258 AGRICULTURAL SURVEY OF cloap. XIII. 



cows, a large quantity of both is often made, for 

 the supply of the family and for the market. 



There are, however, some farmers who pay 

 attention to both objects. As the number of 

 cows they keep are more than sufficient to feed 

 the calves they wish to rear, regard is had to the 

 dairy from the first^ and considerable advantage 

 is derived from it. 



Though a great proportion of the county is 

 chiefly adapted to the breeding and rearing of 

 young stock, a great many cattle are also fed 

 for the butcher. Those who follow this prac- 

 tice, do not depend upon the stock bred by 

 themselves ; but buy in such a quantity as they 

 want, in the spring, fatten them on the grass in 

 summer ; and dispose of them as soon as they 

 are fit for slaughter. After which a fresh cargo 

 is purchased for winter, which they fatten on 

 turnip with hay or straw, and sell in the spring. 



Besides the true Fife breed, which are chiefly 

 to be found in the hands of actual farmers, se- 

 veral other kinds have been introduced from 

 England and other places. These last are most 

 commonly to be found in the possession of the 

 gentlemen, and by crossing them with the na- 

 tives, a mixed breed has been produced, and is 

 now very plenty in the county. This, how- 

 ever, with submission, has hurt the breed, in- 

 stead of improving it. These foreign and mixed 

 breeds can boast of no quality, which the pure, 

 unmixed native stock does not possess in higher 

 perfection, with this peculiar advantage, that 

 they have always a ready sale, and bring good 

 prices, when the purchasers from England will 

 scarcely offer money for the other. 



