638 CATTLE AND DAIRY FARMING. 



resulted from a cross of the native breed with the Spanish cattle im- 

 ported in colonial times: bur to call it ''Texas cattle* 1 would be quite as 

 accurate, and would I'eaiiily convey to our American people its true class. 

 a::d characteristics; lor in all points the cattle of Texas and Venezuela 

 appear to be identical. 



The en.Mom of collect 'ing <>r "rounding up" ihe cattle oi'the ditl'erent 

 see: ions twice a year for the purpose of identifying, marking, and brand- 

 ing by individual owners, as is practiced in the State of Texas, is com- 

 mon here also: and this, together with the intluenee of wholesome laws 

 supplemented by the vigorous enforcement of coicboy regulations^ suf- 

 fices t settle all doubtful or disputed questions of ownership. 



The public domain supplies ample pasturage, where all stock runs 

 untaxed and unrestricted; stock raisers and agriculturists paying no 

 tax whatever to the Government, all the revenues of which are derived 

 from dm ies levied on imports and exports. Of course it will be under- 

 stood tli at on this vast pasture, lying between the sixth and ninth de- 

 grees of latitude north, no preparation for wintering stock is necessary; 

 the climate being always from warm to temperate, and tin 4 grasses and 

 herbage alibi-ding the requisite sustenance throughout the year. 



AYhilc the price of stock may only be approximately given, it is safe 

 to calculate it at not less than $10 in Tinted States currency per head 

 on ordinary even running lots of cattle over two years old. They have 

 been much higher even, owing to the late wars; but, with continued 

 peace, prices must rule much lower. Owing doubtless to these high 

 prices and the dilliculties of transportation, there are no meat-canning 

 establishments in the country: but, wjth these obstacles removed, the 

 export of canned and refrigerated meats mu*ht be large and remuner- 

 ative. The pasturage, as has been stated, is ample; and while it is quite 

 impossible to give a technical classification of the different grasses, it 

 maV be siitHcieiit to say that they comprise annual and perennial varie- 

 ties of the best quality' for raising and fattening cattle. 



With i'.ll. however, that may be said upon the subject, it is proper to 

 conclude that, at least for some years to come, our own Western prai- 

 rie> mu>t continue to be the best home for the stock-raiser; where, with 

 improved stock, siiiiicient pasturage, a good and convenient home and 

 foreign market, just laws properly administered, and, above all, absolute 

 safety from predatory bands of revolutionists, he may dwell safely in 

 the land, rest serenely in his castle, and reap surely the increase of his 

 lioek< 'Kit! herds. 



AY. j$. BJKD, 



UNITED STATES CONSULATE. Consul. 



La (iKayra* tifylcinbcr U0 7 1881. 



MARACAIBO. 



L'l.roja' J:Y ro.y.srv, rir.MAciiLR. 



I regret to state that 1 am unable to i:i\e any special information in 

 answer !> the Department circular. There are no improved breeds here. 

 The cat! le of i his part of Vene/iieJa run wild and are not even branded. 

 They come mostly from the Indian country, known as the peninsula of 

 the (io\ar;i. Cattle here are only reared lor their hides, and meat for 

 dai!\ consumption. As a rule, only the milk of goats and asses is 

 consumed. 



K. II. rLUJMACnKK, 



UNITED STATES CONSULATE, Consul. 



Maracaiboj November 30, 1883. 



