No. 4.] IMPROVED LIVE STOCK. 237 



slaughtered, which proved, when it was too late, a producer 

 of cows of unusual merit. 



One of the best examples of inbreeding is found in the 

 Ilolstein cattle. This breed of cattle were bred for years in 

 the small country of Holland, without the introduction of 

 any new blood. They were kept for the (juantit}^ of milk 

 produced, and to-day stand at the head of all breeds in this 

 respect. 



The Holstein, or perhaps a high grade of this breed, is the 

 most popular milk breed for the cit}"^ milk trade. All that 

 is required of her is a large flow of milk that will stand the 

 test. Her qualities, aside from this one, are not considered, 

 as she is not of the beef type, and cannot be readily ftittened. 



While I am a believer in a specialty in the breeding of 

 stock on general principles, I believe, too, that the dual- 

 purpose animal has his place in some sections of the State. 

 In our hill towns, which are more remote from our markets, 

 I doubt if any better stock can be kept than the dairy Short- 

 horn. Grades of this breed are not only well adapted for 

 dairy purposes, but the male may be profitably raised for 

 beef or for working oxen. Then, too, the cows being of 

 good size may, if they i)rove unprofitable in the dairy, 

 be turned for beef at remunerative prices. Good dairy cows 

 of this type are ahvays in good demand at a good figure. 



The Jersey and Guernsey breeds have some very choice 

 representatives in our State. Probably some of the most 

 valuable herds are of these breeds. They are famous for the 

 quality of milk and quantity of butter produced, and with 

 good care and careful breeding render good returns in the 

 best markets, where their products bring the top prices. In 

 other markets, under less favorable circumstances and in the 

 hands of careless breeders, they may prove the opposite. 



In a small town in the western part of the State it has 

 been remarked by some of the farmers that "the introduc- 

 tion of the Jerse}^ into the town was thousands of dollars 

 damage to the value of their cattle." This does not prove 

 that the Jersey is not one of the best dairy breeds, but that 

 even our best stock requires certain markets and proper 

 handling to yield the best possible returns. 



The tough, hardy Ayrshire, while not as popular as some 



