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cows. It is an affliction to him that he cannot exhiliit his bull or his 

 herd at the Society's Fair, but the Society suffers with him ; and he 

 thinks he has more assurance of satisfaction than if he had depended 

 on the herd book, of which he knows practically nothing at all, and 

 the interested representations of breeders whose stock (or at least a 

 good deal of it) is bred, like the celebrated razors were made, not 

 for use but for sale. 



I make these remarks with much diffidence, as I have the highest 

 possible respect for the Board of Agriculture, and for many years 

 fully approved the policy of discouraging the use of grade bulls, but 

 observation and experience have led me to change my views, and 

 having often expressed these opinions in private conversation I have 

 thought proper to present them for the consideration of the Society. 

 X have written this hurriedly, amid constant interruption and distrac- 

 tions and I feel that I have not done justice to my subject. I will 

 therefore quote the terse conclusions of an eminent thinker and 

 writer published nearly thirty years ago : 



" If all would begin to-day to use what skill and judgment the}' 

 have, or can acquire, in breeding only from the best of such as they 

 have, coupling with reference to their peculiarities, and consigning to 

 the butcher as fast as possible every inferior animal, and if, in addi- 

 tion, they would do what is equally necessary, namely: improve 

 their general treatment as much as lies in their power, there would 

 result an immediate, a marked, and a steadily progressive improve- 

 ment in stock. To the acclimation or Americanization already 

 acquired, would be added increased symmetry of form and greater 

 value in many other respects. This is within the power of every 

 man, and whatever else he may be obliged to leave undone, for want 

 of ability, none should be content to fall short of this." 



To all of which I earnestly and respectfully respond " Amen." 



John C. Dillon. 



P. S. Since writing the foregoing, I have read in the report of 

 the Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture for 1885, a 

 paper on " Shorthorned Cattle in Massachusetts," by William P. 

 Sessions of Hampden, in which the merits of the pure and grade 

 Shorthorn of the present, as well as of former days, are very ably 

 and truthfully presented. Every member of this Society is entitled 

 to a copy of the report, and will find it interesting and instructive 

 reading. 



