FIRST CENTURY OF DAIRYING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 



ini>t economical production, with parts adjusted in symmetrical re- 

 lations and proportions, that constitutes the perfect cow, and Ayrshire 

 lera claim this for the Ayrshire. So do those who favour the 

 other breeds mentioned. Many are to be found who suggest that the 

 Ayrshire is >imply the product of previous judicious crossing of some 

 common breed of domesticated cows with the wild white bulls to be 

 found in the forests oi Britain. Yet there clings to the Ayrshire an 

 indescribable something, an air, a style, that sets her apart from all 

 others. . In other words, she is a distinct type of cow. 



If, however, one is allowed to venture an opinion on the suggested 

 crosses the writer would favour the theory that the Ayrshire, together 

 with the other smaller breeds, is the descendant of the original semi- 

 wild .vliite and black breeds of Britain, and the Holderness and simi- 

 lar breeds of domesticated cattle are representative of a larger type. 

 Much inquiry has failed to clear up the origin of the Shorthorn, but 

 the cattle of the Baltic and North Sea provinces appear to have pos- 

 sessed many of their characteristics, including excellent milking 

 qualities. The modern Shorthorn is undoubtedly descended from the 

 Longhorned Durham, which were descended from the Longhorns. 



Prior to 1/50 British breeds were prized for their great milking quali- 

 ties. But the effect of the Napoleonic wars was to force up the prices 

 of meat and grain so high that nearly all the milk breeds were super- 

 seded by animals that produced nothing but their progeny and casks 

 of beef. Blakewell, of Dishley, systematically improved the beef- 

 producing qualities of the Irish Longhorns, but left no records, so his 

 system remains a secret, beyond the fact that he in-bred extensively. 

 Bates improved on the beef-producing qualities of Bakewell's Long- 

 horns, and produced what was afterwards known as the Longhorned 

 Durham by a system of in-breeding without any mixture of new blood 

 a system which he claimed added largely to the beef-producing 

 qualities of his stock without deteriorating "their milking qualities. 



In 1777 Mr. Charles Collings purchased Hubback to serve a purpose 

 which has never been clearly explained. It appears, however, that ho 

 was a great 'feeder, and responded quickly to generous treatment, 

 which goes to prove that he put on beef at a rapid pace. Hence, ac- 

 cording tO f Coates, he was the foundation of the "improved 

 Shurtkorns. His color was yellow-red and white, with clear 

 waxy horns, deep large body, and mild bright eyes a de- 

 scription, curiously, that would apply to the Spanish cattle and 

 bred them with a special system of his own. 



20. 



