THE AYRSHIRE BREED OF CATTLE. 173 



Fulton, in the year 1790 ; and in 1802 the first herd was 

 established by Mr. Ealston in Wigtonshire, on the south side of 

 Lockryan. They were introduced into Dumfriesshire towards 

 the end of the last century, gaining a footing on the estate of 

 Hope Johnstone, of Annandale. Dairy-farming has spread 

 rapidly in the south-western counties ; in these parts the Ayr- 

 shire breed is gradually taking precedence of all others. The 

 Ayrshires bred and reared in Galloway are generally longer, 

 thicker on the chine, rounder in the chest, and heavier in the 

 fore -quarters, and less capacious behind, than the native-bred 

 Ayrshire. They seem better fitted for the purpose of the 

 grazier and the butcher than that of the dairymaid, thus fur- 

 nishing another proof of the effects of soil and climate on the 

 natural propensities of animals. 



The superiority of the Ayrshire for dairy purposes is now 

 generally admitted ; they are to be found in every county from 

 John o' Groats to the Land's End. The demand on Irish 

 account is steadily increasing. Hitherto the Irish farmer, as a 

 rule, has devoted more attention to breeding and feeding than 

 he has to the products of the dairy. For many years large 

 numbers of the best animals have been exported to America, 

 where they are said to succeed remarkably well ; and, as a proof 

 of the value attached to them on the other side of the water, 

 the Americans have established a herd book, in which the pedi- 

 gree of all the best-bred animals is entered. An Ayrshire 

 Herd Book is now an established fact, which will eventually tend 

 to enhance the value of the breed. 



At present the price of ordinary dairy cows ranges from 14Z. 

 to 211. ; there is always a keen competition for the best class of 

 cows. Many dealers hold commissions to purchase all the most 

 promising animals for exportation ; show cows often realise from 

 501. to 701. each. Where so many excel, it would not only be 

 invidious, but would occupy too much space to enumerate the 

 breeders' names. We would strongly recommend those who 

 wish to see the true representatives of the race to attend one of 

 the agricultural shows which are yearly held in the county, and 

 feel sure the most fastidious would be gratified. A visit to the 

 Ayr Spring Show will well repay the trouble and expense by 

 those interested in the breed. 



