No. 149.] 469 



As to the Devon breed, we know its value ; but why should 

 we not use and improve on all other breeds ? The ox was made 

 for the use of man — to work for him, to feed him and partially 

 clothe him. The ox is nearly indispensable to work the stony 

 soils of New-England, where he is worth more than the horse, 

 for ploughing, &c. As to the milking qualities in cows, we must 

 look to the points in the male, as well for that as for working 

 powers. We must examine the male at from four- to six years of 

 age — then almost any sensible man can see his points, but it 

 requires close looking to see them when tlie animal is young. I 

 am willing to say tliat in good breeding of animals I have been 

 fortunate. The great art is to breed a stock which continues to 

 improve always, There must be broad breasts, legs well spread ; 

 there is no lack of wind — there is muscular power ; and I think 

 any member will see in these a good milker. Where such a cow 

 gives a great mess of milk her flesh is apt to run off; but next 

 spring, if you prepare well, she will take on flesh as fast as she 

 lost it. The best beef is the artificial flesh you put on — the 

 natural flesh is not good. The cows from that fine bull " Match- 

 less," (a Devon) proved good milkers. I am satisfied that we 

 must look to the male animal, as also in the sheep. I have 

 crossed the weak Saxony with the merino buck and found the 

 superior quality of the wool of the merino prevail. I want to 

 see at your cattle show our entire best stock of animals, then you 

 will easily see what improvement is. Besides our Red Devon, 

 we have what is called an Eaton breed, which has been crossed 

 with D«von, and our red stock show more of the Eaton than the 

 Devon. Both the Eaton and tlie short-horned Durham breeds 

 have altered our original stock. Tliey all have a white spot on 

 the belly. We apply to the American Institute to do what is 

 necessary and right to encourage the meritorious breeder of 

 stocks, as well as the real working farmer for agricultural merits. 

 I know something of stock, but I have come here to learn from 

 others, who, in many things, no doubt, know more than 1 do. 

 Let me conclude by saying that as to the vaiuous breeds of stock 

 I do not wish to exclude any one breed. Let all of them and 

 their actual breeders stand by tlieir merits. 



All animals are apt to bear uniform marks when wild. The 

 wild turkey has alway« the same marks. If you breed from a 



