384 MODERN FARRIER. 



their invention, ' one of the greatest improvements 

 that lias lately taken place in regard to dairy ma- 

 nagement.' 



It has been lately found, that slate makes very 

 good milk coolers ; and in some of the midland 

 counties of England, the common flag, or transition 

 slate, has been employed for this purpose. 



52. Milch Cows. 



A proper choice of cows is of the greatest conse- 

 quence, because certain species of this animal, as well 

 as certain individuals of the same species, afford 

 vastly more abundant and richer milk than others. 



Short-horned cows yield much milk : the long- 

 horned give less, but the cream is more abundant 

 and richer. The same quantity of the milk also 

 yields a greater proportion of cheese. The polled 

 or Galloway cows are excellent milkers, and their 

 milk is rich. The Suffolk duns are much esteemed 

 for the abundance of their milk, and the excellence 

 of the butter it produces. Two-thirds of these, with 

 one-third of the small Alderney or French cow, 

 (mixing the milk,) are recommended by some as the 

 best dairy stock that can be kept. Ayrshire, or 

 Kyle cows, are much esteemed in Scotland ; and in 

 England the improved breed of the long-horned 

 cattle, by JNIr. Bakewell of Dishly in Leicestershire, 

 is highly prized in many dairy districts. Every 

 judicious selector, however, will always, in making 

 his choice, keep in view not only the different sorts 

 and individuals of the animal, but also the nature of 

 the farm on v*'hich his cows are to be put, and the 

 sort of manufactured produce he is anxious to bring 

 to market. The best age for a milk cow is betwixt 

 four or five, and ten. When old she will give more 

 milk, but it is of an inferior quahty, and she is less 

 easily supported. 



