Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-01-26
bers for their courtesy, the Governor sat
/ down amid loud annlausa

6CbcIc CdLcCulbluS.
Mr. Smith of Dandy, had planted corn
for fodder and obtained good results
when grass feed failed Mr.. Lewis sup
| raised to cut for fodder and WAS better
than corn. Mr.. Paris of Fairfax, had
obtained much better results from raising
oats for fodder then corn.
Whether such crop would pay, was
discussed and most agreed that farmer
must often raise crops that don't pay in
dollars and cents. Mr.. A. Stowe of West
ford, gave some details of an experiment
in raising both corn and oats for fodder
That different crops did better in different
places, must be conceded !; and observation
and experiment will tell each man which
he can raise best, for the laws of nature
are certain, and only by obeying them can
the best results be reached.
Others took part also in the discussion,
for sketch of whose remarks space fails.
The question of under draining was
brought up, and Mr.. Lewis wasrequestsd
to detail his system. He would under
drain all kinds of lands, and thought q
revolution would yet be made in the agri-
culture of the country by this means.
But the plans to be pursued must vary
with circumstances. Drains should be
three or four feet deep, of tile, and forty
or fifty feet apart on the average.
The discussion was kept up with inter
est till after hslf-past nine, when the
Convention adjourned to 10 a. m.
/ THIRD DAY.-MoRNING SESSION.
The Association met at 10 a. m, aud
was called to order by the Vice President.
A paper on "The Natural History of
Cattle" by Prof. G. II. Perkins of the
University of Vermont, was read by the
Secretary. Describing some of the anat-
omical characteristics of cattle, and the
process of digestion and nutrition, the
writer spoke of the different animals used
in different lands for milk, and of the diff
ferent qualities of milk to be obtained
from the cow. Quoting an instance cited
by Flint, wherein an experiment was
made in supplying food enough to keep
cows in the best condition, the writer
went on to speak of the advantages of
good food, of proper shelter and kind
treatment.
Then speaking of the different breeds
of cattle, and the necessityi of selecting
the most suitable for the purpose desired,
having reference to the conditions of their
support. The Ayrshire cattle are held by
authorities to make the best returns for
the dairy upon the average,-the Jersey
being too good for ordinary purposes.
The great majority of dairy cows now are
of no one breed, but are the result of eros
sing of many breeds. English and Dutch
cattle were imported very early. The best
judges say our dairy-stock is not improv-
ing if SOFT becomes an important question
how to make a change in this respect
Whether to improve the native cows, or
to use the highbred imported races is yet
to be decided; it will take diligent care
and labor, but by it the dairy interests of
the country may be more benefited per-
haps than most will imagine.
Discussion followed on the various
breeds.
A paper was then read by E. r Towle
of st. Adams on the management Of
cows.
Mr.. TowLE's ADDRESS.
Whether the breed be chosen with re-
ference to object of dairy or not, the
management is not always the best Not
so much attention has yet been paid to
| the psoper care of pastures, to the raising
of forage crops and other points. But few
pastures will yield food enough for the
whole season. Plenty of water should be
always supplied, and good water. Many
details usually thought small, are really
of great Importance. AS fall comes on,
COWS need more attention; 1T will be
found easier to keep them in condition
| than to regain their lost flesh in the
spring there is little fear of their getting
too fat. Much of the good results of the
following season depends en- how cattle
are kept during the winter. Ii milk is
expected in quantity in December, the
cows should be carefully fed but whether
the increased care and expense will be
profitable is yet to be determined. Most
farmers in our section feed but twice a
day, while cows are not giving milk, to
save time.
AS milk time comes on again the
quality of food should be improved i'll
| they have not extra food and care. de-
crease of milk will surely follow. There
has been lately somo improvement in
managing cows, slow but sure; and when
an improvement proves itself really such,
it will be adopted
A discussion followed on the question
of stock. Mr. Curtis could not undertake
to say what breed is the best-it depends
entirely upon circumstances. Mr.. Lewis
thought it highly important for the dairy
farmer to raise his own cows; he dis
cussed the qualities of different breeds,
and said he had found grade Ayrshires to
give the best results in butter and cheese
for given amount of food He was rails
ing both Ayrshires aud Durhams; but
thought Ayrshires crossed with Devons
might make still better breed Mr.
Lewis u,ged the value and Importance of
Farmers Clubs, and in concluding his re-
marks desired to be psrdoned if he had
hurt any ones feelings by his plaiuness -
for he had been compelled to go counter
to many opinions.
Col. Mead of Randolph, thought no
apology was necessary, for he was sure all
had been most favorably impressed with
the ability, fairness and good temper with
which Mr.. Lewis had carried on these |
discussions. He himself considered the
question of stock of the first Importance
Here in Vermont we must raise breed |
that will be serviceable for beef when |
their milking is gone and fer himself he |
was satisfied that the short horn was the |
best. We can If we will, breed race of
short-horns that shall be as we'll known as
Vermont cattle, as Vermont sheep and
horses are as peculiarly suited TO our
State and its needs.
Col. Mead of Randolph, moved that
vote of thanks be given to Messrs Lewis
and Curtis of New York, for their pres.
ence at this meeting, and the great help
and service to the VT. Dtirymen's Asso-
citation which they have rendered The
motion was promptly and heartily second
ed by Messrs. Douglass, Stone and Bliss,
and was adopted by a rising vote of the
whole assembly. Messrs. Curtis and
Lewis returned their thanks for the atten-
ton with which they had been heard, and
the pleasant acquaintance they had made
here, and expressed a hope that they
might continue and increase by future
meetings, at home or in public, the inter
course here commenced. Mr. Lewis, in
extending an invitation to any members
of the Association to visit him at Frank
fort, his home, warned them not to expect