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666 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
OCT.4$ 
THE BEST COWS FOR THE DAIRY. 
A .TERBKT FARMER. 
A proper fitness of things iB most important 
in dairying. Doubtless there is no other branch 
of rural industry in which so much iB lost by 
want of the consistent application of the best 
moans to the ends desired. This is scon every¬ 
where, and it is only very rarely that we can find 
a dairy so managed that everything is of the 
right kind and everything is in its right place. 
The few dairies that are bo managed are widely 
talked of and written about, but it is one thing 
to see what ought to be done and quite another 
t) know bow to go about doing it. It is not 
much that dairymen can afford to give to their 
tjh ghbors, but they can and do give advioe ; for 
advice is cheap and everybody has plenty of it 
to give away. But like most cheap things, it is 
generally worth very little, for the reason that 
ad • ice is given from the giver's own stand-point 
a id the beneficiary is unable to avail himself of 
it for many good reasons. In Dairymens' Con¬ 
ventions for years past, and in published articles 
and books upon dairy topics, there have toon 
fl >ods of advice given as to the best stock to 
koep in dairies. This breed has been advocated 
and proved to be tbe most profitable; and, on 
the instant, another has as clearly proved that 
breed to surpass all others. The Jersey, the 
Ayrshire, tbe Short-horn, the Dutch—misnamed 
Holstein—all have been shown to be the best. 
And pure-bred animals have been recom¬ 
mended, too. 
Now, here is a fa'al mistake at the start. Not 
one man in ten thousand is situated so that he 
can avail himself of the advice giveD, although 
he may have desired to do so. It is not what a 
man might or should do; it is what he can do, 
that is the great point. It may be said very 
truly that no pure-bred herd of cows, bought at 
high prices, has ever satisfied the expectations 
of its owner who has looked for profit from 
milk, cheese or butter as his object; and, if any 
advantage baa ever been gained from pure¬ 
bred animals, it has only been through the slow 
building up of a herd of grades by their use. 
This happens very fortunately, because there 
are very few who can Bink so much money as 
would be required for the purchase of a herd 
of thorougbred cows of any breed ; but almost 
any dairyman or farmer can procure a choice 
pure-bred bull of whatever race he may desire 
or fancy, aud with patience and skill ho can, 
in a few years, build np a herd that will equal 
the pure-bred cows, if they don't greatly surpass 
them. And the cost of the herd may, by good 
management, be so little that, without strict 
accounting, it may never be traced. Now, such 
a h-rd will furnish the best cows for the dairy. 
Every dairyman knows what be wants. He 
wants the largest possible supply of the richest 
milk. This is the end for which he works. He 
has the materials in his bands, or, if not, he can 
easily procure them. All he has to do iB to use 
them in the best manner for the end desired, 
aud, if he does not yet know how to do it, that 
has to be learned the first. If be will free biB 
mind from all hankerings after the impossible 
possession of some fancy stock, which would 
only disappoint him, perhaps ruinously, and do 
the best with what he lias, laying out a plan for 
at least ten years ahead, then he will surely suo- 
c :ed in getting what he wants. One extra good 
cow, with a well selected pure-bred bull, will be 
enough to start with ; aud, if only the best aro 
picked to breed from, and the heifer calves from 
these are carefully raised^ so as to give them a 
healthful and complete development from their 
birth, then full success will be but a question of 
time. He will, in a few years, have the best 
cows for hit dairy. 
