Having completed the series of subjects which we had designed for this
work, we are hardly content to send it out to the public, without
inviting the attention of our farmers, and others who dwell in the
country and occupy land, to the importance of surrounding themselves
with the best breeds of domestic animals, as an item of increased profit
in their farm management, and as a subject of interest and satisfaction
to themselves in the embellishment of their grounds.
We have addressed ourselves through these pages to the good sense of men
who, in their general character and pursuits, comprise the most stable
class of our population. We have endeavored to impress upon them the
importance of providing all the conveniences and comforts to themselves,
in their dwellings, as well as the due provision for their animals and
crops, in the rougher farm buildings, which their circumstances will
admit; and we trust they have been shown that it is proper economy so to
do. We have, in addition to these, somewhat dilated upon objects of
embellishment, in the way of grounds to surround them, and trees to
beautify them, which will in no way interfere with a just economy, and
add greatly to the pleasure and interest of their occupation. We now
want them to introduce into those grounds such domestic animals as shall
add to their ornament, and be far more profitable to themselves, than
the inferior things which are called the common, or native stock of the
country. Without this last lesson, half our object would be lost. Of
what avail will be the best provision for the conveniences of a family,
and the labors of the farm, if the farm be badly cultivated, and a
worthless or inferior stock be kept upon it? The work is but half done
at best; and the inferiority of the last will only become more
conspicuous and contemptible, in contrast with the superior condition of
the first.
It is not intended to go into an examination of the farm-stock of our
country at large, nor into their modes of treatment; but, to recommend
such varieties of animals as are profitable in their breeding and
keeping, both to the professional farmer in his vocation, and to such
as, beyond this, find them an object of convenience, or of pleasure.
We, in America, are comparatively a young people. Yet, we have
surmounted _necessity_. We have arrived at the period when we enjoy the
fruits of competence--some of us, the luxuries of wealth. A taste for
superior domestic animals has been increasing, and spreading over the
United States for many years past; so that now, a portion of our farmers
and country people understand somewhat of the subject. It has been
thoroughly demonstrated, that good farm stock is better, and more
profitable than poor stock. Still, a taste for good stock, and the
advantages of keeping them, over the common stock of the country, is not
_generally_ understood; and that taste has to be cultivated. It is not
altogether a thing of nature, any more than other faculties which
require the aid of education to develope. We have known many people who
had a fine perception in many things: an eye for a fine house, pleasant
grounds, beautiful trees, and all the surroundings which such a place
might command; and when these were complete, would place about it the
veriest brutes, in the way of domestic animals, imaginable. The resident
of the city, who lives at his country-house in summer, and selects a
picture of mean or inferior quality, to hang up in his house by way of
ornament, would be laughed at by his friends; yet he may drive into his
grounds the meanest possible creature, in the shape of a cow, a pig,
or a sheep, and it is all very well--for neither he nor they know any
better; yet, the one is quite as much out of place as the other. The
man, too, who, in good circumstances, will keep and drive a miserable
horse, is the ridicule of his neighbors, because everybody knows what a
good horse is, and that he should be well kept. Yet, the other stock on
his farm may be the meanest trash in existence, and it creates no
remark. On the contrary, one who at any _extra_ cost has supplied
himself with stock of the choicer kinds, let their superiority be ever
so apparent, has often been the subject of ribaldry, by his unthinking
associates. And such, we are sorry to say, is still the case in too many
sections of our country. But, on the whole, both our public spirit, and
our intelligence, is increasing, in such things.
