MR. proctor's address. 15 



tions; but still we do not find any essential improvement 

 among the animals on our farms generally. Now and 

 then we see a few that have been reared with care and 

 attention, but the great mass of our animals may be said 

 to come forward in the natural way. 



Public spirited citizens, with abundant means at com- 

 mand, have introduced choice specimens of the improved 

 breeds from Europe. In so doing they have done a com- 

 mendable service, by showing what may be accomplished 

 by perseverance in the application of scientific princi- 

 ples. For these efforts to diffuse information, they mer- 

 it the thanks of those who are less favored with the 

 means of making such experiments. Of the superiority 

 of these animals in many respects, and particularly in 

 their size, and early maturity of growth, there can be no 

 doubt. '1 he testimony on these points is too full to be 

 questioned. And of their having been made such by 

 care in the selections and crossings, there can be as lit- 

 tle doubt. Nature does not refuse to be assisted in the 

 perfection of her works. By the' application of the in- 

 dustry and skill of man, may all the productions of na- 

 ture, whether animal or vegetable, be essentially modified 

 and improved. 



The point to which I particularly ask your attention 

 is, whether it is better for our farmei's to endeavor to 

 stock their farms with what are commonly known as the 

 improved breed of animals from England, such as the 

 Durham short horn, and others ; or whether their at- 

 tention had better be directed mainly to improving what 

 are called, our native breed of animals ? True it is, that 

 these came originally from that country which is the 

 mother of us all, (and w'ere there known as the Devon 

 breed, I believe,) but they have been so long settled and 

 have become so acclimated, that their peculiarities are 

 as distinct, as are those of the people. 



In instituting this inquiry I have no particular theory 

 to support, or party to serve. My only object is to elicit 

 the truth; and this I must do by comparing the facts 

 stated by those who have observed with discrimination 

 and impartiality. 



