of tfie Vienna Exhibition, 1873. 33 



the shaded white peculiar to the race. They suck for four or 

 five months, after which the cow dries naturally. They are slow 

 of growth, and under general management do not attain their 

 full size until six years old, at which time they go first to work. 

 They continue at work from seven to nine years ; and, in fact, like 

 the Merino wether sheep, are finally only culled on account of age. 

 The cow calves and young bulls are herded separately on different 

 parts of the pasture, and the breeding stock (Gulya) also roams 

 alone. Each herd is constantly attended (for here are no fences) 

 by their Gulyas (pronounced Goolyash) or herdsmen. The cows 

 drop their first calf at about four years old. The herds are in 

 the woods and pastures summer and winter, and may be almost 

 spoken of as wild. It is not safe for a stranger to approach 

 them, and such a proceeding would be very rash without the 

 protection of the Gulyas. The ox is undoubtedly unrivalled for 

 hardihood, speed, strength, and durability. He is capable of 

 subsisting and working upon a worse quality of fodder than any 

 other race. Poor pasturage in summer, and Indian corn straw with 

 a little barley straw and hay in winter, are all that he requires ; 

 and no corn or artificial food is added, except for a short time 

 in spring during the sowing season. They work generally in 

 Hungary with a double yoke, four in a plough, and obey the 

 word of command, turning in at the end of the furrow often 

 without rein or driver. Large numbers of Hungarian and 

 Transylvanian oxen are bought by the neighbouring countries 

 of Prussia, Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia on account of their 

 fine working qualities, and they are in especial demand by 

 the large proprietors and sugar manufacturers. The custom is 

 to work the land in spring and autumn, and to fatten the surplus 

 oxen during the winter. 



The cows are seldom abundant milkers, but the milk is of 

 rich quality. They milk for eight months, and are dry for four 

 months. An ox under seven years old is called a Tino ox. 



I cannot dismiss the Hungarian ox without referring to the 

 interesting exhibition of bulls, cows, and oxen of this race from 

 Prince Esterhazy's estate of Kapuvar, now on lease.* These 

 Avere enclosed in a space at some little distance from the sheds, 

 and were exhibited in true national style. The cattle represented 

 a herd of 1200 head which originated from the Foldsziget herd. 

 These cattle are, as is always the case with a Gulya or breeding 

 stock, continually in the open air during summer and winter. 

 The herdsman appeared in the show-yard in his best costume, 

 and when mounted on his horse, with Hungarian saddle and 

 accoutrements, his fine scarlet embroidered cloak thrown over 



* See sketch iu ' Elustrated London News,' October, 1873. 

 VOL. X. — S. S. D 



