Chapter XXXVI. 



NORTH WALES BLACK CATTLE. 



{Anglesea. ) 



As a separate and distinct breed, this race of cattle has re- 

 ceived attention only of late years. Descended from the same 

 original stock (the wild Forest breed of Wales and West England) 

 as are the Pembrokes or Castle Martins of South Wales, and par- 

 taking largely of the same general appearance, they yet show de- 

 cidedly different characteristics, which, by right, stamp them as a 

 separate breed. 



Of the gentlemen in Wales who have been so actively advanc- 

 ing the interests of Anglesea cattle, we can make only brief men- 

 tion ; they well deserve more extended notice. Col. Henry Platt, 

 of Gorddinogg, Bangor ; Lord Harlech, of Glyn Hall, Talsarnau; 

 R. B. Smith, Esq., of Tynewydd, Bangor, and the editor and 

 honorary secretary (now deceased) of the association, Wm. A. Dew, 

 have been among the most active workers. 



Only one importation of which we are aware has been made to 

 America. In 1885, Mr. J. B. Warren, of Larchwood, la., imported 13 

 head for the Larchwood estate. Answering our inquiries, under date 

 Sept. 12, 1887, this gentleman says: 



"We have had our herd for the last 18 months, and are prepared to say that they 

 are a very large breed, quite as large as the Shorthorns, and much hardier. They are 

 excellent milkers, are very docile and thrifty. Last year most of our cows ran out until 

 the middle of January, and were at that time in much better condition than the natives." 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 



Color black, with occasionally white about the udder in cows and 

 scrotum in bulls ; all other spots of white, while not necessarily a mark 

 of impurity, are discouraged, and will soon no doubt be known only as 

 an occasional reversion. The hair is long, fine and wavy; head rather 

 large; neck medium; quarters full, and general outline approaching very 

 nearly that of the Devons. In size they are classed with the larger 

 breeds, mature bulls weighing from 1,800 to 2,200 Ibs., and cows from 

 i, 100 to 1,500 Ibs. The Earl of Cawdor, whose answer is published in a 

 report to the Department of State, goes still higher, and places the "live 

 weight of the bulls 24 cwt. ; oxen, 22 cwt. ; cows, 18 cwt. " The horns 



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