340 WILD WHITE CATTLE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



that of the common cow ; and the high ridge on the 

 upper surface, near to the insertion of the tongue, is 

 also very prominent. It is observable that the calves 

 that are off the usual markings are either entirely black 

 or entirely white, or black and white, but never red or 

 brown. The beef, like that of the Tankerville breed, is 

 marbled and of excellent flavour; and the juice is 

 richer and of a lighter colour than in ordinary 

 butcher's meat. The size of the smaller cows does not 

 exceed fifteen stones troy weight ; but some of the 

 larger sort, especially the bulls, average from thirty- 

 five to forty-five stones. 



" The universal tradition at Clydesdale is that they 

 have been at Cadzow from the remotest antiquity ; and 

 the probability is that they are a part remaining of 

 the establishment of our ancient British and Scottish 

 kings. At present they are subjects of great curiosity, 

 both to the inhabitants and to strangers visiting the 

 place. During the troubles consequent on the death of 

 Charles I. and the occupation of Cromwell they were 

 nearly extirpated; but a breed of them having been 

 retained for the Hamilton family by Hamilton Dalzell, 

 and by Lord Elphinstone at Cumbernauld, they were 

 subsequently restored to their ancient purity. 



" Instances are recorded of their having been taken 

 when young and tamed, and even milked. The milk, like 

 that of most white cattle, is described as thin and watery. 

 The present keeper of the park at one time possessed a 

 cow, which he had taken when a calf in consequence of 

 the death of its mother ; it was gentle, and was milked 

 as a cow, and bred freely with the common bull." * 



* These quotations are from a " Narrative as to "White Cattle at Cadzow," 

 prepared by Mr. J. Thompson, Curator, Kelvinside Museum, Glasgow. 



