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tity for a short period. The cows are universally
tethered, as in Jersey, and are moved, watered, and
milked, three times a day. From about the beginning
of November, during the winter, parsnips aud mangel
wurzel are given to the cows at night.
The price of Guernsey cows may be thus stated.
An average good farmer’s cow will cost from 9/. to
11/. A handsome cow, for a gentleman’s dairy, from
11/. to 14/. A known good cow, such as might be
sent as a specimen, from 14/. to 16/. Heifers about
2A years old, ready to calve, sell about 2/. below these
classes,—classifying them as above.
The export of cows from Guernsey is not large.
I have been told that one reason why so few cows are
sent to England, is, that it is difficult to tempt even a
small farmer to part with his cow. This however,
appears to be an insufficient reason; for as all cows
are not of equal goodness, the farmer might part with
his inferior animals. In 1832, there were exported
238 cows, and 394 heifers and calves. In 1833,—
185 cows, and 368 heifers and calves.
There are few points in which island jealousy is
carried farther, than regarding the breed of cows, of
Jersey and Guernsey. It is certain however, that of
late years, greater attention has been bestowed upon
the breed of cattle in Guernsey, than in Jersey; and
the laiv forbidding the importation of any foreign
breed, has been scrupulously acted upon. A Guernsey
farmer would not upon any account, admit a Jersey
cow on his grounds. In England, no difference between
Guernsey and Jersey cows, is understood: but
the number of the latter exported, being by far the
greater, they are generally better known to the
jobbers.
The Guernsey cattle are considerably larger than
those of Jersey; and it appears, from the evidence of
the clerk of the market, that an ox has attained the
weight of 1500lbs. Quail, in his report, says, those
of 12001bs., or 60 score, are not unfrequently seen.
I am told, that a Guernsey cow, when its nativity Is
distinctly known, and when offered among those best
able to judge, fetches a higher price than the Jersey
cow. This may possibly be owing to theMarger size:
for there can be no doubt, that greater size, supposing
all the other points equal, gives the animal an advantage.
The following is the description and standard
of excellence of a Guernsey cow, transmitted to
me by one well versed in those matters. Colour:
light red, yellow and white. The points of excellence
are 20, viz:—1. Pedigree of the bull, as well as the
cow; yellow ears, tail, and good udder, 7 points. 2.
General appearance; colour, cream, light red, or both,
mixed with white, 3 points. 3. Handsome head, well
horned ; and bright and prominent eye, 4 points. 4-
Deep barrel-shaped body, 3 points. 5. Good hind
quarters, and straight back, 2 points. 6. Handsome
legs, and small bone, 1 point. I believe however, this
classification of points of excellence is not rigidly ad hered
to. I have seen it stated of the Guernsey com^s,
young and old, that the general average is rather more
than 365lbs. of butter in the year, being equal to lib.
of butter or eight quarts of milk in the 24 hours.
But the proof of the superiority of the Guernsey
cow, which is the most triumphantly appealed to, is
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