270 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



We have now passed in review the native, Devon, short-horn, 

 Ayrshire, and Alderney breeds of cattle, with such reflections 

 as their adaptation to the wants of our Bristol County farmers 

 seem to demand. We have pointed out, as briefly as possible, 

 the distinctive characteristics of each breed, that all who de- 

 sire to improve their stock may know to what source they must 

 turn to impress upon their herds certain desired qualities. 

 We think we may say with confidence, that the statements we 

 have made may be verified by reference to the stock-breeding 

 literature every where available, and to the practical experi- 

 ence of stock men of established reputation.* 



Before closing, we desire to make one practical suggestion 

 to the farmers of our county. Few of us are wealthy enough 

 to purchase high-priced bulls of the best breeds ; but that is no 

 reason why we should continue to resort to the miserable mon- 

 grels, of no earthly merit, that are so common in every town- 

 ship. In sections where no good bulls belonging to private 

 individuals can be used at moderate price, what is there to 

 prevent the formation of clubs for the purchase of desirable 

 animals ? Ten or a dozen farmers can easily raise their pro- 

 portion of the cost of a good bull, to be used by themselves or 

 let to their neighbors. It costs but little more to keep in good 

 order a well-bred animal than it does to maintain a worthless 

 beast ; while the effect upon the stock of the neighborhood will 

 more than repay the extra cost of keep and attention, and re- 

 turn a handsome interest on the investment. We recommend 

 this course emphatically to our brethren in the county, as wor- 

 thy of their serious consideration. 



In conclusion, we desire to congratulate the members of the 

 Bristol County Agricultural Society upon the success that 

 crowned their exertions to render the recent cattle show one 

 of unusual interest. That it did surpass all previous meetings 



* For interesting and very valuable artielcs upon stoek, and indeed upon every 

 branch of agricultural economy, Ave desire to recommend the "American Agricul- 

 turist," — a weekly publication, conducted by Messrs. A. B. Allen & Co., of New- 

 York, — the editors of which are not only scientific but practical farmers. Indeed, 

 valuable information on this subject may be i from almost all the northern 



farming papers, one of which al uld be in the hands of every intelligent 



farmer. 



