THE DAIRY BBEEDS OF CATTLE 



273 



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 fe- 

 male 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 jclear and decided dairy temperament, for it is that 

 quality of character 

 we most desire to 

 establish, enlarge and 

 perpetuate in the 

 Guernsey cow. 



" This is especially 

 indicated by the shape 

 of the head, showing 

 brain capacity, wide 

 muzzle, open nostril, 

 full, bright eyes, fem- 

 inine neck, and a construction of the backbone indicating 

 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 service 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; with the 

 dairy cow, the production of milk solids. In all these 

 various functions, the animal that is to represent any one 

 of them must show not only large capacity in the line of 



