret himself or driver, 

 and yet, with all the multitude raised in other States for the 

 general market, we are not perfectly certain of finding what we 

 want. Such is the general business of a New Englander, that 

 the division of labor established in England, where there is a 

 distinct class of horse for every distinct occupation, Avill never 

 probably obtain here. What is commonly wanted in this 

 region, is a compact horse of about a thousand pounds weight, 

 Avith not a superfluous hair about him. We see no reason why 

 the number raised in this locality might not be greatly 

 increased, and, with due care, the quality much improved. 

 Taking into consideration all the chances and risks attending 

 the rearing of colts, we do not wish to convey the impression 



