¢ 
10 REpoRT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE 
We have at the Station, mainly as gifts outright to the State 
by the several breeding associations, representatives of seven of 
our leading breeds of cattle. In no case has any animal been 
added to the herd, having already established a record, and in 
nearly all cases the animals were secured as young calves, those 
having, however, been chosen which, from their pedigree and 
the performance of their ancestors, gave reason to suppose that 
they would prove satisfactory representatives of their several 
breeds. While, as a rule, the herd is composed of valuable ani- 
mals, it is a matter for congratulation rather than regret, that 
there is not among the number any animal which may be 
counted in any way phenomenal, nor is there an animal so 
exceptional that she may not illustrate the typical characters of 
the breed in the many ways by which such types may be 
recognized. 
Of these seven breeds, six are of those which, in one section of 
the world or another, have for many generations held an estab- 
lished and deserved position. The exception is a breed largely 
developed by a single breeder in this State, but from an ancestry 
contemporaneous with those of our oldest breeds. 
It is idie, therefore, to have anticipated that any fair tests 
were likely to disprove the practical conclusions which in some 
cases a century at least of experience had fully established, nor 
has the work of the Station been in the past nor at present is it ~ 
being prosecuted to such end. 
In short the work upon which this Station is engaged is in the 
comparison of the different breeds, and not in competition 
except incidentally, and thus far there have been developed such 
valuable results as to fully justify all time and expense. While. 
it is doubtless true that no two samples of milk, even of the 
same cow, are quite alike, itis more true that marked differ- 
ences characterize the milk of different breeds, and that these 
differences have been perhaps established by many centuries of 
accidental or intentional conditions. These differences exist and 
will probably continue and will probably come to be recognized 
ultimately in determining the special purpose for which a dairy 
is intended. To declare, therefore, that a certain breed, in a cer- 
tain section and for a certain purpose, is likely to prove most 
desirable, by no means is to give to such breed any other than a 
