102 



I must say what I have before hinted, that the Durham 

 is the only blood which has been infused into the stock 

 <jf our County with manifest improvement. 



How are we to improve our stock ? 



1st. By improving our pastures, instead of feeding 

 them year after year and returning them nothing. Let 

 us keep down the bushes, and manure them in some way 

 and then it will not be necessary to keep inferior ani- 

 mals to accommodate our pastures. 



2d. In awarding a premium for bulls, award it for the 

 best animal, whether native or thorough-bred and let his 

 offspring decide his merit. In other words, let every 

 competitor for a premium on bulls be obliged to exhibit, 

 with the animal, his stock; some calves of the present 

 season, also yearlings, two-years-old and older still, if pos- 

 sible. In this way only, can you judge whether crossing 

 with thorough-breds is an advantage, or otherwise. 



3d. Be careful in selecting your committee. Select 

 men of good judgment, and who have no particular inter- 

 est to puff any breed. 



Lastly. Pay higher premiums. I do not mean pay 

 more money than you now do, but put the amount; in 

 fewer premiums. For instance, instead of paying $10 

 for the best Durham and $10 for the best Jerse}^, &c., 

 pay $oO for the best bull, without regard to breed, ,f 5 

 only for the second, and let there be no third, and if the 

 same bull is the best one the next year, give him the 

 first premium again. In this way I think you will make 

 people enthusiastic to get the best and keep it so, and I 

 shall be surprised if in less tlian two years, there is not 

 apparent improvement in the stock of our County. 



