C4 CATTLE AND -DAIRY FARMING. 



crease the properties for which Ayrshire cattle are famous, and which 

 are in a degree indigenous. 



These animals are so hardy that they bear almost any variation of 

 climate, thriving well on high-lying districts without losing their milk- 

 ing properties, whilst a milder atmosphere and rich pasturage suit them 

 perfectly. 



Their great attribute* is their excellent milk, which is good in quality 

 and extraordinarily large in quantity. It is claimed that a cow of this 

 breed will yield as much milk for food consumed as any member of the 

 bovine species. 



Ayrshire cows are very popular in their native county and through 

 out the dairying districts of Scotland, partly because they suit the sys- 

 tems of farming adopted much better than heavier cows, such as Shorfc- 

 horns, would do, for the feeding is very much restricted to the arable 

 portion of the farm, the land being kept down to artificial grasses two 

 years that dairy cows may be kept. The chief objection against Ayr- 

 shires in England is that when the cow has ceased milking it is worth 

 very little for grazing purposes. 



JERSEYS AND GUERNSEYS. 



The same objection as the foregoing applies in a still greater degree 

 to the Jersey. Still there are pastures with short bites in the south of 

 England for which Jersey herds are adopted even by tenant farmers. 

 As a fancy animal for noblemen's parks, and to adorn the grounds of 

 our country gentry, Jerseys are very much extending themselves every- 

 where. They are not only affluent milkers, but the proportion of cream 

 to milk is large, and the yields of butter realized from some are remark- 

 able. A great many good herds are to be found in Hants, and indeed 

 all along the southwestern coast, also in Essex and the home counties. 



The Jersey cow is too well known for its neatness of form, slender 

 frame, its deer-like head, and its gentleness to require further description. 



The cows of the sister isle, Guernsey, are celebrated for yielding more 

 butter than even Jerseys. They are also larger in size and more hardy, 

 still they seldom yield carcasses to the satisfaction of English renting 

 farmers after their milking season is over. The same parts of the King- 

 dom where Jerseys are found most numerous patronize the yellow Chan- 

 nel Islands breed. 



The best English show-yard herds of Guernseys are probably from 

 Hants and Devon. In propagation the Guernsey in England seems 

 naturally to develop into more grazing character, and detract somewhat 

 from fine quality, or at least what would be considered so in the eyes 

 of an island judge. 



Jerseys and Guernseys were for a long time accepted in England 

 under the general title of u Alderneys," the probability being that they 

 were first introduced from the island of that name. It is only lately 

 that the difference existing between them has become generally known. 



In both islands the entry of foreign stock for breeding purposes is 

 prohibited. The law enforcing this has been long in existence, and 

 most rigidly observed ; this accounts for the purity of the breeds ill 

 these islands. 



The animals are narrow between the shoulders, have short smooth 

 coats, and the eyes have a mild, docile expression. They are healthy, 

 breed well, and last long. The principal malady to which they are sub- 

 ject is milk fever, which, if prompt measures are not taken, proves a 

 sure destroyer. 