In the meantime it would be well that those 
writers and speakers who are so enthusiastically 
advocating their choice breeds, and riding their 
own particular hobbies bo furiously, should give 
us a rest. It would be better that they should 
turn their talents to the Btudy of general prin¬ 
ciples of breeding and rearing dairy cows, so 
that whatever breed a man may have, he may 
be taught how to make that the best for him¬ 
self, rather than be induced, by wildly exagge¬ 
rated estimates of what this cow or that might 
do, to choose such animals for his use that must 
of necessity be a failure from the outset. Wo 
should not then see a big-pannehod, heavy¬ 
feeding, Dutch cow, of a raoe reared in the most 
luxuriant meadows of North Holland, trying to 
pick a living upon a pasture where a small cow 
and a light feeder might thrive, but where the 
money spent in purchasing anything else might as 
well have been cast to the winds. There are places 
and circumstances suited for each of every kind; 
but to avoid failure, the kind must bo accurately 
fitted to place and oircuuistanco. Where a 
dairyman possesses abundant capital for his 
business, and can choose what ho pleases, ho 
will yet find it more profitable to select grades or 
cross-bred cows thau any of the pure breeds, if 
milk and batter of the best quality, at the 
cheapest rate, are deBired. 
The Jersey is, without doubt, the richest 
butter cow, but of ten of these cows one, per¬ 
haps, may make more in quantity than a good 
native cow, while the reBt will fall below. The 
Ayrshire is a copious milker upon fair pastui- 
age. The Dutch cow is a heavy milker upon 
such a luxuriant pasture as is rarely found in 
America, but the milk is not rich, excepting in 
very rare cases. A cross of the Ayrshire or the 
Dutch, by a Jersey bull of excellent quality, 
weuld produce a cow that would yield a large 
quantity of rich milk, and that is what is re¬ 
quired by every one who keeps cows, whether 
for milk or butter or cheese. Money will do in 
a year what labor will require many years to do, 
because it represents and can command the ac¬ 
cumulations of labor. But unless the labor or 
energy has been at work to produce what is re¬ 
quired, all the money in existence could not 
command it. 80 money cannot procure a herd 
of the beat, dairy cows, because we have not yet 
created that kind of cow. The possibility is still 
in the future, and it looks towards the cross of 
the breeds referred to. 
Industrial Jlociffifs, 
TOWN FAIR AT MANCHESTER, VERMONT. 
Mr. E. L. Taylor sends us an interesting ac¬ 
count of a local fair held in the above town on 
the 3d and 4th inst., and of the energetic efforts 
of the gentlemen by whose labor the custom of 
holding such fairs has been restored after a 
lapse of many years. Contrary to the experi¬ 
ence of mauy large fairs, the weather during the 
continuance of this, was delightful and the at¬ 
tendance accordingly excellent. Floral Hall was 
crowded with fancy work and articles of domes¬ 
tic manufacture in addition to a rather slim dis¬ 
play of the odoriferous treasures from which it 
derived its name. Machinery and vegetables 
had to go nearly unsheltered, but there was a 
fair show of horses, although the stalliona were 
noticeable by their absence. Thoro was a good 
display of full-blooded Jersey cattle, although 
most of the cattle exhibited were grade llol- 
stoinB. Tho presence of those animals conveys 
a valuable lesson to farmers elsewhere. Until a 
few years back there was little interest taken in 
pure-bred or even good grade cattle in that 
neighborhood,—the old scrub stock seemed to 
give entire satisfaction. A few years ago, how¬ 
ever, a puro bred Holstein bull was brought to 
the plaoe, when straightway a lively interest 
soon arose on the subject of cattle breeding, 
much to the bottorment of most of the horned 
stock in that section. 
(tbfnjtoljftf. 
RURAL SPECIAL REPORTS. 
Charles W. Garfield, tho capable Secretary 
sends us the following letter. We hope our 
friends who have valuable suggestions to make, 
will communicate them to him: 
Michigan State Pomoi.ooicalsoc't.,1 , , 7C 
Secy’s. Olllce, (irand Rapids, / 7 > 
I would like to receive any suggestions that 
may occur to Rural readers in connection with 
a revision of tho Pomological Department of our 
State Fair Premium List, as we are about to ar¬ 
range it for another year. Let them please 
write me their views as soon as convenient, for 
we dosiro to make our work better every year, 
aud need tbe aid of all our friends. Our annual 
meeting will occur iu Taw Paw, Deo. 3, 4 and 5. 
