58 Cross- Breeding Cattle. 



favouring' the latter conjecture. They are freely crossed with 

 the Angus, Ayrshire, and short-horn, the last-named cross being 

 most highly esteemed. 



After this general survey, I now come to a modern instance of 

 deliberate and systematic cross-breeding, based upon a careful 

 consideration of the principles of physiology, the requirements 

 of our markets, our modern system of management, and the con- 

 sequent changes in the type, constitution, and habits of our 

 cattle. 



In 1850, a gentleman in the Midland Counties,* an extensive 

 occupier of land, a first-rate judge, and experienced breeder 

 of short-horn stock, determined on establishing a distinct breed 

 by engrafting the short-horn blood on some of the other pure 

 races. After a careful deliberation, the West Highlander was 

 selected as the most suitable for the purpose. The West 

 Highlander, as found in his native glens of Argyleshire, 

 with his broad chest, springing rib, and capacious trunk, pos- 

 sesses in a high degree the external characteristics indicative of 

 a robust constitution, and a disposition to fatten readily and 

 rapidly. Ten carefully-selected cows were purchased, some at 

 Falkirk, others from well-known breeders in Argyleshire. 

 They were all of a red colour, inclining to the lighter or yellow 

 shade, and had the orange tinge of the inside of the ears and 

 skin, so much valued in many pure breeds, as indicating a kindly 

 disposition. They were all put to a pure-bred short-horn bull, 

 and, after having produced their second calf, were fattened off or 

 otherwise disposed of. Of their offspring the steers were all fed 

 off at from 1^ to 3 years of age, but the heifers were put to the 

 best short-horn bulls that could be procured, either bred by, 

 or descended from, the herds of Lord Spencer, Sir Charles 

 Knightley, Joseph Robinson, of Clifton, or of that of the late 

 Mr. Richard Booth. It was an interesting study in itself to 

 Avatch the effect of the cross with the different bulls, and it was 

 remarked that the Booth blood always left the clearest impres- 

 sion. In some cases it was difficult even for a practised eye to 

 distinguish the second cross from a pure short-horn ; but inva- 

 riably the last traces of their mountain origin were to be detected 

 in the length and thickness of the horns, width of the forehead, 

 and shortness of nose or distance from the eyes to the muzzle. 

 The original cows, like all mountain-breeds in a semi-wild state, 

 were shallow milkers, though the milk was of a very superior 



* John Beasley, Esq., Chapel Brampton, Northampton, 