Now, we hold it to be a _practical_ fact, that no farm, or country
place, can be complete in its appointments, without good stock upon it;
and it is useless for any one to suppose that his farm, or his place, is
_finished_, without it. The man who has a fine lawn, of any extent,
about his house, or a park adjoining, should have something to graze
it--for he cannot afford to let it lie idle; nor is it worth while, even
if he can afford it, to be mowing the grass in it every fortnight during
the summer, to make it sightly. Besides this, grass will grow under the
trees, and that too thin, and short, for cutting. This ground must, of
course, be pastured. Now, will he go and get a parcel of mean scrubs of
cattle, or sheep, to graze it, surrounding his very door, and disgracing
him by their vulgar, plebeian looks, and yielding him no return, in
either milk, beef, mutton, or wool? Of course not, if he be a wise, or a
provident man, or one who has any true taste in such matters. He will
rather go and obtain the best stock he can get, of breeds suited to the
climate, and soil, which will give him a profitable return, either in
milk, or flesh, or their increase, for his outlay; and which will also
embellish his grounds, and create an interest in his family for their
care, and arrest the attention of those who visit him, or pass by his
grounds. Of the proper selection of this branch of his stock, we shall
now discourse.
[Illustration]
In cattle, if your grounds be rich, and your grass abundant, the
short-horns are the stock for them. They are "the head and front,"
in appearance, size, and combination of good qualities--the very
aristocracy of all neat cattle. A well-bred, and well developed
short-horn cow, full in the qualities which belong to her character,
is the very perfection of her kind. Her large, square form; fine orange,
russet, or nut-colored muzzle; bright, prominent, yet mild, expressive
eye; small, light horn; thin ears; clean neck; projecting brisket; deep,
and broad chest; level back, and loin; broad hips; large, and
well-spread udder, with its silky covering of hair, and clean, taper,
wide-standing teats, giving twenty to thirty quarts of rich milk in a
day; deep thigh, and twist; light tail; small, short legs; and, added to
this, her brilliant and ever-varying colors of all, and
every-intermingling shades of red, and white, or either of them alone;
such, singly, or in groups, standing quietly under the shade of trees,
grazing in the open field, or quietly resting upon the grass, are the
very perfection of a cattle picture, and give a grace and beauty to the
grounds which no living thing can equal. Here stands a short-horn cow,
in all the majesty of her style and character!
We add, also, a short-horn bull, which exhibits, in a high degree, the
vigor, stamina, and excellence of his kind.
Nor, in this laudation of the short-horns, are we at all mistaken.
Go into the luxuriant blue-grass pastures of Kentucky; the rich, and
wide-spread grazing regions of central, and lower Ohio; the prairies of
Indiana, and Illinois, just now beginning to receive them; the sweet,
and succulent pastures of central and western New York, or on the Hudson
river; and now and then, a finely-cultivated farm in other sections of
the United States, where their worth has become established; and they
present pictures of thrift, of excellence, of beauty, and of profit,
that no other neat cattle can pretend to equal.
As a family cow, nothing can excel the short-horn, in the abundance and
richness of her milk, and in the profit she will yield to her owner;
and, on every place where she can be supplied with abundance of food,
she stands without a rival. From the short-horns, spring those
magnificent fat oxen and steers, which attract so much admiration, and
carry off the prizes, at our great cattle shows. Thousands of them, of
less or higher grade in blood, are fed every year, in the Scioto, the
Miami, and the other great feeding valleys of the west, and in the
fertile corn regions of Kentucky, and taken to the New York and
Philadelphia markets. As a profitable beast to the grazier, and the
feeder, nothing can equal them in early maturity and excellence. For
this purpose, the short-horns are steadily working their way all over
the vast cattle-breeding regions of the west; and, for the richness and
abundance of her milk, the cow is eagerly introduced into the dairy, and
milk-producing sections of the other states, where she will finally take
rank, and maintain her superiority over all others, on rich and
productive soils.
[Illustration: DEVON COW. DEVON BULL.]