Will Rcral readers kindly suggest for discus¬ 
sion, any questions that they would like to have 
brought up at that meeting, and will they not 
plan to be with us if practicable ? I should be 
pleased if they write me fully and freely con¬ 
cerning these matters. 
Chapel Hill, N, C., Oct. 7,187S. 
One week of October gone, and no frost in 
this part of the State, Now that the crop is 
harvested or fully decided, it is practicable to 
make a final report. All considered, there is 
great cause for profound gratitude to the Giver 
of all good, for His beuificent providence dur¬ 
ing the year. Though tho wheat harvest dis¬ 
appointed the farmers, there is evidenoe of a 
good supply, as the price of flour ranges from #5 
to 5*6.50 per barrel, and wheat from 80 cents to, 
perhaps, 5*1.20 per bushel. This is very low for 
N. 0. Oats, also, are lower than usual, I think. 
Corn is plentiful ; probably much more so than 
was anticipated by some during the growing sea¬ 
son. The fodder, though Bomo was injured by 
the rains, is more generally saved, aud in better 
condition than last year. 
The tobacco crop is not very full, and wa8 
cured with difficulty daring the rain-storms in 
September. This plant, which was, till recently, 
mainly restricted to a few counties in tbe 
northern center of ihe State, is now cultivated 
extensively in more western districts—some 
even in tho mountains—and is, also, gradually 
working its way into tlio cotton territory. But 
that which is raised in the tier of counties lying 
between Raleigh and the Richmond and Dan¬ 
ville Railroad, is considered the best in quality. 
Cotton, though it has suffered injuries in 
some places, from several causes, appears to be 
maturing woll. In conversation with an intel¬ 
ligent. planter, recently, I was informed that a 
close calculation had proved conclusively that it 
is cheaper for tbe cotton raiser to restrict him¬ 
self to that staple and to buy all his supplies of 
other products. Tho policy is certainly in 
harmony with tbe principle of Division of 
Labor, and hence seems to be judicious; but 
when the staple fails or falls to a very low price 
in market, the planter is in a very pitiable con¬ 
dition. There seems to be little, if any, disposi¬ 
tion to abandon or diminish the production. 
In the cotton districts, Cotton is still Ring. 
The abundant warm rainB iu August and Sep¬ 
tember have brought out an extraordinary crop 
of grass. I do not remember ever to have seen 
more grass in tho country than 1 have seen this 
autumn. Millet is raised in many parts of the 
State and the reports are favorable. ChnfaB are 
gaining in reputation, decidedly; ihe plant 
being in favor for forage and the “ nuts" for the 
hogs. Sorghum is still raised in considerable 
quantities. I observe that a steam mill, for the 
manufacture of the syrup, is working in Salis¬ 
bury, turning out a large quantity daily. Mauy 
do not like the Sorghum because, perhaps, it re¬ 
minds them too forcibly of the dreary days of 
the war, wheu it was almost the only substitute 
for sugar and molasses. 
The sweet potatoes, as well as the Irish, are 
yielding most abundantly. I planted but few, 
and they of a variety called the “ 8hipwrecL." 
Tbe Heed, I have heard, were found on a wreck¬ 
ed vessel on our coast, years ago. They grow 
large, have but few iu a hill, but have the de¬ 
sirable quality of coming early aud being good 
fof use as soon as they aro large enough to eat. 
I prefer them to any other variety. The 
Western counties have quite an abuudance of 
fine apples, but the center haH but few. Grapes, 
gaiden products, etc., have done remarkably 
well. There is some interest in bee-culture, but 
not as much es there should he. The best 
honey in the State is what we call the “ Moun¬ 
tain honey.” It is very much superior to that 
made in the Center or East. The appearance 
and taste of the mountain article are quite dif¬ 
ferent from those that mark the product of 
other parts of the State. Some of the best of 
this—pure honey—is selling in our market at 15 
cents per pound. 
