II. 



HISTORY 



In those cases where documentar}' evidence is ob- 

 scure, and but few notices concerning the origin of a 

 breed are attainable, it seems the more philosophical 

 to first study the condition of the conntiy and the 

 surroundings from Avhich the breed was evolved. 



Our scheme concerns itself first with the earlier 

 records. After presenting in general terms some 

 aspects of the Scotland of the past, we shall next 

 call your attention to the cattle known as the White 

 Forest Breed. A sketch of the county of Ayr of the 

 past and present will naturally precede the division 

 we have devoted to the presentation of the documen- 

 tary evidence concerning the origin of the Ayrshire 

 breed ; and the history of their origin, as founded 

 on the preceding chapters, will follow next in course. 



