Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1865-02-03
For the Standard.
Thoroughbred Stock.


is reasonable to suppose that the settlers
could not be particular abou, The stock
they kept The surplus from their neigh
bofs' hoeks, herds, or pens, served to re-
pienish their own, aud all animals were
so carelessly bred that no strongly mark.
ed characteristics could be preserved, and
It was an undertaking Of considerable
magnitude and cost for enterprising far
mers in various sections Of country 10.
Import stock Of distinctive breeds. over
come ignorant prejudice and make those
improved animals popular and remuner-.
auVe. but tois has at last been done.
and now all around US we ma me nuvangz
of improving our horses, cattle, sheep
and swine.
The chief obstacles TO The rapid dissem.
ination Of valuable breeds are the salts.
faction of wealthy farmers with their
present mongrels, and the lack Of means
among new beginners. Is il reasonable
to desire any change ? We answer it is.
All farmers keep stock for some definite
purpose; the first is perhaps to crop their
pastures and consume the coarser pro-
ducts of the meadow and keep the farm
fertile; the second to secure income By
the sale of beef, the results Of the dairy,
wool or mutton, and the sale Of young
animals before maturity. Whoever
studies the characteristics Of the differ
ent breeds of cattle will soon determine
that they are not all equally adapted to
his purpose. Short horns or Devons
will be taken for beef, and the Ayre-
shires, Attorneys, Dutch, or Kerry's,
will be chosen for the dairy. And among
the breeds of sheep there is still greater
adaptation to the wants Of all classes and
not the slightest need of the ridiculous
crosses that are constantly being made.
Ii seems TO be believed by some that one
cross between an American merino and
long legged native sheep will produce
a Southdown with wool about right for
domestic manufacture, and large car
cass for mutton. / believe for positive
improvement no crosses between distinct
improved breeds of sheep should be
made, but the crossing of thoroughbred
upon common stock viii generally be
beneficial. The reason for preferring
thoroughbred stock is that the qualities
they possess are surely transmitted TO
their offspring, which thus makes them
command higher prices.
Before any one begins to deal in thor
oughbreds be should take great pains to
inform himself in regard to them. His
judgment should be cultivated by obser-
vaton and inquiry. Agricultural fairs
should be visited, and what is Of more
importance the farms of the principal
breeders, for here are seen not only the
show animals but the entire stock and
the manner it is kept. For such obser-
walton there is no place with SO many
advantages, and SO easy Of access to nor
thern. Vermontera as the residence of
Mr.. Carlos Pierce, whose extensive farm
of 700 acres just across the line in Stan
stead, G. E., is well worthy long jour-
ney to visit. His immense stock which
consumed two tons Of hay per day, be-.
sides many bushels of roots, and shell.
tered in well arranged barns and sheds,
is much of it thoroughbred and compri--
ses among the cattle Short horned Dur
hams, Devons-some Of which took pri-
yes at our State flir--and recent i'm
portation of Dutch cattle from Germany.
His 400 sheep comprise Spanish merinos,
now called Improved American meri-
nos--Southdowns Hampshire Downs and
Leicesters, all divided into convenient
focks. Among his sixty hogs we noticed
Berkshire, black but comely. They
are kept more for the Improvement Of
the manure heap than for profit, yet are
kept economically. Among the sixty
horses and colts there are many excellent
animals and the stallion, noble black
morgan, is seldom surpassed.
During our brief but interesting visit
to this place, we were greatly indebted to
the courtesy of the oversaer, Mr.. Bur-
bank, formerly Of Irasburgh, whose ex-
ceIlent judgment is clearly shown in the
thriving condition Of the choice animals
under bis care.
z. E. JAMESON.
Irasburgh, Jan. 20, 1865.
MIL ..,.fbs, -.