14S 



THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 



detail does not serve to convey a just idea of the more 

 striking difference whicii exists in the general aspects of the 

 two parts of the hedgerow ; and this may he accounted for 

 by the greater number of unmeasured shoots laterally and 

 vertically, which, not being represented on paper, yet suffi- 

 ciently indicate the superiority of Section No. 1. Taking 

 a number of the strongest stems in each part of the hedgei 

 the average thickness of these in No. 1 was nine-sixteenths 

 of an inch, while that of those in No. 2 was eight-sixteenths. 

 Again, taking several top-shoots in each, the average length 

 of those in No. 1 was 3 feet, while that of those in No. 2 

 was 2 feet 8^ inches. The average length of the longest 

 side-shoots in No. 1 was about 2 feet, while those in No. 2 

 averaged 1 foot 7 inches. 



Before trying the above experiment, T was under the con- 

 viction that the thorn, being a surface-rooted plant, and re- 

 quiring only a certain amount of moisture for its healthy 

 growth would in all probability send its roots no further than 

 where they received the requisite supply, and thus leave the 

 drain uninjured. Ihave only to add that this opinion is borne 

 out by a great many extensive and skilful drainers with 

 whom I have conversed on the subject, and who have in- 

 formed me that they have never found the roots of the 

 thorn penetrating the tile crossing underneath a thorn 

 hedge. 



The above experiment adds another proof to the advan- 

 tages derived from thorough-drainage combined with subsoil- 

 trenching. — Journal of Agriculture. 



ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE KYLOE. 



Under this heading we propose reviewing the means 

 practically within the reach of landowners and farmers for 

 the improvement of the native breeds of cattle in ourliigh- 

 land districts, addressing ourselves principally to the Kyloe 

 of the north. 



The Highland ox, when properly attended to, is an ani- 

 mal possessing many first-rate qualities. In a pecuniary 

 point of view he is no less "a feeder's ox" than "a 

 butcher's one," while to the consumer he is far ahead of 

 any of his rivals as to the quality of meat his carcase 

 furnishes for the dinner-table. To the breeder he is with- 

 out an equal as to health, hardiness, and the simplicity of 

 his dietaij; while his muscular development and supe- 

 riority of functions generally command for him the pa- 

 tronage of the artist, the naturalist, and physiologist. In 

 short, without wishing to say a word against the merits of 

 the improved Shorthorn, Devon, and Hereford, the High- 

 land ox has always been a favourite at our Christmas fat- 

 stock shows, as he pre-eminently was at the last Smith- 

 field Club meeting, and we venture to say will continue to 

 be so, for many reasons, as the more his acquaintance is 

 formed by the general public (if we may use the phrase) 

 the more his many good qualities are liltely to be appre- 

 ciated: 



It is only, however, a select few of this breed that attain 

 to such a degree of pre-eminence, a large proportion of the 

 whole being stunted, coarse in symmeti-y, and slow feeders! 

 affording unmistakable evidence of improper management. 

 It is such characteristics as these which have from time 

 immemorial given rise to the many articles that have been 

 written on the improvement of the Kyloe. Wha.t every 

 grazier has examined in the markets of the north is only 

 what may daily be seen exemplified in those of the south, 

 where improved breeds have been stunted in growth or 

 otheiTvise improperly attended to, similar causes every- 

 where producing similar results. 



As a breeding stock the Kyloe is well adapted for the 

 highlands of the north, if not equally well for the moun- 

 tainous parts of Wales and Ireland. In point of fact he is 

 the natm-al product of the Scottish hills, exemplifying in 

 his appearance and muscular energy all the characteristics 

 of legitimacy. 



That our improved Shorthorns, Herefords, and Devons 

 could be naturalized to the northern highlands is no doubt 

 true. What changes might take place as to early maturity, 

 weight, and quality of meat, arequestions upon which we 



shall not speculate, the practical conclusion helng mani- 

 fest that those who have any experience in their manage- 

 ment, and also of the Kyloe, would never for a moment 

 think of introducing the former to supplant the latter 

 amongst their native glens. No doubt in the lowlands, 

 along the Moray, Beauly, Cromarty, and Dornock friths, 

 where the climate is superior to that of Buchau and Strath- 

 more, or the east generally, and where arable husbandry 

 is successfully pursued, the improved Shorthorn, Hereford, 

 and Devon couldbe bred and fattened ; so could first crosses 

 of these with the Kyloe; but so long as the latter can be 

 improved without lowering the superiority of his meat, 

 any system of crossing can only be accepted as a very 

 problematical one, if not actually shortsighted and 

 objectionable. 



To what extent, therefore, can we bring artificial means 

 to bear upon the improvement of oui- Highland cattle 

 amongst their native glens ? Can we give them at home 

 a perpetual Summer ? and if not, how are we to secure a 

 uniform system of dietary, so as to make the most of them 

 when sent to the lowlands for wintering, or to the South 

 to be fattened out for the shambles of the metropolis and 

 other large towns ? 



In agricultural progression it is always a wise maxim to 

 examine carefully the ground on which we at the time 

 stand, before a single step is taken in advance in any new 

 dii-ection, and the solution of the above questions will be 

 found no exception to this rule. Let us, therefore, exa- 

 mine carefully our present management of the Kyloe, with 

 a vievf to ascertain its shortcomingSj and the artificial 

 means whose adoption is necessarily involved in their 

 removal. 



According to the old proverb " it is the food that makes 

 the cow," and just so is it with the ox ; it is the vegetable 

 produce of the Highlands that makes the Kyloe what he 

 is, where we find him in his highest degree of perfection. 

 If, therefore, we wish to improve the latter, we must 

 begin by improving the former. And by parity of reason, 

 ing, if we can improve his pasture and climate, it conse- 

 quently follows that we can improve the Highland ox him- 

 self. 



That the pasturage is susceptible of improvement by 

 drainage, irrigation, shelter, and the introduction of new 

 forage plants, no one vdll question who has set a foot in 

 the Highlands with a view to examine their capabilities in 

 this respect. The only part of the problem where diffi- 



