OHAPTEE XII. 



GALLOWAY CATTLE. 



By GILBEKT MUEEAY, Elvaston, Derby. 



ALLOW AY proper comprises the counties of Wigton 

 and Kirkcudbright, forming the south- western sea- 

 board of Scotland. G-eologically it rests principally 

 on the Silurian rocks of the primary formation, 

 attaining in some parts an elevation of nearly 2000 feet. The 

 uplands are principally devoted to pastoral purposes, to which 

 they are well adapted ; the mild humidity of the climate and 

 peculiar nature of the soil tend to produce a luxuriant growth of 

 the coarser kinds of grasses and herbaceous plants, thinly 

 interspersed with patches of heath. The average yearly rain- 

 fall is 35in. 



The cattle, which derive their name from the district they 

 inhabit, are possessed of distinctive and strongly marked 

 characteristics. We learn from authentic sources that so early 

 as the beginning of the sixteenth century they had attained 

 considerable celebrity, which they have successfully maintained 

 to the present day. The Galloway is generally classed with the 

 mountain breeds, though we think he might more appropriately 

 be placed amongst those of the plains. With ordinary keep, 

 the ox at three years old will weigh from nine to ten scores per 

 quarter. To persons but slightly acquainted with the breed 

 they are very deceptive, as they weigh heavier in proportion to 

 their size than any other classes of cattle. The hides weigh 

 well, and when well fed the beasts produce internally a large 

 quantity of loose fat. The beef is tender, and has the fat and 

 lean well mixed together; hence they are held in high estima- 

 tion both by the butcher and the consumer. 



