102 MY FARM. 



again, butter had been the aim, I am sure I should 

 have made no great mistake in deciding for the sleek 

 Jersey cattle. But for mere supply of milk, under 

 ordinary conditions of feeding, I do not know that 

 any breed has as yet established an unchallenged 

 claim to the front rank. The Devons, Ayrshires, and 

 Shorthorns, each have their advocates ; for the lati- 

 tude and pasturage of New England, if I were com- 

 pelled to choose between the three, I should certainly 

 choose the Ayrshires ; but I am satisfied that a more 

 successful milk dairy can be secured by a motley herd 

 of natives, half-bloods, and animals of good promise 

 for the pail, than by limitation of stock to any one 

 breed. I am confirmed in this view by the examples 

 of most large dairies of this country, as well as by 

 many in Great Britain. I particularly remember a 

 nice little herd which I had the pleasure of seeing, 

 some years since, at the excellently managed farm of 

 Glas-Nevin in the environs of Dublin : sleek animals 

 all, and thoroughly cared for ; but showing a medley 

 of races ; the queen milker of all as it chanced 

 having lineage in which the Ayrshire, the Shorthorn 

 and Devon were all blended. 



T know there are very many cattle fanciers, and 

 stanch committee men, who will not approve this 

 method of talking about mixed stables, and of a 

 medley of different races, as if a farmer were at liber- 



