60 



It will readily be admitted that our live stock demand great 

 improvements; and no one will question whether such improve- 

 ments are practicable. They ought then to be attempted. It 

 will avail little to bestow premiums merely for the best that 

 shall be produced ; for such premiums might be given for a cen- 

 tury, without effecting any real improvements ; and thus, as to 

 live stock, defeat the object for which the Society was formed. 

 The known excellency of some oxen and cows, of our native 

 breed, give assurance to judicious and enterprising farmers, that 

 their numbers may be multiplied by observing the well-tried 

 rules of breeding. The Oakes cow has probably not been sur- 

 passed in any country. By some she was judged to be under 

 the size of our common cows. Her short legs probably gave 

 rise to that opinion. There are, however, many larger cows in 

 the county. 



The best bulls and cows do not always produce a progeny 

 equal to the parents; but experience has shown, that from such 

 only the highest improvements may be expected. The same 

 observation applies to all other kinds of live stock. 



Farmers who shall effect great improvements in live stock, 

 while they render a lasting benefit to their country, will lay a 

 foundation for advancing their own interest, in the demand, and 

 consequently increased prices, of their improved breeds. 



Reflecting farmers, who shall become candidates for premi- 

 ums, will be aware, that if their exertions should not obtain the 

 honour of a prize, they will not pass unrewarded; as all the 

 improvements they make will either give them immediate pro- 

 fits, or add to the value of their farms. The direct object of 

 premiums is not to excite merely trials of skill, but to add to 

 the solid interests of farming; and he, who shall show how we 

 may add most to that solid interest, will obtain the highest prize. 



In behalf and by order of the Committee, 



T. PICKERING, 



Setlem^ January 22, 1823. 



