* 2 HANDBOOK OF CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURE. 



the town and created great interest and much enthusiasm. 

 They were duly appraised and the choice of selection was 

 auctioned to those who had subscribed to the purchase pool. 

 That the competition was keen can be inferred from the fact 

 that eighty dollars premium was paid for the first choice. 

 The premiums obtained from the auction of choice was 

 divided and distributed pro rata to the subscribers of the 

 purchase fund. The animals were sold to the following peo- 

 ple : Edward Norton, Augustus Ward, William M. Wads- 

 worth, J. H. Andrews, Charles J. Thompson, Charles W. 

 Lewis, E. W. Tillotson, George N. Whiting, Chauncy Dem- 

 ing, H. W. Barbour, and Miss Sarah Porter, all of Farming- 

 ton, and Charles M. Beach of Hartford. 



The interest and activity in Guernsey breeding received a 

 tremendous impetus from this importation, which largely in- 

 fluenced the organization of the A. G. C. C., which occurred 

 February 7, 1877. The direct effect of this importation upon 

 the organization of this club is perhaps best measured by the 

 fact that in 1878 the club had a membership of thirty-seven, 

 twelve of whom were residents of Connecticut; no other 

 State had such a large representation. 



Such, in brief, is the history of the first importation of 

 Guernseys into Connecticut. No one can measure the vast 

 benefits which have accrued to the dairy and breeding inter- 

 ests of our country from this well-conceived and successfully- 

 conducted enterprise. It is rational to assume that such re- 

 sults were bound to come some time or other, but this does 

 not detract in the least from the honor due those interested 

 in this work. Led by Edward Norton, they conceived the 

 thought, carefully weighed the chances, and having developed 

 the courage of their convictions, resolutely proceeded to the 

 execution of their plans. Let us ever honor and esteem these 

 worthy patrons of agriculture. 



F. H. STADTMUELLER. 

 Elmwood, Conn., May 24, IQOI. 



