CHAPTER VI. 



IMPROVKD BREEDS OF CATTLE WHAT ARE THEY? 



Having demonstrated — satisfactorily, we trust — the absence 

 of a due utility in the common cattle of our country, and the 

 need of something better, we arrive at the consideration of 

 those distinct breeds, of foreign origin, which are to aid in 

 exalting our herds to those points of excellence so eagerly 

 desired by all who appreciate our singular advantages of soil 

 and climate for the attainment of that object. 



It is no new thing to say that Great Britain in its insular 

 position, its redundant population, its energetic enterprise, and 

 the absolute necessity which has compelled the development of 

 every resource at command to improve the condition of its agri- 

 culture, stands in advance of all nations with which we are 

 acquainted, in the excellence of its neat cattle. Its enlightened 

 land holders and farmers have taken the difierent local breeds 

 long familiar to their various districts, and by a wise selection, 

 care in breedmg, and the application of proper food and treat- 

 ment, produced specimens of bovine excellence at once the 

 admiration, and worthy the imitation of all who aspire to equally 

 high attainments in their stock. We say this in no fulsome 

 laudation, but with a settled conviction of the fact. We have 

 tested in our own country, the results of their efforts iu the 

 improvement of their various breeds of cattle, and finding 

 them to answer our purposes equally well, it is wise in us to 

 follow their example as it was discreet in them, for their own 

 benefit, to become our models. Satisfied, therefore, that we 



