ITALY. 331 



meat of State by my predecessor, Mr. J. Scliuyler Crosby, on the 20th 

 May, 1882, and as far as I can learn was in all points correct except as 

 regard** prices, which were too high.* 



This, the Val di Chiana, I think the only breed in Tuscany worthy to 

 be exported to the United States, unless perhaps a trial might be inado 

 with the Montaniua, a very hardy class of cattle, and producing good 

 inilk on what they can pick up in the mountains 5 they are also good 

 draft and fair beef cattle. 



CATTLE OF THE VAL DI CHIANA. 



The following is the substance of a letter received from the agent of 

 Count Frassineto, who is the most important breeder and dealer in the 

 Val di Chiana breed of cattle, and whose statements are entirely to be 

 depended upon. The color of the Chianiua cattle is white, with fine 

 horns, and eyes peculiarly bright and expressive. They are, indeed, 

 very handsome. 



A new-born calf weighs about 44 to 55 pounds, and at one year 

 will weigh about 1,102 pounds and measure in height about 5 feet. The 

 estimated price is $115 to $135.t 



A bull two years old, measuring 5 feet 6 inches and weighing 1,763 

 pounds, would be about the average. He might bring $193.t A bull 

 three years old measures 6 feet 3 inches and weighs about 2,204 pounds. 



A calf after castration and arriving at the age of one year may weigh 

 from 881 to 1,102 pounds, and measure 5 feet, being valued at $77.20. 

 At two years this calf would measure about 5 feet G inches, weigh 1,543 

 pounds, and be valued at from $96 to $116. At three years it is con- 

 sidered an ox, would measure about 6 feet 3 inches, weigh about 2,204 

 pounds, and be worth from $135 to $154. 



Heifers at one year weigh 882 pounds, and measure 4 feet 7 inches. 

 At two years 1,323 pounds, and measure 5 feet 3 inches. At three years 

 a heifer becomes a cow ; size about 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 7 inches ; 

 weight about 1,543 pounds. The prices of cows are the same as for 

 oxen. 



Of this breed, both male and female arrive at the age of puberty 

 when twenty mouths to two years old. The male serves well up to four 

 years of age, the female to ten years and over. Oxen are yoked when 

 about twenty months and generally endure six or seven years of work. 



Feeding and housing. In this district cattle are generally kept in 

 stalls. They are fed as follows: Winter, a mash of turnips and hay 

 with bean or corn flour thrown in, if the cattle are to be fattened. 

 While working they are fed with hay alone with one portion of oats per 

 day. 



Bulls are higher fed ; hay, turnips, and oats being freely given. To 

 cows besides the usual food given to oxen, rye flour and flour of peas 

 or beaus are added. These latter increase the milk secretion. 



During spring, summer, and autumn grasses are freely given; care, 

 however, is to be taken not to mix the fresh food with the dried. 



In regard to feeding, 6.G1 pounds of fodder, are needed daily for each 

 220 pounds of live weight This for cattle being fattened and stall-fed. 

 To fatten thoroughly, 11 pounds must be fed daily for every 220 pounds. 

 For cattle at work or serving, 8 pounds for every 220 pounds per day. 



* This report is published immediately following Consul Welsh's report, 

 t These prices, the consul says, are much overestimated. 



