42 CATTLE. 



has been, that the breeds of some of these islands now bear the highest 

 price among the Highland cattle. 



^mmmMxm 



WEST HIGHLAND BULL OF THE ISl.ES. 



In a group of islands, extending nearly two hundred miles from 

 north to south, there will be considerable difference in the character 

 and value of the breed ; but through the whole of them the striking 

 peculiarities of the Highland cattle are evident. The principal differ- 

 ence is in the size, and in that the cattle of the southernmost island, 

 Islay, claim the superiority. This island is sheltered by its situation 

 from the storms to which most of the others are exposed, and the 

 pasturage is better; the cattle are earlier ready for the market, and 

 attain a greater weight. This increase? of size would not be of advan- 

 tage on the northern islands, or even on the mainland — the cattle, 

 deprived of a portion of their hardihood, would not be proof against 

 the inclemency of the weather, and would starve on such scanty 

 forage as the Highlands in general supply. Breeders are so much 

 aware of this, that they endeavor to preserve the purity and value of 

 their stock, by selecting, not from the districts vv^here the size has 

 increased, but, by almost general consent, from the Isle of Skye, 

 where the cattle are small, but are suited to the soil and to the climate ; 

 and can he most easily and securely raised at the least expense ; and, 

 when removed to better provender, will thrive with a ra^ndity almost 

 incredible. 



The origin of the term Kyloe is obscure, but is said to be a cor- 



