LECTURE NO. 36. 



KERRY CATTLE THEIR ORIGIN AND HISTORY, 



CHARACTERISTICS AND PRINCIPAL POINTS. 



ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 



I. The Kerry is the only purely native breed 

 of cattle in Ireland that is possessed of much merit. 



(1) From time immemorial they have been bred pure, but 

 only in an aimless way until within a comparatively recent 

 period. 



(2) In size, shape and color they bear a close resemblance 

 to the native cattle of Brittany. 



II. Kerry cattle are so named from the county 

 of Kerry, and until a comparatively recent period 

 they were confined chiefly to the southwestern coun- 

 ties of Ireland. 



(1) The unartificial conditions which surrounded them 

 for centuries have made them the hardiest of the British dairy 

 breeds. 



(2) They have frequently been called the "poor man's 

 cow" from the great service they have rendered to the cottager 

 in rural districts. 



(3) The extent to which they have been kept for this pur- 

 pose measurably accounts for their characteristic docility. 



III. Improvement of the breed. 



(1) This was late in commencing, but has been rapid dur- 

 ing recent years. 



(2) Both in England and Ireland noblemen have zealously 

 engaged in the work. 



IV. Exportation of Kerries. 



(1) Details with reference to this work are meager, but 



(2) From their original home they have been introduced 

 into many of the counties of Ireland. 



(3) They are also numerously kept in several of the 

 southwest counties of England, and 



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