222 THE CATTLE OP GREAT BBITAIM. 



This is a matter of importance to a nation wMch pays thirteen 

 millions a year to the foreigner for butter and butter substi- 

 tutes. 



In order to ascertain the value of a herd, individually or 

 collectively, the churn is the simplest and best test. The creamo- 

 meter, which measures cream by volume, is inconclusive, owing 

 to the varying densities of cream, Analysig is likewise incon- 

 clusive, because the butter value of milk is partly dependent 

 upon physical causes, such as the size of the fat globules, which 

 are not determined by chemical analysis. 



In order to establish a practical standard by which to measure 

 the efficiency of their herds, it is not necessary for breeders to 

 have recourse to the island, or to America, for their data ; nor 

 to base their conclusions upon phenomenal results whencesoever 

 obtained. Existing records supply abundant evidence as to 

 what has been accomplished by English herds treated on simple 

 practical lines. 



The introductory articles, written by Mr. John Thornton, and 

 printed in Vols. I. and II. of the English Jersey Herd Book, 

 contain a mass of information on this point. We quote there- 

 from a few facts relating to the herd owned by Mr. P. Dauncey : 

 " The herd at Horwood, as a rule, was kept up to fifty cows. 



Careful measurement has often shown fourteen poTinds 



weekly from one cow ; indeed, in one instance sixteen pounds 

 was obtained. The greatest yield was in June, 1867, when the 

 entire herd of fifty cows made 10|lb. each cow, and 9|lb. over. 

 The average produce the same year from the whole was * within 

 the slightest fraction of seven pounds per head per week, dry or 

 milking.' Twenty-two quarts of milk was the highest record 

 from any one cow in one day." — Yol. I., E. J. H. B., pp. 75, 76. 



This is essentially a grass record, and the yield of a herd of 

 dairy cows treated on Mr. Dauncey's system would necesssarily 

 fluctuate, to some extent, according to the season. But in un- 

 favourable seasons, it is possible for the butter dairyman to use 

 artificial foods advantageously and economically, and in this 

 manner to correct the inequalities of our variable climate. 



Bearing in mind our conclusion upon this evidence, as well 

 as upon other sources of information, we assert that it is not 

 unreasonable to expect a herd of Jersey cows to show an 



