Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-03-13
Communication.

directed in the matter, IS 1t not Judlclous
for us to inquire, with view to arrive at
some rational conclusions, achat stock is
best adapted to the admirable grazing
country in whchwelvc! The improved
Durhams have ever been held in England
and the more accessible parts of Scotland,
as second to no other breed of cattle
though among the highlands of Scotland,
the Ayrshire, being smaller animal, has
the preference, on account of the steep
ness and barrenness of their pastures
But before VIC place them first in Ver-
mont, it will be we'll for us to compare
our rich, comparatively level, and fertile
pastures, and the ease and facility with
which they can be traversed, to the steep
barren, and almost inaccessible pastures
of the Scotch Highlands; where through
the obvious necessity of the case, the
Ayrshire cattle arc preferred. Indeed so
rough, steep and barren, is great por-
ton of that country, and so high and pre-
cipitous are its its bluffs, that but frac-
ton over one fourth part of it, with an
overlooking population living on its in
habitable points for ages, has ever been
reduced to pasture, or any other use, for
agricultural purposes. Now when we
compare Vermont to such a country, we
see vast difierence-indeed, the con-
trast is so great, that we cannot avoid the
conclusion, that different and heavier
breed of animals, are better adapted to
our soil. Ours, like the pastures in Eng
land, are justly celebrated for their luxu-
RANT grasses, and are generally of easy
access especially in two or three tier of
townships bordering upon the Lake.
have nothing to say in favor of the
improved Durhams, further than that they
have been held as superior to all other
breeds, where the face Of the country,
and its productiveness, are adapted to
their growth; and before we reject them
and overlook the testimony arising from
the experience of the best herdsmen of this
and other countries, had we not better try
the experiment and see whether they will
not also be superior for us; or at least,
whether cross from the blood, will not
make the improvement, which we so
much need and desire, in our stock?
With view to present some of the
distinguishing traits between the improved
Durhams, and other breeds, particularly
the Ayrshire, l wish you to publish the
following extracts, from an essay on Cat.
tie, in the February No. of the Cultivator
as4O, written by Henry S. Randall, Esq
.of Cortlandville, n. Y.
HaVing thus given hasy summary of the prin
cipal facts which tend 10 throw lgh, on the maiI
question before us, viz. "tohdt breed of catth
Is most profitable" we proceed to state our con
victions The subject.
That the common cattle Of the country do no
possess the greatest attainabIe combination of ex
'oelIencies. will readily be admitted. selection
of,hem present very desirable qualities for tn
dairy and The yoke !; bu, in feeding properties, an
especially in early maturity, they are deficient. !
full blooded Durham bullock will 90 probably A.,
the butcher, at least Two years earlier than lh
American, a decisive considera ion 10 the grazier
nndlahhough the former is the greater consumer, iii
extra food required by him, will weigh but Ii.l
sganst the two or even one years additional kee
ofihe latter.
But notwithstanding all that may be said for {
against them, il is TO the best cross with seecre
animals Of The common race, feasibility and e,
pense being taken into consideration, that the con
mon American farmer must look for the most prt
fabe breed Of cattle. In this proposition "
wish 10 be distinctly understood. We do not inter
10 assert that the produce Of any cross we mig
thus make, would surpass in vaue breeds alread
in existence but the entire substitution Of 70
.egn variety for our own, presupposes an expe
di'ure Of time and funds utterly ou Of The quesl,o
The question then is, will, what breed is Il,
.amelioraling change 10 be effected On carei
comparison Of the characteristic merits and defec
OF our own cattle, with the corresponding ones
.o,her varieties, we arrive unhesiialingy at d
conclusion, that 10 the pure improved Durham, ,
must look for the basis Of The desired improvement
4 cross with The Devon or Here ford. would sac
flee milk ing properties The dwa'f.h and i1l.shap
Alderney, is not 10 be thought Of: the Ayrshire
the Long Horn, possess no excellencies that t
Durham does not possess in n greater degree a
the HOlderness, and The Teeswa'er Short Horr
compared with The improved race, are as The cru
ore 10 The manufactured and polished metal.
Experience has already proved, that the crt
between The Durham and our common race, il
most judicious one. and examples are not want
oft in our own country. A few years since, a b
sired by Wye Comet, was introduced into Hom
and his progeny are remarkable for their sci,
beauty, aud milking properties. They are but fe
a. most Of our people al that period. who CAV.
though, 10 The subject Of The Improvement OF II,
cattle, and they were not numerous, preferred
coddy butlocked Yorkshires Yet, there is perha
not one Of The immediate descendants Of this bu
that would not be re9dily selected OH of "A IN,