74 



Scientific Proceedings, Royal Dublin Societij. 



it should do so is not surprising, since whole white produces hybrids — 

 roans — witli at least two of these colours, red and black. 



The conclusions we arrive at are these : — 



(1) Tliere are four colours forming the basis of present-day Highland 



colours, viz., black, blackisli-brown or clonn, red, and light dun. 

 One other colour, white, and other " markings " have been 

 absorbed from time to time ; but these have been almost entirely 

 bred out. The reds may be of several shades, but there are not 

 sufScient data to separate them. 



(2) Black is the dominant of red. 



(3) Black produces dun hybrids — registered "dun," "dark dun," &c. — 



when mated with light dun. 



(4) Donn or blackisli-brown produces brindle hybrids when mated with 



black, red, and light dun. 

 (5j Eed produces yellow iiybrids when mated with light dun. 



The above conclusions can be shown by the following diagram. The 

 fundamental colours are underlined. Tiie iiybrids have arrows leading 

 towards them from their parent colours : — 



> &r. 



As already stated, these conclusions are not put forward as absolute 

 certainties, but as conclusions for wliich some further confirmation is not 

 undesirable. It is lioped that breeders of Highlanders, Longhorns, and 

 Jerseys may give closer attention to shades and markings when registering 

 tlieir stock, and so we shall acquire more accurate data. 



Meantime, for any who may wish to criticize our conclusions or look 

 into the subject more closely, we place in parallel columns the results to be 

 expected from the different matings according to our conclusions and the 

 results as recorded in the Herd Book. As already explained, discrepancies 

 must be looked for chiefly in connexion with brindles and reds, although 

 other colours are not altogether free from them. 



