18 MR. proctor's address. 



Why is it that so little care is given to the selection 

 of milch cows, when there is so much choice in them ; 

 — both in regard to the feed required, and the milk pro- 

 duced ? It costs no more to support a cow that will 

 yield from 16 to 20 quarts of milk per day, than one that 

 will yield 10 quarts. The one merely earns her living, 

 the other not only supports herself, but him who feeds 

 her ;— and if care is taken to rear her progeny, will en- 

 sure a perpetuity of her good qualities. 



In connection with this idea, it will be remembered 

 by some of the Trustees, that as early as 1823, premi- 

 ums were offered for ifnproving our native breed of neat 

 cattle, to be paid in 1823. And it was then remarked,* 

 "that it would avail little to bestow premiums merely 

 for the best that shall be produced, unless something is 

 done to preserve the breed ; for such premiums might 

 be given for a century, without effecting any real im- 

 provements; and thus as to live stock, defeat the object 

 for which the society was formed." I now appeal to the 

 Trustees to consider- the principles then stated, and to 

 inquire how far they have been applied. Have we not 

 gone on from year to year, almost exactly in the way 

 then stated to be of no use ? How can it be expected 

 that our stock will be improved, unless care is taken to 

 raise from those of best qualities, their offspring of best 

 promise ? Every farmer recognizes the principle that a 

 good cow is most likely to have a good calf. They act 

 upon this principle in selecting their calves to be raised. 

 This then is the ground upon which your premiums 

 should be offered; not only for the best animals, but for the 

 best efforts manifested in improving the breed of the animals, 

 tvith a statement that shall enable others to imitate these 

 efforts. 



So distrustful am I of my own competency to express 

 an opinion on this subject, that I beg leave to corrobo- 

 rate my own views by citing the opinion of Mr. J. Low- 

 ell, as expressed by him in a report made at Brighton, 

 October, 1822. Says he : " Although the milch cows 



* By Col. Pickering — then President of the Society. 



