64 ON MILGII COWS AND HEIFERS. 



Stocks from seed, as so many are often winter killed. 

 Now, although Coxe, Forsyth, and others have de- 

 precated the practice of raising stocks from suckers, 

 we prefer them particularly for pears; their roots, 

 running more horizontal, are not inclined, as are 

 seedlings, to penetrate deeply into a bad subsoil; 

 one of the most practical cultivators of pears in our 

 country is of this opinion, as by far the greatest pro- 

 portion of trees which have died with him have been 

 worked upon seedlings. If this theory is true, as 

 we presume it is, how readily could our farmers ob- 

 tain stocks; fine, straight shoots are frequently seen 

 growing from two to five feet from the body of their 

 trees, which could be taken up early in the spring, 

 and budded in August. They should, however, be 

 planted not in a retired and shady nook of their 

 fields, but in their best mellow and rich soil, placing 

 the rows from four and a half to five feet apart, and 

 keeping the ground free from weeds. 



On a review of this abundant season which is now 

 about to close, we should be filled with gratitude to 

 Almighty God, who has crowned the year with his 

 mercy and loving-kindness. 



Respectfully submitted. 



For the committee. 



JOHN M. IVES. 



Decembe?', 1840, 



ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFERS. 



The Committee on Milch Cows and Heifers, 

 Report: 



That they recommend that the society's first pre- 

 mium of ten dollars for the best cow, be awarded to 

 Charles F. Putnam, of Salem. 