On lighter soils, with shorter pastures; or on hilly and stony grounds,
another race of cattle may be kept, better adapted to such localities,
than those just described. They are the Devons--also an English breed,
and claimed there as an aboriginal race in England; and if any variety
of cattle, exhibiting the blood-like beauty, and fineness of limb, the
deep, uniformity of color, and the gazelle-like brilliancy of their eye,
can claim a remote ancestry, and a pure descent, the Devons can make
such claim, beyond almost any other. They were introduced--save now and
then an isolated animal at an earlier day--into the United States some
thirty-two or three years ago, about the same time with the short-horns;
and like them, have been added to, and improved by frequent importations
since; until now, probably our country will show some specimens equal in
quality to their high general character in the land of their nativity.
Unlike the short-horn, the Devon is a much lighter animal, with a like
fine expression of countenance; an elevated horn; more agile in form;
yet finer in limb, and bone; a deep mahogany-red in color; and of a
grace, and beauty in figure excelled by no other breed whatever. The
Devon cow is usually a good milker, for her size; of quiet temper;
docile in her habits; a quick feeder; and a most satisfactory animal in
all particulars. From the Devons, spring those beautifully matched red
working-oxen, so much admired in our eastern states; the superiors to
which, in kindness, docility, endurance, quickness, and honesty of
labor, no country can produce. In the _quality_ of their beef, they are
unrivaled by any breed of cattle in the United States; but in their
early maturity for that purpose, are not equal to the short-horns.
We here present a cut of a Devon cow; but with the remark, that she
presents a deficiency of bag, and stands higher on the leg, than she
ought to do; and her leanness in flesh gives her a less graceful
appearance than is her wont, when in good condition.
We present, also, the cut of a Devon bull. This figure does not do him
full justice, the head being drawn in, to give the cut room on the page.
Several beautiful herds of Devons are to be found in New York, in
Maryland, in Connecticut, and in Massachusetts; and some few in other
states, where they can be obtained by those who wish to purchase. And it
is a gratifying incident, to learn that both the breeds we have named
are increasing in demand, which has created a corresponding spirit in
those who breed them, to bestow their best attention in perfecting their
good qualities.
Another branch of domestic stock should also excite the attention of
those who wish to embellish their grounds, as well as to improve the
quality of their mutton--obtaining, withal, a fleece of valuable wool.
These are the Southdown, and the Cotswold, Leicester, or other improved
breeds of long-wooled sheep. There is no more peaceful, or beautiful
small animal to be seen, in an open park, or pleasure ground, or in the
paddock of a farm, than these; and as they have been of late much sought
after, they will be briefly noticed.
[Illustration: SOUTHDOWN RAM. SOUTHDOWN EWE.]
[Illustration: LONG-WOOLED RAM. LONG-WOOLED EWE.]
The Southdown, a cut of which we present, is a fine, compact, and solid
sheep, with dark face and legs; quiet in its habits, mild in
disposition, of a medium quality, and medium weight of fleece; and
yielding a kind of mutton unsurpassed in flavor and delicacy--equal,
in the estimation of many, to the finest venison. The carcass of a
Southdown wether, when well fatted, is large, weighing, at two to three
years old, a hundred to a hundred and twenty pounds. The ewe is a
prolific breeder, and a good nurse. They are exceedingly hardy, and will
thrive equally well in all climates, and on all our soils, where they
can live. There is no other variety of sheep which has been bred to that
high degree of perfection, in England. The great Southdown breeder, Mr.
Webb, of Batraham, has often received as high as fifty, to one hundred
guineas, in a season, for the _use_ of a single ram. Such prices show
the estimation in which the best Southdowns are held there, as well as
their great popularity among the English farmers. They are extensively
kept in the parks, and pleasure grounds of the wealthy people, where
things of profit are usually connected with those devoted to luxury.
For this cut of the Southdown ewe, we are indebted to the kindness of
Luther Tucker, Esq., of the Albany "Cultivator."
The Cotswold, New Oxford, and Leicester sheep, of the long-wooled
variety, are also highly esteemed, in the same capacity as the
Southdowns.
