THE OX AND THE DAIKY. 



different points of superiority. In Cornwall, for example, a 

 small black race of cattle formerly prevailed, and may still be 

 found in the western moorlands. This breed is similar to 

 some of those found in the Scottish Highlands ; and from its 

 hardiness is well fitted for the locality it occupies : its hair is 

 deep, close, and curly, and the skin thick two points of ad- 

 vantage in a climate of alternate storms and calms, cold and 

 heat. During the summer the commons and wild moorlands 

 supply a sufficiency of food ; and when in their winter sheds, 

 chopped straw, furze, heath, and other coarse herbage, are 

 sufficient. Hence these cattle are maintained at very little 

 cost ; and as they yield a fair quantity of milk, and when put 

 upon moderately good fare, rapidly fatten, they will suit the 

 small farmer, perhaps half-farmer, half-fisherman, in a bleak 

 mountain-district, over which the ocean tempest is driven so 

 frequently. 



In more favourable districts the North Devon breed, one of 

 high excellence, or a cross between the Devon and the old 

 Cornish, is cultivated, and sometimes a cross between the 

 latter and the Alderney. The pure North Devon cattle, how- 

 ever, are decidedly preferred ; and though the short-horned 

 Durham breed has been introduced, and crosses between it 

 and the Devon occurred in the fertile parts, yet the pure 

 Devons are better adapted for the county generally, and are 

 also more easily obtained. Excellent butter and clouted 

 cream are made in Cornwall, but no cheese, or but little, and 

 that very inferior. 



There is, perhaps, no county in which oxen are (or till very 

 lately were) more useful for the plough, and the wain or cart, 

 than in Cornwall. The plough is very simple, with a straight 

 mould-board, and is drawn by four or six oxen ; there is a 

 peculiar wain of light construction, well adapted for the rough 

 roads of this county, and usually drawn by oxen ; these are 

 generally put into harness at three years old, and worked 

 until the age of seven or eight ; the strong roads render their 

 shoeing necessary ; but with their feet thus defended, they 

 exhibit considerable activity, and get through more work daily 

 than might be expected. It must be acknowledged, that for 

 lightness of step, spirit, and energy at the plough, the North 

 Devon cattle are unequalled : and these are the most valued 

 in Cornwall. No heavy breed is suited for a rugged, hilly 

 country, nor indeed is any, unaccustomed to such a district, 

 and, as it were, not duly acclimated. We are informed that 



