Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-12-23
From the American Stock Journa
Different Breeds of Cattle.

Cattle have from the earliest ages been Of
the greatest service to the human family.
They differ much in size aud shape in differ
ent countries. The highland cattle raised in
Scotland or the neighboring islands, where
they are forced to live among rocky pastures,
and on scanty food, are small and hardy,
while on the rich pampas of South America
they acquire greater size.
Within the present century the attention
Of stock raisers has been given to improving
cattle in all desirable qualities The great
difference in some points has led to dividing
cattle into different families or breeds 1t is
the object of the present essay to point out
some of the characteristics of the leading
breeds; although in the limited space assign
ed, this must be done in a very brief manner
The breed to which the most attention is at
present directed is of the family Of Short
Horns known as Durhams. These are gener-
ally of a roam or spotted red and white color,
although sometimes of pure white or deep
red. They are well shaped and contain great
weight of carcass in the smallest Dimensions.
Durham cattle make superior oxen and are
the most profitable for beef, but in milking
qualities they are believed by some to be in
ferior to some other breeds, but this is not
admitted by all. A cross of the native with
the Durham will produce good results. The
English have generally cxcelled in these ami
mails, but Of late American cattle have been
purchased by English breeders, to improve
their herds. There are at present quite a
number of breeders of Durhams in America
AldeneyS. This stock of cattle is a
variety of purely dairy stock and originated
in the channel island. They are not large
They yield but little milk, but that is extreme
ly rich, some c. ira fine cows making fifteen to
twenty pounds Of butter per week Quite a
number Of importations-have been made and
they are pretty well scattered over the cast
ern and middle states, where they are held in
high estimation for their valuable dairy quail
tiles. In England they are kept by fanciers
more for ornament than use. The breed is
of French origin.
Ayrshires. This breed is supposed by
some to be cross of the Durham and Alder
ney; it takes its name from the county of
Ayr in Scotland. 1t is extensively raised in
England and probably ranks next to the Dur
ham in numbers in the United States. They
are favorites with some first class dairymen
from the quantity and quality of milk and
the readiness with which they fatten after
having served their purpose in the dairy.
They are short horns of mingled white and
red color
HerefordS. These cattle are not first rate
mixers, but are more profitable for beef than
some others. They are not generally bred
in this country, other stocks doing as well.
They have long horns, and are Of red color,
varying from dark to pale or nearly yellow,
and mostly marked with white bellies.
Galloaodys. A hornless breed and like the
Herefords better for butchering than dairy
purposes. They have straight backs, and
sides round like barrel, capable of sustain
ing great weight of meat. The color is gen
orally black, occasionally spotted with white
or dark brindle.
DeroH. This breed is not of large size,
but is well proportional. They yield a me-
dunn quantity of milk of superior quality
and by some are esteemed the best breed for
the dairy. They fatten well, having the de-
sired streaks of fat and lean, and fine
favored beef is obtained from the carcass
This breed has been greatly improved within
the last few years, and the cattle are noted
for their docility either as dairy cattle OF
oxen. Having noticed the principal breeds
will not enlarge further d. ,.