240 FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 



The size of Cows is not so material; as, it is found that 

 all cattle eat nearly in proportion to their respective sizes. 

 What would be necessary to feed one of the large Lanca- 

 shire breed of Cows, would be nearly sufficient for two of 

 the Aldernay breed, before mentioned ; while the milk of 

 the two latter would, probably, nearly double that of the 

 former There is hardly any breed of Neat-cattle but what 

 are sufficiently large for Milch-cows, if well kept ; for it 

 should be remembered, that all cattle will grow much 

 larger, if well kept, than if kept poorly, during the Winter 

 season particularly. 



In Greatbritain, much pains have been taken to select 

 breeds which should unite the two most valuable qualities, 

 of being the best for milking, and the kindest to faten ; but 

 hitherto such breed is said not to have been found. Sir 

 John Sinclair^ however, observes, 



4 It is probable, that by great attention a breed might be 

 reared, the males of which might be well calculated tor the 

 shambles, and the females produce abundance of milk ; and 

 yet when they reached eight or nine years might be easily 

 latened.' 



He further adds, that some of the English and Scotish 

 breeds have nearly reached this point of perfection. 



If the object of the Farmer or Grazier be merely to raise 

 cattle for fating, then, perhaps, some of the larger breeds 

 may sometimes be best. In large towns, particularly, a 

 piece of a mammoth Ox, when highly fated, seems more 

 desirable, and will usually command a greater price, than 

 an equal weight of equally good beef of a small animal. 

 The Dishly breed, before meniioned, are highly esteemed 

 in Greatbrhain, for this purpose. The most essential points, 

 however, in a breed for Fating-cattle are, that they grow 

 rapidly, in order that they may soon attain their full size; 

 that they are of comely shape, for this will usually enhance 

 their price with the Butcher ; that they keep easily and 

 faten kindly, and on the best parts, as the English Graziers 

 say; and that their beef be tender, sweet-flavored, and well 

 mixed with fat- 



In this Country, but little has been done in the way of 

 raising cattle which are only intended for fating. Our 

 Working-oxen are usually bought up, at the age of seven 

 or eight years, for the purpose. For the best breed of 

 Working- oxen, therefore, due attention should be had as 

 well to t heir possessing the foregoing requisites for good 

 Fa ung-cattle, as to their being strong, hardy, quick- paced, 

 and good tor the draft. 



The signs of a good Ox, says Mr. Deane, are, thick, sol v , 

 smooth, short hair^; short thick head; glossy smooth horns; 

 large shaggy ears; wide forehead; full black eyes; wide 