There is au effort to get up a crusade against 
doge, iu defence of sheep-huBbandry. I hope it 
will succeed. We have every requisite for prof¬ 
itable wool-growiug, except immunity from the 
miserable, thriftless curs. There is a strong 
(pavement in favor of " no fenco," but it will 
be years before intelligence Oau rule ignorance 
or enlighten it on that subject. As far as tried, 
the law has given much satisfaction. The Com¬ 
missioner of Agriculture has been stumping the 
State, making many speeches on the general idea 
of progress iu industrial pursuits. The effect of 
his commendable campaign is gratifying. He is 
a fine t-peaker, an enthusiastic friend of honest 
industry, and au indefatigable worker. 
The Experimental Station here has received a 
valuable addition in tho person of Mr. Warnecke, 
who is well known to Prof s. Atwater and John¬ 
son as a man of extra accomplishments for his 
peculiar work. He is an admirable assistant to 
the chemist, Dr. Ledoux. Next week the State 
Fair comes off at Raleigh. The indications 
promise a highly successful occasion. Old Rip 
Van Winkle iB advancing. A. W. Manodm. 
Ithaca, N. Y., Oct. 2nd 1678 
Farmers are busy hereabouts thrashing 
buckwheat and digging potatoes. Buckwheat, 
of which quite a large amount is raised in this 
locality, is a fair crop. Early Rose potatoes are 
very small, aud a poor yield; late potatoes 
plautedatthe same time (May 1st) are much 
better, but not nearly up to the average. A 
larger acreage of wheat baa been sown here 
this so&Bon than usual, mostly of the ClawBon 
variet y. 
Splendid weather, a heavy frost Sep’t. 28. 
Although prioes are low, farmers are cheerful. 
Prioes are about as follows: Wheat, $1 ; rye, 
COc; oats, 27o; potatoes, 50 to 55 cts. per 
bushel; apples, 25o. per bushel; butter, 15 to 
17c. per lb ; eggs, 15 cts doz ; hay, 5*6 to $7 per 
ton; straw $4. Apples a drug iu the market. 
Good-Bized potatoes hard to bo obtained. 
“Anon 
Bi.pffton, Allen Co., Ohio, Oct. 7th, 1878. 
This part of the great State of Ohio has been 
favored with the finest growing weather any 
country could ho blessed with—all eropH being 
above the average—during the whole season the 
rains seemed to oorne just when needed. Farmers 
are getting the following prices for their pro¬ 
ducts; Wheat, 86o.; clover seed, $4 ; potatoes, 
50c. per bushel; butter, 10 and 12)£o. por pound ; 
corn, 40o. per bushol; oats, 17o. per bushel; 
wool, 32c.; flaxseed, 5*1; rye, 45c.; and evon at 
these prices, owing to tho large surplus they 
have to market, they can lay up considerable 
money —even more than for several years. 
There is a largo crop of apples in the county. 
Two jelly factories have started up to make fine 
apple jelly, by evaporating cider as it ie exj c 
pressed from apples. It is then shipped at a 
profit. dr. .t. a. t. 
little Rock, Ark., Oct. 2. 
With us, at the present time, every available 
hand is engaged pioking cotton ; the amount al¬ 
ready picked and sent to market is greater than 
usual at this date, but the crop is light, not 
more than two-thirds of an average yield. Com 
is good, one-fifth greater than any crop for five 
years. Whoat, owing to excessively wet weather, 
and heavy storms in the spring, was a total fail¬ 
ure. Sweet potatoes have been injured by dry 
weather, and are light. Peaches rotted badly, 
and those which matured were injured by worms. 
Pears and apples did very well, but there are 
only a few of them in this vicinity. Grapes 
rotted badly, and those whioh matured were of 
inferior quality. Raspberries, where cultivated 
on soils suited to them, did well. o. o. b. 
Oxford Co,. Ontario, Canada, Oct. 5,1878. 
The month of September was noted, in this 
part of the country, for very heavy rain storms, 
doing considerable damage to roads and bridges 
and putting a sudden stop to fall seediug, the 
ground being too wet to work. Grain is yielding 
badly. Fall whoat averages about 20 bushels 
per acre. Spring wheat is a complete failure ; 
it will yield scarcely eight bushels per acre. 
