LECTURE XXX. 



JERSEY CATTLE. 



Origin, History and Development of the Same in the Isle of 



Jersey. 



It is probable that no breed of cattle has been more pro- 

 foundly influenced by environment than the Jersey, and for 

 this reason a brief glimpse at the Isle of Jersey is of interest. 



The island lies in the English Channel, midway between 

 Great Britain and France. It is under English control, but 

 has its own law-making body. The total area of the island 

 is 39,G80 acres and a considerable portion, over one-third, is 

 devoted to roads, or is so rocky as to be practically non-pro- 

 ductive. The population in 1890 exceeded G0,000 people; and 

 the number of cattle kept on the island is estimated to range 

 between 20,000 and 25,000 head one cow for every acre of 

 grass land. 



Lying in the midst of the sea and bathed by the waters 

 of the Gulf Stream, Jersey has an altitude of about 400 feet 

 on the northern coast, and slopes southward, so that the 

 southern coast is level with the ocean. It has a remarkably 

 uniform climate, for the sea breezes temper the heat of sum- 

 mer, and the inclination of the land to the south protects 

 it from cold winds. Winter is absolutely unknown. 



The mean temperature for the year ranges about 51 de 

 grees F., and varies but little in winter or summer. Moisture 

 is abundant, and pasture is good the year round. Intensive 

 conditions prevail, land renting at from $50.00 to $100.00 per 

 annum. Much of the land produces three crops per year. 



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