They are large; not so compactly built as the Southdowns; producing a
heavy fleece of long wool, mostly used for combing, and making into
worsted stuffs. They are scarcely so hardy, either, as the Southdowns;
nor are they so prolific. Still, they have many excellent qualities; and
although their mutton has not the fine grain, nor delicacy, of the
other, it is of enormous weight, when well fattened, and a most
profitable carcass. It has sometimes reached a weight of two hundred
pounds, when dressed. They are gentle, and quiet in their habits; white
in the face and legs; and show a fine and stately contrast to the
Southdowns, in their increased size, and breadth of figure. They
require, also, a somewhat richer pasture; but will thrive on any good
soil, yielding sweet grasses. For the cut of the Cotswold ewe, we are
also indebted to Mr. Tucker, of "The Cultivator."
To show the contrast between the _common_ native sheep, and the improved
breeds, of which we have spoken, a true portrait of the former is
inserted, which will be readily recognized as the creature which
embellishes, in so high a degree, many of the wild nooks, and rugged
farms of the country!
[Illustration: A COMMON SHEEP.]
That the keeping of choice breeds of animals, and the cultivation of a
high taste for them, is no _vulgar_ matter, with even the most exalted
intellects, and of men occupying the most honorable stations in the
state, and in society; and that they concern the retired gentleman, as
well as the practical farmer, it is only necessary to refer to the many
prominent examples in Great Britain, and our own country, within the
last fifty years.
The most distinguished noblemen of England, and Scotland, have long bred
the finest of cattle, and embellished their home parks with them. The
late Earl Spencer, one of the great patrons of agricultural improvement
in England, at his death owned a herd of two hundred of the highest bred
short-horns, which he kept on his home farm, at Wiseton. The Dukes of
Bedford, for the last century and a half, have made extraordinary
exertions to improve their several breeds of cattle. The late Earl of
Leicester, better known, perhaps, as Mr. Coke, of Holkham, and the most
celebrated farmer of his time, has been long identified with his large
and select herds of Devons, and his flocks of Southdowns. The Duke of
Richmond has his great park at Goodwood stocked with the finest
Southdowns, Short-horns, and Devons. Prince Albert, even, has caught the
infection of such liberal and useful example, and the royal park at
Windsor is tenanted with the finest farm stock, of many kinds; and he is
a constant competitor at the great Smithfield cattle shows, annually
held in London. Besides these, hundreds of the nobility, and wealthy
country gentlemen of Great Britain, every year compete with the
intelligent farmers, in their exhibitions of cattle, at the royal and
provincial shows, in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
In the United States, Washington was a great promoter of improvement in
farm stock, and introduced on to his broad estate, at Mount Vernon, many
foreign animals, which he had sent out to him at great expense; and it
was his pride to show his numerous and distinguished guests, his horses,
cattle, sheep, and pigs. Henry Clay, of Kentucky, was among the first
promoters of the improvement of domestic animals in the fertile region,
of which his own favorite Ashland is the center; and to his continued
efforts in the breeding of the finest short-horns, and mules, is the
state of Kentucky greatly indebted for its reputation in these
descriptions of stock. Daniel Webster has introduced on to his estate,
at Marshfield, the finest cattle, and sheep suited to its soil and
climate, and takes much pride in showing their good qualities. Indeed,
we have never heard either of these two last remarkable men more
eloquent, than when discoursing of their cattle, and of their pleasure
in ranging over their pastures, and examining their herds and flocks.
They have both been importers of stock, and liberal in their
dissemination among their agricultural friends and neighbors.
Public-spirited, patriotic men, in almost every one of our states, have
either imported from Europe, or drawn from a distance in their own
country, choice animals, to stock their own estates, and bred them for
the improvement of their several neighborhoods. Merchants, and generous
men of other professions, have shown great liberality, and the finest
taste, in importing, rearing, and distributing over the country the best
breeds of horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs. Their own beautiful home
grounds are embellished with them, in a style that all the dumb statuary
in existence can not equal in interest--models of grace, and beauty, and
utility, which are in vain sought among the sculpture, or paintings of
ancient time. And many a plain and unpretending farmer of our country,
emulating such laudable examples, now shows in his luxuriant pastures,
and well-filled barns and stables, the choicest specimens of imported
stock; and their prizes, won at the cattle shows, are the laudable pride
of themselves, and their families.
