154 GUERNSEY CHARACTERISTICS. 



Second. In color of hair, a shade of fawn, with white on 

 limbs and under part of body, are considered the prevailing 

 markings, and some degree of uniformity is desirable. 



Third. One of the important distinguishing features of 

 the breed is the presence of a yellow color in the pigment of 

 the skin, which is indicative of rich golden color in the milk. 

 This is very pronounced in the Guernsey and held by her to 

 the greatest extent under all conditions of stabling and feed. 

 The intensity of this trait is more marked in some animals 

 and families than in others, but it should be kept at the 

 highest standard. It is fast being recognized that this color 

 is accompanied by a superior flavor in the milk and thus 

 in the butter. 



Dairy Temperament. 



By "Dairy Temperament" is meant a strong overruling 

 predisposition or tendency to turn the consumption of food 

 towards the production of milk with a high content of solids, 

 especially butter fat, as against the constitutional tendency 

 so often seen to turn food into flesh. Even in the strongest 

 dairy breeds there are more or less frequent outcrops in 

 male and female of the flesh-making temperament. To breed 

 from such animals, while we are striving to establish a pre- 

 potent dairy temperament or tendency, is not wise. All cattle 

 bred specifically for dairy purposes should possess a clear 

 and decided dairy temperament, for it is that quality of char- 

 acter we most desire to establish, enlarge and perpetuate in 

 the Guernsey cow. 



This is especially indicated by the shape of the head, show- 

 ing brain capacity, wide muzzle, open nostril, full bright 

 eyes, feminine neck, and a construction of the backbone in- 

 dicating a strong flow of nerve power and support from the 

 brain to all of the maternal organs. 



Constitution. 



In breeding our domestic animals, especially for long serv- 

 ice like the dairy cow, it is very important that they should 

 have abundant vital power which we call "constitution." But 

 constitution must be judged and measured by the peculiar 

 function the animal is bred to fulfill. With the race horse 

 the function is speed; with the steer, the laying on of flesh; 



