Character in, Old Breeds. 137 



our dry climate. But the long-established tendency of the 

 breed will be long continued with suitable feed and care. 



From the foregoing instances of natural development by 

 natural conditions and influences, it is sufficiently clear 

 that there can be no such thing as a single best breed of 

 cows for all localities, or even for several localities that are 

 considerably different in climate, or in quality and quantity 

 of feed, extent of exposure, etc. 



In cold climates, with much exposure, thick skins and 

 coats, with much activity, are required and developed ; 

 hence small but muscular breeds are most suitable. And 

 this is true of all high altitudes where feed and natural 

 protection are scanty. In localities of medium altitude, 

 with only moderate feed supply, middle-sized muscular 

 cattle are most consistent and suitable, while for rich bot- 

 tom lands, with abundant feed, large cattle are well adapt- 

 ed ; the principle to be kept in view in choosing a breed 

 for any locality or purpose being, to select such cattle as 

 will undergo the least change by transfer from one coun- 

 try or locality to another. 



When there must be, as is usual, some change, it should 

 be to more favorable conditions, as deterioration follows 

 change to inferior conditions, of feed particularly. Hence 

 it is always safer to select hardy, active cattle for local- 

 ities where activity and exposure are necessary incidents 

 in cattle raising. 



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