586 THE HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPEDIA. 



fore is a milker in quality and moderate quantity, while the bull gives a 

 frame to the steer that compares well with others for beef carrying. But 

 the steer will not mature so early as the Shorthorns, Aberdeen Poll, and 

 Hereford, or ever attain the sams weight on an average. 



The Ayrshire. We have a pretty thorough test of the Ayrshire cattle. 

 In sure breeding we have no cause to complain nor can anything be said 

 against their adaptability in raising a calf. Every cow we have has to be 

 milked three and four weeks previous to calving an imperative necessity 

 to avoid milk fever ; after calving, two of our best have regularly suckled 

 calves, and in addition have had to be milked with the hand twice daily 

 for two or three weeks, depending upon time of the year, whether on grass 

 or in stall. We have not, however, been treated to that continuance of 

 milk that I was intimate with in the Lothians of Scotland the great flow 

 lessening more rapidly and dribbling too long. I do not attribute this 

 to actual poorer pasture or keep otherwise, but to the great difference in 

 -climatic conditions and the want of that important variety of grasses se- 

 cured only in permanent pasture. It is not true in our experience that the 

 Ayrshire cow gives a lash of milk on comparatively bare pasture, in which 

 regard she is, on an average, decidedly inferior to the Canadian, but it is 

 true that her milk is of that blue type not so rich in cream as charac- 

 terizes them in their 'own country. A cross between the Ayrshire bull 

 and Canadian cow is in good repute as a milker with us ; they do not lose 

 in size of frame, and gain somewhat in long milking. A cross with an Ayr- 

 shire cow and Shorthorn bull has not shown any advantage in milking 

 and very little in build for beefing, though the steer is vigorous and 

 growthy, but too slab-sided and wedgy taking too much after the 

 mother, Practically then as regards the pure Ayrshire they require good 

 treatment in order to maintain their famous milking properties, and I am 

 of opinion that an infusion of new blood is as often needed as in any other 

 breed not so much a change of bull from any other herds in this coun- 

 try as that of a directly imported one. 



The Hereford. This breed has exhibited a very clear and steady line 

 of conduct all throughout. No trouble in breeding, and no petting re- 

 quired. The Hereford is a good mother, second only to the Devon in our 

 experience, and ahead of its dangerous compeers the Shorthorn and 

 Aberdeen Poll. 



We have been charged with partiality and lack of practical experience 

 in cattle life, by one of our American critics especially in comparing 

 Herefords and Shorthorns. This is not true, and I trust will never be so. 

 As responsible to a Liberal Government, and guiding a grand country, it 



