540 The Influence of Dexter Cattle on other Breeds. 
far superior in make to the Indian native animal, there is little 
reason to suppose it would rapidly deteriorate. The Zebu is 
frequently used for draught purposes, but there is no ground for 
suggesting that the Dexter cross would prove injurious in this 
respect, as it is both agile and handy, while its sturdiness denotes 
strength. It is also docile and possesses great intelligence. 
Even such small breeds of cattle as the little “ Pigmy ” 
might reasonably be crossed with the Dexter, for from all out- 
ward appearances the two would mate well. 
Having seen how well the Dexter crosses with breeds so widely 
different, it is, I repeat, fair to assume that it is not by an accident 
that the excellent little animal in the Dublin Zoological Gardens 
acquired its good points, or that the Dexter characteristics are 
so prominent. Were the same results obtained on all the cattle 
in India, the increased value of the animals would represent a 
very great sum. A sudden change throughout the whole 
country is impracticable, but it is quite possible to produce a 
considerable alteration within a reasonable period of time. It 
is at any rate worth while for those interested in the agricultural 
development of India to give a careful and systematic trial at 
convenient centres, in order to see how far success might be 
attained. Such matters, left to chance, or to the care of indi- 
viduals with small scope, cannot realise the best results, and 
through want of proper guidance frequently prove to be labour 
lost. The illustrations which have been given speak for them- 
selves, aud show at least that there are sound reasons for a 
thorough trial being made ; if such should be carried out there 
is a reasonable likelihood of great good being accomplished. 
W. J. Malden. 
Caidington, Bedford. 
