ESSAY 



ON CATTLE FOR NEW ENGLAND FARMS. 



BY J. W. PROCTOR. 



Time out of mind, there has been a race of cattle upon 

 our farms, with characteristics so marked as to entitle them 

 to a distinct appellation ; which, by common consent, are 

 now known as natives or native breed. 



These animals, like the men of New England, all sprung 

 from old England, but both have become so acclimated, that 

 now they may rightfully claim the place of their birth as 

 their home. The territory known as New England was 

 originally granted by the Crown to merchants of Plymouth, 

 in the county of Devon, and it is natural to suppose, when 

 they sailed from Plymouth, they brought with them the 

 Devon breed of cattle. No register was made of such import- 

 ation, but the marks of the beasts were indelibly impressed, 

 and their deep red color, tlien and now, clearly indicates their 

 affinity to the North Devon cattle, one of the most favored 

 classes known in England. 



What class of cattle is best fitted to the farms of New 

 England, taking into view their cost, their feed, their uses, 

 and their products, is the theme proposed for consideration. 

 All will readily admit, that the farmer who expects to live 

 by farming must keep within the means at his command, in 

 stocking his farm. There is a fitness of proportion in these 

 things that cannot be deviated from, with impunity. The 

 farmer cannot indulge in fancy stocks. He must procure 

 such as will pay, and none others. No farmer can afford to 

 pay more than two hundred dollars for any animal to be kept 



