CHAPTER V. 



THE IRISH CATTLE. 



Before we enter on tlie consideration of the two remaining breeds 

 of English cattle, the long and the short-horns, we will take a very- 

 rapid glance at the Irish cattle. 



They are evidently composed of two distinct breeds ; the middle 

 and the long-horns. 



The middle-horns are plainly an aboriginal breed. They are found 

 on the mountains and rude parts of the country, in almost every 

 district. They are small, light, active, and wild. The head is small, 

 although there are exceptions to this in various parts ; and so 

 numerous, indeed, are those exceptions, that some describe the native 

 Irish cattle as having thick heads and necks ; the horns are short 

 compared with the other breed, all of them fine, some of them rather 

 upright, and frequently, after projecting forward, then turning back- 

 ward. Although somewhat deficient in the hind-quarters, they are 

 high-boned, and wide over the hips, yet the bone generally is not 

 heavy. The hair is coarse and long ; they are black, brindled, and 

 black or brindled, with white faces. Some are finer in the bone, 

 and finer in the neck, with a good eye, and sharp muzzle, and great 

 activity. 



They are exceedingly hardy ; they live through the winter, and 

 sometimes fatten on their native mountains and moors; and when 

 removed to a better climate and soil, they fatten with all the rapidity 

 of the aboi-iginal cattle of the Highlands and Wales. They are gene- 

 rally very good milkers, and many of them are excellent. The cow 

 of Kerry, a portrait of which is here presented, is a favorable specimen 

 of them. 



The cow of Kerry is truly a poor man's cow, living everywhere 

 hardy, yielding, for her size, abundance of milk of a good quality, and 

 fattening rapidly when required. The slightest inspection of the 

 cut will convince the reader of the difference between this breed 

 and both the larger and the smaller long-horned Irish one. 



These cattle usually are small, and are confined to the hilly and 

 moor grounds. Some are of considerable size, elsewhere, and are 

 imprcved in form as well as in weight. The horns, usually of middle 



