26 



As a class the Ayrshires are somewhat under the average size. 

 They are usually allowed to come in at two years old, and from that 

 time until they are dried up for fattening, they are subjected to a 

 severe and constant strain on their powers in the production of calves 

 and mUk. By liberal feeding during their youth, and by allowing 

 their system a longer time for development, they are readily brought 

 to a fuU average size. 



The Devons are a race of cattle which have existed without adul- 

 teration or mixture with other breeds from time immemorial. They 

 have been much improved • by careful selection, but the efforts of 

 breeders have been directed chiefly to developing symmetry, apti- 

 tude for fattening, and early maturity, with little or no regard to 

 their milking qualities. Their milk is very rich, and the butter 

 made from it is of very superior quahty ; but in the quantity 

 yielded there is a wide difference in individuals and families. By 

 judicious selection and skillful treatment, a class of milking Devons 

 might doubtless be created which for satisfaction and profit could 

 scarcely be equalled. Probably this has already been done ; but of 

 the race at large the distinctive merits appear to be extreme do- 

 cility, quickness and endurance as working cattle, uniformity of ap- 

 pearance, symmetry, and a remarkable aptitude to fatten on mode- 

 rate keep. This latter quality is indicated by a certain mellow, 

 elastic feeling of skin and hair ; and in this property, called ''hand- 

 ling," the Devons, as a class, are unrivalled. 



The Herefords resemble the Devons in many of their essential 

 features, while they approach the Short Horns in size. Bred chiefly 

 for beef, their milking quahties are variable and unrehable. 



The Alderneys and Jerseys are a race which, time out of mind, 

 have been bred and kept on these islands for the production of 

 milk for butter-making. In appearance they support the Darwin- 

 ian theory, by forming a link between the ox and the deer. The 

 ■calves especially, if starting up suddenly, amid suitable surround- 

 ings, might easily be mistaken for fawns. The properties for which 

 these cattle are valued, are a peculiar grace and beauty, which, how- 

 ever, are apt to commend them to ladies and amateurs, rather than 

 to practical stock-breeders, an exceeding gentleness, and fondness 

 for being petted, a remarkable faculty for converting fodder of all 

 kinds into a very buttery milk, and last, but not least, such a habit 

 of holding out in their milk, that though their highest daily yield is 

 exceeded by cows of some other breeds, there are comparatively 

 few which, take the year round, will give a better return for the 

 food consumed. 



