CROSSING. 153 



crosses, although some Short-horn bulls were found 

 on farms uniting the business of the grazier with that 

 of the breeder. The black color was referred by 

 some to the influence of the Highland race. It would 

 seem as if parentage would occasionally crop out in 

 the colors ; and although a red might now and then 

 suggest a Devon, or a brindle or black the Kyloe, and 

 rarely a pale red the Alderney, yet we saw uot a 

 single roan which would indicate the Durham. Of 

 the Jersey bull or cow we saw not a trace, and our 

 inquiries provoked the curiosity which indicated an 

 unfamiliarity, even, with the appearance of that 

 breed. 



The Highland cross appears to have been frequently 

 used, especially by those who desired handsome bulls. 

 A Mr. Home, in remarks before an agricultural club 

 in 1867, states, from his own observation, that a 

 famous prize-taking bull, Geordie, was popularly 

 accounted to have an eighth of "West Highland 

 blood. ^^ This cross gives a style to the carriage of 

 an animal, and iiacreases the tendency towards hiyiug 

 on flesh or fat. 



Perhaps the history of the progress of the Ayrshire 

 breed since 1810 can be best summarized by an 

 extract from a letter written by a prominent and care- 

 ful breeder of more than ordinary intelligence, Robt. 

 Wilson, of iorehouse, Kilbarchan : — 



"Modern Ayrshire cattle have been brought to 

 their jJreseut condition by care and attention on the 

 part of breeders, — each selecting according to his 



" Gard. Chron. and Ag. Gaz., July 27, 1867. 

 8 



