NEAT CATTLE. 195 



large and full, the muzzle open, the upper and lower lines of 

 the body almost entirely straight — while his thick, furry coat 

 and elastic hide, indicate at once an ability to endure a 

 severe climate and to thrive rapidly. 



It is not necessary that a particular description of this breed 

 should be attempted in this connection, as that was done pretty 

 full^^ in the Transactions of last year by the chairman of this 

 committee, by whom the animals of Mr. Austin's first importation, 

 were selected in their native country. To correct an error, 

 however, which seems to prevail in regard to the Kerry breed, 

 it may be stated that in the lower sections of the county of 

 that name, the Long-horned cattle are kept, from which some 

 people seem to have obtained the idea that they are the real 

 Kerries. It may be observed that there were two original 

 breeds in Ireland — one of which, occupying the more fertile 

 and level portions, corresponded in general character to the 

 Long-horns of England ; the other, occupying the mountainous 

 districts, of smaller size, of darker color, being generally black 

 — with upright instead of drooping horns, like the cattle of the 

 low country. Both breeds were always considered good for 

 the dairy. Of late years, owing to changes in the occupancy 

 of the land and the mode of farming, the modern, beef-making 

 Short-horns have been extensively introduced from England, 

 but their intrusion is regarded with little favor by the small 

 farmers and cottagers, with whom butter-making is an im- 

 portant object. As an illustration of the light in which some 

 of this class view the change alluded to, we may refer to 

 *' A Lament for the Old Irish Cow, by Kitty Conner," lately 

 published in the Belfast (Ireland) " Whig," and inscribed to the 

 members of the North-East Agricultural Society. Kitty begins 

 by saying — 



I had a cow — my Diimindhu — 



When Pat and I were joined together ; 

 And I may say that for a day 



She scarce was ever off tl>c tether. 

 Oeh ! wirrastru ! my Drimindhu, 

 Yonr jrlossy coat all did admire ; 

 My shining sloe, your like I know 

 Will never stand in shed or byre. 



But " Pat," she says, sold her " Drimindhu," and purchased 

 a Short-horn. The results of the enterprise are showu in the 

 following verse : — 



