REPORTS. 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON BULLS AND CALVES. 



The Chairman of the Committee on Classes 8 and 9, at the Hamp- 

 shire Agricultural Society's 41st Fair, had a picnic. The weather 

 was simply perfect. He had for associates two gentlemen of large 

 experience and eminent for good judgment and integrity. He cor- 

 dially agreed with their opinions and decisions; and would have 

 deferred to them with a good grace and a clear conscience if they 

 had differed from him. Again, there were nearly as many premiums 

 as entries, and every animal entered was well worthy of a premium. 



The Bulls belonged to the Shorthorn, Jersey and Holstein breeds, 

 and were all four representative animals. 



The calves, both pure bred and grade, were such as such bulls 

 might be confidently expected to beget. 



To one who has watched, with interest, the rapid rise in the price 

 and estimation of one after another of the different breeds of cattle, 

 and the still more rapid decline of each to its normal economic value, 

 it is pleasant to notice that intelligent practical farmers, while neither 

 their judgment nor their circumstances would countenance the extrav- 

 agancies in which wealthy farmers indulge, have yet been quick to 

 recognize the true merits and value of the several races ; and continue 

 to treasure, and seek to perpetuate and improve the qualities of their 

 favorite breed, long after it has been forsaken by those who only 

 admire what is fashionable. 



That with careful and long continued opportunities of comparing 

 the merits of the different breeds, there should be a marked difference 

 of opinion among practical fanners as to their relative comparative 

 value for practical purposes, would seem to show that success and 

 satisfaction depend more on the way in which stock is kept than 

 on the choice of any particular breed. It also seems to confiim the 

 opinion which we have long held and expressed that, in essential 

 points, such as vigor of constitution, hardiness, temper, and the 



