WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. 8 1 



(5) They are generally finished on low land, and for this 

 purpose they are in high favor in Scotland and England. 



VI. Feeding qualities. / 



(1) These are only medium, as the/ mature so slowly, and 



(2) Owing to their natural wildnfess, they take some time 

 to become accustomed to confinement. 



VII. Quality of meat./ 



(1) The meat is well laid on, is of the finest quality, and 

 commands the highest price in the English markets. 



(2) The proportion of the dressed meat to the live weight 

 is also large. 



VIII. Milking qualities. 



(1) These are not good, since they are subjected to con- 

 ditions unfavorable to milk production, but 



(2) The quality of the milk is excellent. 



IX. Value in crossing and grading. 



(1) For either use there would seem to be no place for 

 West Highland cattle, since 



(2) Decreased hardihood in the progeny would make 

 them less well adapted to mountain pastures, and want of size 

 would make them less valuable than other breeds on lowland 

 pastures, but 



(3) When crossed upon by the Galloways, the progeny 

 are excellent where the food conditions can be improved. 



X. Breeding qualities. 



(1) These are of the best, since 



(2) Their environment is favorable to such breeding. 



XL Weak points. 



(1) For cold, bleak conditions they seem to be completely 

 furnished, but 



(2) Want of size, scant milk production and shyness of 

 disposition will hinder them from supplanting the large and 

 more completely domesticated breeds. 



XII. Compared with Shorthorns. 



(1) They are considerably behind Shorthorns in popu- 

 larity, general adaptability, size, maturing, feeding and milk- 

 ing qualities, and for crossing and grading, but 



(2) They are considerably ahead of them in hardihood, 

 grazing and breeding qualities and in the marbling of the meat. 



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