KERRY CATTLE. 14! 



(4) They have been exported to the United States and 

 Canada, though as yet only in very limited numbers. 



V. The Dexter cattle. 



(1) The Dexter is a variety of cattle, the outcome of a 

 cross between the Kerry and Devon breeds, according to some 

 authorities, and of selection, according to others. 



(2) Opinions differ as to the origin of the name. 



(3) As distinguished from the Kerry they have a rounder 

 and plumper body, shorter and rather thicker legs, a heavier 

 and stronger head, and larger, straighter and coarser horns, 

 and are better for beef, though not so good for milk, but 



(4) These distinctions are being quickly obliterated 

 through the indiscriminate blending of the two types. 



LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. 



I. Popularity. 



(1) The popularity of Kerries can scarcely be said to have 

 been tested in the United States, owing to the very limited 

 numbers yet introduced. 



(2) In Ireland they are the most popular breed of dairy 

 cattle, and in some parts of England they are meeting with no 

 little favor. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) Kerry cattle have special adaptation to conditions 

 where the pastures are much broken and not abundant, thus 

 involving much traveling in seeking food. 



(2) They should be admirably suited for the dairy in 

 semi-mountainous areas in the United States, where hardihood 

 and staying qualities are an important consideration. 



III. Relative size. 



(1) They are quite the smallest of the dairy breeds as yet 

 imported into this country. 



(2) In many instances the hight does not exceed forty 

 inches, and the average weight of matured cows is not more 

 than 600 to 700 pounds. 



IV. Milking qualities. 



(1) The ability of this little creature to give milk under 

 adverse climatic and pasture conditions is simply surprising. 



(2) The quality of the milk is also rich, being not far 

 behind that from Guernseys or Jerseys in butter fat, and the 

 quantity is large for the size of the animal. 



