THE DEVONS AND AYRSHIRES. 439 



sinewy. Fineness of bone and a soft, elastic touch, or "good 

 handling," are also two indispensable points. The temper should 

 be miid and gentle. 



The same points apply to the cow, though modified by the gentler 

 and more refined qualities of her sex. If the milking-qualities are 

 no object to the breeder, he will select only for symmetry, good 

 constitution and general excellence. If milk be the object, the parts 

 indicating that quality are to be considered, and selections made 

 accordingly. 



As to the color, tastes differ. Red, red and white and the red 

 roans are mostly preferred, but any color from red to clear white is 

 a good Shorthorn color. White is usually least preferred, simply as 

 a matter of taste, and therefore as a color for thorough-breds is not 

 so saleable ; but for beef-breeding the color is of little consequence, 

 so that the animal itself is good. Specimens of this breed have 

 brought the highest prices ever given for cattle. 



THE DEVONS. 



The Devons may fairly next claim our attention, as perhaps, next 

 to the Shorthorns, more of this breed have been imported into this 

 country than of any other. Of this breed whilst on a visit to Dev- 

 onshire we noticed two kinds, the North and the South Devons, 

 evidently originally from the same stock, but by a long course of 

 breeding in special locaHties of quite different appearance — the 

 North Devons of smaller size and a deep rich red color, the South 

 Devons more of a tawny red, rather larger and more chunky ; the 

 cows of the former weighing about one thousand pounds, and those 

 of the latter about twelve hundred pounds. The South Devons are 

 very beautiful, of small bone, but of very fleshy appearance, as they 

 rapidly take on flesh at two and a half years old. 



The Devons, while giving moderate quantities of milk, give that 

 of very rich quality ; therefore for those who have milk dairies we 

 should not recommend them, but a few to help the butter-yield and 

 improve the color is desirable. As oxen they have no superiors, 

 being of moderate size, weighing about fifteen hundred pounds, 

 though often fattened to two thousand pounds ; active of foot, 

 though their short limbs would hardly indicate it ; easily fattened, 

 as they " take on " very quickly, affording the choicest meat for the 

 butcher ; and withal they are docile, amiable and easily taught ;" 

 they will thrive where larger or more delicate animals would hardly 

 live, being hardy and vigorous. 



THE AYRSHIRES. 



Among the milk-breeds prominent in the British Isles the Ayr- 



