1«6 



ported animals. They are long affected by the change from the 

 milder climate of Europe to that of New England. When these 

 animals become partially acclimated, and pass from the provident 

 care and critical attention of the importers to some purchasers 

 with extravagant expectations, another trying change is passed 

 and defects not unfrequently ascribed to the animal which should 

 be accounted for from the management. -Has it not been by 

 some process like this, that the Ayrshire cows have fallen into 

 disrepute ? The points in those animals certainly indicate an ap- 

 titude to secrete milk. The Durham cattle are pronounced by 

 many to be too tender for this climate, but with proper attention 

 they are. profitably raised for beef; and crosses with this breed 

 have given us some fine cows, and decent working oxen — more 

 remarkable, however, for size than any other quality. The 

 greatest benefit which has been realized from imported cattle, has 

 been realized in crosses with those called native. This, if judi- 

 ciously pursued, will tend to preserve a healthy and thrifty race. 

 As at present advised, I should prefer to have the Devon blood 

 predominate. Strength of constitution to endure the rigors of the 

 climate, and susceptibility of taking on flesh with ordinary feed, 

 are greater objects with the generality of farmers, than merely 

 size. Probably there is a mixture of all the blood now found in 

 Europe in what we call native stock. Systematic crossings will, 

 no doubt, produce the most profitable race for the yoke, the 

 dairy and the market," 



