WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. 217 



dewlap ; back wide and straight, with full crops and even loin ; ribs well 

 sprung, and dropping to somewhat flattened sides. A striking pecu- 

 liarity of the Kyloe is found in the small space between the hips and 

 the last floating ribs. The lumbar region is remarkably short and 

 strong, a provision rendered necessary by the mountainous character of 

 their native country, and admirably fitting them for mountainous or 

 hilly ranges wherever found. The hind quarters are full, deep and 

 fleshed well down to the hock twist low ; fore quarters wide apart, deep 

 and heavy ; brisket very full and projecting well forward ; legs short, 

 straight and strong boned. The skin is mellow, "handling" remarkably 

 well, and the hair is long, thick and more or less wavy curled hair is 

 considered an objection. In general we may say : The Kyloe is a com 

 pact, blocky built, neat looking, middle horned animal of dark color and 

 medium size. Mature bulls weigh from 1,100 to 1,600 Ibs. ; cows from 

 700 to ijOOO Ibs. 



CHARACTERISTICS. 



The West Highland breed has two very strongly marked character- 

 istics (i) hardiness ; and (2) excellent beef qualities. To use a western 

 expression, the Kyloe is a good " rustler" that is, he is entirely capa- 

 ble of taking excellent care of himself if given a reasonable opportunity. 

 Trained for generations to range over pastures always hilly and some- 

 times scant, and sheltered only by the rocks and ravines of his native 

 range, it is no wonder that the modern Kyloe is superlatively hardy. 

 Why they have not been introduced more extensively in the ranges 

 lying along the foot hills of the Rocky Mountains, is only explained by 

 the push and energy of Hereford, Angus and Galloway breeders , and 

 the mania we can call it nothing else among Americans, for breeding 

 size without regard to vigor. Certainly it would be hard to imagine a 

 better stock for the broken range country of the western United States 

 than is found in this vigorous and impressive breed. 



And now comes the second point in his favor meat excellence. 

 Facts are stubborn things, and the fact that Kyloe or West Highland 

 beef has almost invariably commanded a higher price in the London 

 markets than beef of other breeds, speaks volumes in its favor. We 

 must remember, however, that the Kyloes have never yet been in such 

 demand as to shut off the annual supply of thoroughbred beef ; while 

 with some of the more popular breeds, nothing has found its way to 

 the shambles, except the inferior animals too poor for breeding pur- 

 poses. That the West Highland beef is really better than the marbled 

 beef of either Galloway, Angus or Hereford, we are much inclined to 

 doubt ; but that Kyloe beef is as good as the best there can be no 

 question. As work cattle, we have little knowledge concerning them ; 

 the people of the Highlands have always been essentially stock raisers, 



