Annual Report of the Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1868 edition. Excerpt: ...into practice. I am aware that many, and perhaps most of our farmers, do not regard similarity of color, style and general appearance of their herds, as worthy of that consideration which the English breeder deems a matter of great importance. But visit a herd of recently imported Jerseys, and observe that striking similarity of color, with those general characteristics which distinguish this breed in its purity, and we cannot withhold onr admiration nor pass by this peculiar attraction as one not worth preserving--but which, if lost through two generations.by inattention to those principles in breeding by which they may be retained, cannot be regained but by a new importation. This loss, perhaps, may not particularly detract from the dairy qualities of the animals--but who would not prefer to pay a higher price for those selected from a herd where this similarity, characterizing any desirable breed, is most perfect? How may these distinguishing points in similarity of color, general appearance and character be preserved? This may be secured, in my opinion, with great certainty, by sedulously keeping our herd composed only of animals of the same breed, entirely separate and distinct from the society and influences, and, as far removed as possible from the neighborhood and view of other breeds of cattle; thus endeavoring to close every avenue whereby any species of contamination may creep into and disturb its peculiarity, purity and that uniformity so highly pleasing to the eye. Have we not observed that, when cattle of different breeds, however pure and beautiful in their distinctive external traits, occupy adjoining pastures, or the same barnyards, or are tied in the same stable-range, although copulation between the different breeds is entirely...