STOCK. 265 



As a class, the Ayrshires are somewhat under the average 

 size. They are usually allowed to come in at two years old, 

 and from that time until they are dried up for fattening, they 

 are subjected to a severe and constant strain on their powers in 

 the productio 1 of calves and milk. By liberal feeding during 

 their youth, and by allowing their system a longer time for de- 

 velopment, they are readily brought to a full average size. 



The Devons are a race of cattle which have existed without 

 adulteration or mixture with other breeds from time immemo- 

 rial. They have been much improved by careful selection, but 

 the efforts of breeders have been directed chiefly to developing 

 symmetry, aptitude for fattening, and early maturity, with little 

 or no regard to their milking qualities. Their milk is very 

 rich, and the butter made from it is of very superior quality ; 

 but in the quantity yielded there is a wide difference in indi- 

 viduals and families. By judicious selection and skilful treat- 

 ment, a class of milking Devons might doubtless be created 

 which for satisfaction and profit could scarcely be equalled. 

 Probably this has already been done ; but of the race at large 

 the distinctive merits appear to be extreme docility, quickness 

 and endurance as working cattle, uniformity of appearance, 

 symmetry, and a remarkable aptitude to fatten on moderate 

 keep. This latter quality is indicated by a certain mellow elas- 

 tic feeling of skin and hair ; and in this property, called " hand- 

 ling, the Devons, as a class, are unrivalled. 



The Herefords resemble the Devons in many of their essen- 

 tial features, while they approach the Shorthorns in size. 

 Bred chiefly for beef, their milking qualities are variable and 

 unreliable. 



The Jerseys are a race which, time out of mind, have been 

 bred on the Channel islands for the production of milk for butter- 

 making. In appearance they support the Darwinian theory, 

 by forming a link between the ox and the deer. The calves 

 especially, if starting up suddenly, amid suitable surroundings, 

 might easily be mistaken for fawns. The properties for which 

 these cattle are valued, are a peculiar grace and beauty, — which, 

 however, are apt to commend them to ladies and amateurs, 

 rather than to practical stock-breeders, — and exceeding gentle- 

 ness, and fondness for being petted, a remarkable faculty for 

 converting fodder of all kinds into a very buttery milk, and 



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