Nor is this laudable taste, confined to _men_ alone. Females of the
highest worth, and domestic example, both abroad and at home, cultivate
a love for such objects, and take much interest in the welfare of their
farm stock. We were at the annual state cattle show, in one of our large
states, but a short time since, and in loitering about the cattle
quarter of the grounds, met a lady of our acquaintance, with a party of
her female friends, on a tour of inspection among the beautiful
short-horns, and Devons, and the select varieties of sheep. She was the
daughter of a distinguished statesman, who was also a large farmer, and
a patron of great liberality, in the promotion of fine stock in his own
state. She was bred upon the farm, and, to rare accomplishments in
education, was possessed of a deep love for all rural objects; and in
the stock of the farm she took a peculiar interest. Her husband was an
extensive farmer, and a noted breeder of fine animals. She had her own
farm, too, and cattle upon it, equally as choice as his, in her own
right; and they were both competitors at the annual exhibitions.
Introduced to her friends, at her request, we accompanied them in their
round of inspection. There were the beautiful cows, and the younger
cattle, and the sheep--all noticed, criticised, and remarked upon; and
with a judgment, too, in their various properties, which convinced us of
her sound knowledge of their physiology, and good qualities, which she
explained to her associates with all the familiarity that she would a
tambouring frame, or a piece of embroidery. There was no squeamish
fastidiousness; no affectation of prudery, in this; but all natural as
the pure flow of admiration in a well-bred lady could be. At her most
comfortable, and hospitable residence, afterward, she showed us, with
pride, the several cups, and other articles of plate, which her family
had won as prizes, at the agricultural exhibitions; and which she
intended to preserve, as heir-looms to her children. This is not a
solitary example; yet, a too rare one, among our fair countrywomen. Such
a spirit is contagious, and we witness with real satisfaction, their
growing taste in such laudable sources of enjoyment: contrary to the
_parvenue_ affectation of a vast many otherwise sensible and
accomplished females of our cities and towns--comprising even the wives
and daughters of farmers, too--who can saunter among the not over
select, and equivocal representations, among the paintings and statuary
of our public galleries; and descant with entire freedom, on the various
attitudes, and artistical merits of the works before them; or gaze with
apparent admiration upon the brazen pirouettes of a public dancing girl,
amid all the equivoque of a crowded theater; and yet, whose delicacy is
shocked at the exhibitions of a cattle show! Such females as we have
noticed, can admire the living, moving beauty of animal life, with the
natural and easy grace of purity itself, and without the slightest
suspicion of a stain of vulgarity. From the bottom of our heart, we
trust that a reformation is at work among our American women, in the
promotion of a taste, and not only a taste, but a genuine _love_ of
things connected with country life. It was not so, with the mothers, and
the wives, of the stern and earnest men, who laid the foundations of
their country's freedom and greatness. They were women of soul,
character, and stamina; who grappled with the _realities_ of life, in
their labors; and enjoyed its pleasures with truth and honesty. This
over-nice, mincing delicacy, and sentimentality, in which their
grand-daughters indulge, is but the off-throw of the boarding-school,
the novelist, and the prude--mere "leather and prunella." Such remarks
may be thought to lie beyond the line of our immediate labor. But in the
discussion of the collateral subjects which have a bearing upon country
life and residence, we incline to make a clean breast of it, and drop
such incidental remark as may tend to promote the enjoyment, as well as
instruction, of those whose sphere of action, and whose choice in life
is amid the pure atmosphere, and the pure pleasures of the country.