resulted from a cross of the native breed with the Spaaish cattle inl' 

 ported in colonial times; but to call it ''Texas cattle" would be quite as 

 accurate, and would readily convey to our American people its true class 

 and characteristics; for in all points the cattle of Texas and Venezuela 

 appear to be identical. 



The custom of collecting or "rounding up" the cattle of the different 

 sections twice a year for the purpose of identifying, marking, and brand- 

 ing by individual owners, as is practiced in the State of Texas, is com- 

 mon here also; and this, together with the influence of wholesome laws 

 supplemented by the vigorous enforcement of cowboy regulations, suf- 

 fices to settle all doubtful or disputed questions of ownership. 



The public domain supplies ample pasturage, where all stock runs 

 untaxed and unrestricted; stock raisers and agriculturists paying no 

 tax whatever to the Government, all the revenues of which are derived 

 from duties levied on imports and exports. Of course it will be under- 

 stood that on this vast pasture, lying between the sixth and ninth de- 

 grees of latitude north, no preparation for wintering stock is necessary; 

 the climate being always from warm to temperate, and the grasses and 

 herbage affording the requisite sustenance throughout the year. 



While the price of stock may only be approximately given, it is safe 

 to calculate it at not less than $10 in United States currency per head 

 on ordinary even running lots of cattlp over two years old. They have 

 been much higher even, owing to the late wars; but, with continued 

 peace, prices must rule much lower. Owing doubtless to these high • 

 prices and the diHiculties of transportation, there are no meat-canning 

 establishments in the country ; but, with these obstacles removed, the 

 export of canned and refrigerated meats mipiht be large and remuner- 

 ative. The pasturage, as has been stated, is ample; and while it is quite 

 impossible to give a technical classification of the different grasses, it 

 may be suflScient to say that they comprise annual and perennial varie- 

 ties of the best quality for raising and fattening cattle. 



With all, however, that may be said upon the subject, it is proper to 

 conclude that, at least for some years to come, our own Western prai- 

 ries must continue to be the best home for the stock-raiser; where, with 

 improved stock, sufiQcieut pasturage, a good and convenient home and 

 foreign market, just laws properly administered, and, above all, absolute 

 safety from predatory bands of revolutionists, he may dwell safely in 

 the land, rest serenely in his castle, and reap surely the increase of his 

 flocks and herds. 



W. S. BIRD, 



United States Consulate, Consul. 



La (jruayra, September 20, 1884. 



UABACAIBO. 



BRPORT BT CONSUL PLUMAOSEB. 



I regret to state that I am unable to give any special information in 

 answer to the Department circular. There are no improved breeds here. 

 The cattle of this part of Venezuela run wild and are not even branded. 

 They come mostly from the Indian country, known as the peninsula of 

 the Goyara. Cattle here are only reared for their hides, and meat for 

 daily consumption. As a rule only the milk of goats and asses is 

 consumed. 



^ „ ^ E. H. PLUMACHBR, 



United States Consulate, Consul 



Maracaibo, November 30, 1883. 



