146 ON THE AYRSHIRE BREED OF CATTLE. 



are therefore in great repute in many districts. Indeed, the 

 majority of practical graziers north of the Tweed are of opinion 

 that the Galloway -Ayrshire cannot be surpassed as a grazing 

 description. The male is generally on the Galloway side. The 

 descendants have the reputation of arriving early at maturity, 

 fattening on what may be termed second-rate pastures, and 

 making highly profitable weights. On many high-lying farms 

 the cows are crossed with a Galloway bull ; the produce reared 

 on the farm and sold off to graziers, or made fat at two to two 

 and a half years old, making from 13 to 14 stones per quarter. 

 The Galloway crosses are best adapted for the high moors, being 

 of a hardy character ; the shorthorn crosses for the Lowlands, 

 where the climate is more genial, and the herbage of better 

 quality. 



Conscvvation and Improvcinent. 



Notwithstanding that many even noted dairy farmers are 

 opposed to pedigrees other than such as the cattle " carry along 

 •with them," yet it is evident that a herd-book containing a faith- 

 ful record of how each notable animal was descended, would not 

 only enhance its value considerably, but would furnish a guide 

 which would be invaluable to Ayrshire purchasers. Moreover, 

 it would serve as a sort of history to the future generation of 

 breeders, while its perusal would be a source of gratification to 

 every admirer of this wonderful milk-producing race. Such a 

 book the Americans have already published, a fact which shows 

 clearly in what great esteem the Ayrshire is held over the 

 Atlantic. High prices are now and then given for cattle which 

 have distinguished themselves at shows, as far as L.50 to L.CO 

 having been paid for a single animal for exportation. Some of 

 the most noted breeders often sell animals at long prices to be 

 retained at home, but the caterers for export purposes generally 

 out-bid the local dairy farmers. 



Judicious feeding and careful management also tend to bring 

 out the essential characteristics of the type ; but it should always 

 be borne in mind that there is a limit even to liberal or generous 

 treatment, as pampered cattle succeed for a time only, if at all. 

 It may be further stated that nature undoubtedly designed the 

 Ayrshire cow to be the creature of a certain locality, to which 

 she has in the course of time become thoroughly acclimatised, 

 and is now admirably adapted to all the varied surroundings. 

 Eemove her to a colder climate and a more barren soil, where the 

 fare falls short of that produced by her native laud, and she soon 

 shows symptoms of decline; transport her to a more genial climate 

 where the herbage is luxuriant, and her milking properties give 

 way, while her fattening qualities are more prominently developed. 



In order, then, to retain all the excellent points and propen- 



