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We have now passed in review the native, Devon, short-horn, Ayrshire, and Alderney breeds of cattle, with such reflections as their adaptation to the wants of our Bristol County farmers seem to demand. We have pointed out, as briefly as possible, the distinctive characteristics of each breed, that all who desire to improve their stock may know to what source they must turn to impress upon their herds certain desired qualities. We think we may say with confidence, that the statements we have made may be verified by reference to the stock-breeding literature every where available, and to the practical experience of stock men of established reputation.*

Before closing, we desire to make one practical suggestion to the farmers of our county. Few of us are wealthy enough to purchase high-priced bulls of the best breeds; but that is no reason why we should continue to resort to the miserable mongrels, of no earthly merit, that are so common in every township. In sections where no good bulls belonging to private individuals can be used at moderate price, what is there to prevent the formation of clubs for the purchase of desirable animals? Ten or a dozen farmers can easily raise their proportion of the cost of a good bull, to be used by themselves or let to their neighbors. It costs but little more to keep in good order a well-bred animal than it does to maintain a worthless beast; while the effect upon the stock of the neighborhood will more than repay the extra cost of keep and attention, and return a handsome interest on the investment. We recommend this course emphatically to our brethren in the county, as wor thy of their serious consideration.

In conclusion, we desire to congratulate the members of the Bristol County Agricultural Society upon the success that crowned their exertions to render the recent cattle show one of unusual interest. That it did surpass all previous meetings

*For interesting and very valuable articles upon stock, and indeed upon every branch of agricultural economy, we desire to recommend the " American Agriculturist," a weekly publication, conducted by Messrs. A. B. Allen & Co., of New York, the editors of which are not only scientific but practical farmers. Indeed, valuable information on this subject may be obtained from almost all the northern farming papers, one of which at least should be in the hands of every intelligent farmer.

of the society, in the quality of the stock upon the ground, in the attendance of an interested multitude, and in other novel and interesting features, is conceded on all hands; and this fact is in itself an ample reward to all those who, in various departments, gave their time and energy to the arrangement and accomplishment of its details. But, while we have good reason to be pleased with this result of our past labors, we must not close our eyes to the duties which this very success imposes upon us. We have, as it were for the first time, become conscious of our own power. We have developed our resources, and ascertained the abundance and excellence of the materials within our reach. Shall we fail to avail ourselves of these advantages? or shall we demonstrate to the world a determination to press forward in the work of improvement until we reach a point of excellence commensurate with the blessings by which we are surrounded?

CHRISTOPHER A. CHURCH, Chairman.

BULLS.

ESSEX.

From the Report of the Committee.

There were seven entries of bulls of foreign breed, viz.: three of the Jersey, or Alderney, and four of the North Devon. Of Jersey, one by Richard S. Rogers, of Danvers, seventeen months old, from the stock imported by the late Daniel Webster; and two by George H. French, of Andover, one sixteen and the other fourteen months old. Of North Devons, one by Charles Harriman, of Groveland, three years; two by A. P. Bateman, of Georgetown, one two years and the other one year old; and one by Charles Nelson, of Georgetown, for exhibition only. All were judged fair specimens of their breed, and gave much interest to the show of cattle. The first premium being confined to bulls of foreign breed, brought up the question,

which of the two breeds was to be preferred for general use in this county. The Jerseys were all young, not of mature age, and the committee did not presume to judge whether they were superior specimens of that breed. There were four cows in an adjoining pen, from Mr. French's stock, which seemed well to sustain the high reputation of that breed for their milking qualities. The thanks of the society are due to the gentlemen who have introduced this stock into the county and given us an opportunity to examine them this day. Aside from their milking qualities, they do not seem to possess the other requisites for general use. They have not sufficient bone and muscle for labor; nor does it seem that, when well fed, the butcher would find as many good pieces as in some other breeds.

DEAN ROBINSON, Chairman.

MIDDLESEX SOUTH.

From the Report of the Committee.

The committee beg leave to suggest a few practical hints in relation to our farm stock, that our farmers may become aware of the great loss that is suffered by us all yearly for want of a better system, or rather a system, for there seems to be no system at present with most people in regard to this subject.

It becomes us, in the first place, to discard all those refuse bulls which the stock growers of Vermont and other States are ashamed to have with their herds, and so have sent to our markets, to be picked up by the penny-wise farmers of our State, to be associated with our herds. When we demand a better kind of stock, stock growers of other States will be compelled to furnish it.

It is well understood that the issue of any class of stock depends on the sire more than on the dam; so that, with proper regard to the blood of a certain class, or any class, a system can be brought about which shall be perfectly adapted to the various purposes of our farm stock, whether it be for the milk dairy, butter dairy, veal, or beef, or all combined. Every farmer with a herd of cows depends more or less, as a source

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PRINCE FUL... BLOOD JERSEY. Owned by Richard P Waters Esq Beverly Stred by EMPEROR

SK Chandler & Bro Lith Boston

imported by JA Tainter

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