28 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



and being narrow between the shoulders, are enabled to move 

 briskly and are therefore adapted to working under the yoke. 

 They come early to maturity, but are excelled at the pail both 

 as to quality and quantity by other breeds. 



The origin of the Ayrshire is even yet a matter of dispute ; 

 but recent criticism leads to the conclusion that the improve- 

 ments in this breed were effected by a cross with compact Short- 

 horn bulls, descended from good milking families. Of late, the 

 Ayrshire has increased in popular favor in this country, and if it 

 continues to improve in size and quality of milk, it bids fair to 

 take possession of our dairies, especially where quantity of milk 

 is most desired. 



The Alderneys, or, as now designated, the Jerseys, were 

 well known in England a century and a half ago, are men- 

 tioned incidentally in the literature of that day as good milkers, 

 and are supposed to have come from Normandy into the 

 Channel Islands. They have been improved there, especially in 

 the Island of Jersey, one of the three, by the severe laws 

 prohibiting other cattle coming on the island, and by close 

 attention to selection and breeding. Many good specimens were 

 brought to this country from time to time by captains of vessels 

 half a century ago, but it has only been during the past twenty- 

 five years that they have been largely imported, and we now 

 have probably as fine Jerseys as are to be found in the world. 

 As hereditary butter-makers they are unequalled, and if we can 

 improve their sliape, give them more size and adaptability to 

 take on flesh, they will prove more valuable than they are now, 

 and be desirable for any class of farmers. 



The Herefords, which are creeping along in the public estima- 

 tion, especially as working cattle, date their origin far back in 

 English history. They were originally deep red, now usually 

 red witii white face, throat, belly and sometimes backs, and 

 once in a while one almost white, with red ears, is found amongst 

 them. As a dairy cow the Hereford has but little reputation ; 

 as a working ox he is equal to any, and also as a beef animal. 



The Dutch cattle are an ancient breed, and transmit their 

 characteristics to their progeny with regularity. They are good 

 at the pail, though the milk is said to be inferior in quality, have 

 a large, compact frame, are invariably black and white in color, 

 with short horns and hair. 



