342 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



we can say that an interest is being awakened in this behalf, 

 both as a matter of profit as well as for the gratification it af- 

 fords. Much valuable stock is now being introduced that will 

 be a credit to our county. 



In the report of last year the committee endeavored to show 

 the great importance attached to the care and keeping of stock, 

 inasmuch as, by a proper regard to these, in the way of gentle 

 treatment and judicious feeding, an ordinary quality of stock 

 even may be so benefited and improved as to become profitable ; 

 while, on the other hand, by neglect of these, a stock possessing 

 a high degree of excellence naturally may be so impaired and 

 injured as to render it not only unattractive to the taste, 

 but, as a matter of business, unprofitable and disastrous in its 

 results. 



As has been before stated, the exhibition, in point of excel- 

 lence, as a whole, may be considered superior to that of any 

 former year. Very fine specimens were presented of the Jer- 

 sey, Devon, Ayrshire, Durham, and native stock. But it would 

 perhaps be presumptuous, at any rate hazardous, to venture a 

 decision as to which particular breed is entitled to the largest 

 share of credit and confidence, inasmuch as each has its pe- 

 culiar characteristics, as well as its ardent admirers. We 

 will be content to give a passing notice of some of the most 

 prominent. 



And first, it may be said that the Jerseys are growing very 

 much in favor in this vicinity. And although in quantity their 

 yield of milk may fall below the average of any other breed, 

 yet in quality it probably vastly excels all ; so that this alone, 

 other things being equal, must give this breed a commanding 

 prominence with stock growers. Some very fine specimens 

 were presented by Mr. Edward King, of Dorchester, Dr. 

 Morton, of West Needham, and Mr. C. L. Cunningham, of Wil- 

 ton. Those owned by Dr. Morton had not been in his posses- 

 sion long enough to entitle him to the society's premiums ; but, 

 in view of their beautiful proportions and apparent merit, the 

 committee have awarded a gratuity. 



Of the Dcvons, there is much to be said in their favor. 

 They arc good feeders, of hardy constitution, and generally 

 very handsome in their proportions. For the yoke, this breed 



