48 



hay ; the two last pair in one year ; the other pair in two years ; and 

 were only in common working condition when purchased by the 

 Messrs. Foster; besides, they have performed all the work on a 

 small farm during the time they were in the hands of the abovenamed 

 gentlemen ; and some work off the farm. These cases are not 

 singular with these gentlemen. They are only samples of what 

 they have been doing for twenty years. The only secret in the 

 mode of their management is the superior quality of their hay, to 

 which may be added careful and kind treatment." 



The authority of the above is unquestionable. I can bear testi- 

 mony to the very fine quality of their hay, owing to their extraor- 

 dinary care in curing it. 



SWINE. 



Essex County may claim the honor of having produced the most 

 important improvement in this species of live stock, which has ever 

 been made in the country. A farmer in Byfield, a parish in New- 

 bury, found accidentally in the market a pig of remarkable appear- 

 ance, and this laid with him the foundation of die breed of hogs 

 known as the Byfield breed, which have been extended through the 

 county, and are known by this designation in England. They have 

 been considered as too short, and not sufficiently heavy. They 

 come to maturity early. They are quiet and docile in their disposi- 

 tions and they are fattened at less expense than most others. They 

 are easily made to weigh 300 lbs at fifteen and eighteen months old. 

 Improvements have been made by crossing with this stock in all 

 parts of the country ; and it is now impossible to find it pure. The 

 weight of a small herd killed the "present autumn, approaching as 

 nearly to the original stock as any that can be found is subjoined. 

 AVeight of 7 hogs — 6 sold ; one salted for family. 

 397 lbs., 396, 366, 366, 412, 418, 520. 

 6 sold at 12 cts. per lb. ; I reserved at same — $345. 

 These hogs were fifteen to eighteen months old, and show good 

 stock and good keeping. 