Barley is very poor. OatB are fair and so are 
peas. Potatoes are vory poor ; crop selling at 
75 to 80 cts. por bushol. Hay is good. Fruit 
abundant and good ; applos aro Helling at $1.05 
to $1 25 per barrel; pears are good, worth $1 
per bushel; grapeB were badly inj ured by spring 
frostB. w. r. v. 
Broome Co., N. Y., Oct. 5. 
The winter wheat crop around here was a fair 
one, but considerably lighter than that of last 
yoar, on account of the Hessian fly and hot 
weather. Of spring wheat there was no crop ac 
all—many did not get their seed back. Oats 
are good, bnt worth only 20 cents per bushel. 
Potatoes are a very light crop. Corn is good, 
better thau usual. Apples are a very heavy 
crop on the hills, but light in thevaJUys; but 
the best grafted fruit, will only bring 25 cents 
per bushel. Peaches are a very good crop. All 
kinds of roots aro light. Wheat is being sown 
very late this fall around here, except mine, 
whioh was sown Sept. 8, and looks well now. 
w. H. B. 
Brown Co., WJs., Oct. 7tli, 1878. 
Weather has been very wet for some time and 
farmers cannot plow except in favored spots. 
As it is useless to try to grow wheat hereabouts, 
except ou fall plowiug, we are getting a little 
anxious. Many are not yet through thrashing, 
and the graiu is so wot that it is slow and awful¬ 
ly nasty work. Corn husking aud potato digging 
aro now tho order of tho day. Corn is a fair crop 
but potatoes are nearly a failure. Iu our local 
markets spriug wheat sells for from 85c. to $1; 
red winter wheat, 88c.; rye, 45o.; peas, 50c.; 
Oats, 28o.; barley, $1.05; corn, 55c.; and pota¬ 
toes, 60o. Van. 
Ithaca, N. Y., Oct. stli, 1878. 
ArPLEB aro vory fine aud abundant, but prices 
are Jow, ranging from 16c. to 35o. per bushel, 
for No. 1 Kings. Whoat is looking well, but 
needs rain. Tho Hessian Fly duos not appear to 
ho doing any damage as yet. All the wheat iu 
this locality was sowod late, and most fields 
have received extra preparation aud extra man¬ 
ures — much superphosphate beiDg used. All 
appear to be trying to gel strong, healthy plants 
in the least possible time. One man sowed, 
last year, Out. 5lh, and cut 81 bushels from two 
acres. j. p. r. 
Jefferson Co., N. Y., Sept. 27,1S7S. 
Corn here is a heavy crop aud is well ripened. 
Early potatoes are nearly a failure ; late potatoes 
fair, selling at 50 cts. por buBhel. Tho hay crop 
was good; fall feed is abundant. Oats and 
spring wheat are rather below an average ; win¬ 
ter wheat waB heavy, yielding, in many oases, 
40 bushels per acre and, in one instance, over 60 
bnshelH per acre. This fall there is a much 
larger amount of winter wheat sown than usual; 
the Clawson appears to be the favorite variety. 
We have not yet had sufficient frost to kill 
tomato vines. o. b. p. 
A Correction. —In our issue of tho 5th inst. 
a crop report from Argyle, Washington Co., N. 
Y., states that the potato crop thereabouts was 
nearly a failure, and that the farmers were 
poorer than our correspondent had ever seen 
them. He haH just written us that, instead of 
tho word farmers, potatoes should bo substi¬ 
tuted. We aro glad that circumstances justify 
this correction, for, although it is unfortunate 
that the potatoes should bo in a bad condition, 
it would bo much rnoro unfortunate wero farm¬ 
ers in tho samo plight. 
Crawfordbville, Washington, Co., Ia., Oct. 7th. 
Times hereabouts are hard, and money hard 
to raise. Wheat was a medium crop of fair 
quality. Oats are extra good; but of not more 
than an average yield—perhaps 40 bushels. 
Corn is badly blown down, partly oaused by 
