BREEDS OF STOCK. 279 



If we decide to make beef we would not select from the 

 Jersey as favorable to our object, but rather adopt the Short- 

 horn, Devon or Hereford ; our selection from either of these 

 varieties being influenced by our ability to feed large or small 

 cattle most profitably. 



If milk in large measure is desirable the Devon will be passed 

 by, and our attention arrested by the Ayrshire, a variety 

 which has been bred with regard to this specialty during the 

 last seventy-five years, and which doubtless promises a larger 

 return for the cost of keeping than has hitherto been obtained 

 from any other. But if circumstances indicate that butter may 

 prove more remunerative than either milk or beef, no one would 

 hesitate in making a choice, since I think it is acknowledged 

 that the Jersey, for quality of butter, and for peculiar richness 

 of milk desirable for family use, stands as yet unrivalled. 



Our choice of breed having been decided, we should be 

 governed, in the selection of the animals to compose our herds, 

 for whatever specialty designed, by certain rules. First, we 

 should look for those possessing similarity of color, style and 

 general appearance ; whose skins are thin, soft, silky and elastic, 

 and whose eyes are large, mild and bright. 



Those intended for milk sliould carry the unmistakable 

 external appearance, in every point of form and development, 

 of being good milkers ; and each should be selected from a line 

 of ancestors, through many generations back, that have been 

 bred and fed with a view to this specialty, and to develop this 

 quality in its highest degree of perfection. 



Indeed, I believe the special character and quality of all 

 breeds of stock, in large measure, depends upon the food they 

 receive, together with their general management during the 

 period of breeding, and continually through a succession of 

 many generations. 



Breeders for the dairy should be fed with regard to this 

 specialty, and that their offspring, even during the period of 

 gestation, may be brought under all the influences tending 

 toward this result. 



Calves should nurse until the udders of their mothers are all 

 right ; and then, on weaning, should receive milk and oatmeal 

 gruel until dry meal or some oats, with water for drink, may be 

 allowed. 



