204 CATTLE AND DAIRY FARMING 



CONCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS. 



Before concluding, it may not be deemed inexpedient to introduce a 

 few qualifying remarks that may not produce any detracting influence, 

 but have a tendency to establish confidence in my experience and hum- 

 ble endeavors to give a correct and unbiased description of the capa- 

 bilities of the various breeds of cattle referred to in this report. For 

 many years I had the entire management of the extensive and distin- 

 guished herd of Shorthorns belonging to the late Earl of Ducie, Glou- 

 cestershire, as well as the Herefords, Scots, and Jerseys, which were 

 kept more as experimental auxiliaries than for the permanent establish- 

 ment of the breeds. I established a considerable herd of selected Short- 

 horn cattle for Napoleon III, and although they were located in the two 

 extreme temperatures, they answered admirably, and just as their in- 

 fluence was beginning to be felt in France their further development 

 and usefulness were suddenly cut short by the unfortunate Franco- 

 Prussian war. I also formed, and for many years superintended, the 

 well-known herd of Shorthorns belonging to Colonel Gunter, in addi- 

 tion to Galloways and other smaller herds of different breeds, and have 

 acted on nearly three hundred occasions as judge of stock at agricult- 

 ural societies in the United Kingdom. My remarks, therefore, as far as 

 possible, are founded on facts obtained by long experience, and I am 

 actuated by no motive or interest beyond a desire to submit this report 

 with as much truth and as few errors as my abilities will allow. 



I have for forty years given my undivided attention to breeding and 

 feeding of nearly every description and breed, during which time I 

 have shipped to all quarters where British breeds are to be found, 

 and have had more than ordinary opportunities afforded of acquiring a 

 thorough practical knowledge of the true merits of the various breeds. 

 I have always found the Shorthorn, Hereford, Devon, and Scotch Pol- 

 lies answer admirably when exported to Australia, New Zealand, South 

 America, the United States, and Canada. I entertain a very high 

 opinion of the Sussex cattle for exportation. There are many other 

 English breeds, but I think 1 have named the animals best adapted for 

 other climates. The Norfolk Pollies answer well with liberal keep, but 

 cannot rough it with the Scots. The Highlanders, on account of their 

 wildness, have not often been tried, but they can easily be subdued and 

 brought to be very gentle. 



The full details of the properties of our best British breeds of cattle 

 are embodied in the separate reports under the different heads, which 

 facts strongly support my confident recommendation of the following 

 breeds as the best adapted -for exportation to the United States and 

 Canada, viz, Shorthorns, Herefords, Devons, Galloways, Aberdeens, 

 and Sussex. These animals possess strong, robust constitutions, and 

 other essential properties abundantly fit them to fully maintain their 

 reputation when suitably located, and every bre'ed named is capable of 

 further development under circumstances more favorable to their varied 

 habits. The Scotch Pollies can stand severe climates with inferior food, 

 and the heavier cattle will freely respond to the rich fare of the plains. 

 Where milk and butter are made specialties the Jersey and Ayrshire 

 are invaluable. The West Highlander, if once located in the United 

 States, would gain friends where the climate did not. necessitate the 

 winter housing. The Longhorns are very ungainly, both by rail and 

 ship, owing to their ponderous horns. 



