134 Oatth Problems. 



vigor, and to some extent in tlieir color. There have 

 been partial modiiications, however, in their color, from 

 fancy; but we are glad to say that in the breed generall)-, 

 their natural vigor is retained. 



How the massive, thick-set form of the Hereford origi- 

 nated, can only be conjectured, but probably certain fam- 

 ilies of Devons, of more than ordinary size, were selected 

 and taken to richer soils. It is certain that many of them 

 are bred on richer soils, in the counties of Hereford, Salop, 

 Worcester, and Gloucester, than those of the north Devon 

 country, and that they are the favorite large breed Avith 

 the tenant farmers who know them, in the counties 

 named, in England. 



As a breed the Herefords are hardy, sure breeders, and 



very thrifty on sufficient feed, while they and their grades 



are favorites with the butchers on account of the juicy and 



superior food quality of their meat, which is due to full 



muscularity. 



Alderney 



is the old general name of the cattle bred on the three 

 Channel Islands, off the coast of Normand)-, between Eng- 

 land and France. They are a small breed, having very 

 little muscular development, because they have for ages 

 been usually tethered in their native Islands, there not be- 

 ing convenient space for pasture lots of any importance. 

 Being restricted from exercise by tethering, of course they 

 could not make the muscular development which is seen 

 in active cattle, to result from regular activity. Accord- 

 ingly, the three Alderney families are ver}^ light iii their 

 muscular parts and proportion. So, in times past, they 

 were considered a "pony" or pet breed. Latterly they 

 have been brouglit more into notice on account of the 

 yellow color of their cream and butter, some of them yield- 

 ing considerable and rich milk. But as a breed they are 

 too small to consume or digest much food, while much of 



