Rose of Bushey at Leeds, and Whipper-in at Battersea, have each brought home their prizes, while three out of four of the yearlings, at Battersea, were commended. This herd is announced for sale in October. teen females. Arch Duke is at home. Duchess the 77th, at 3 years old, has taken 1st prize at Leeds, seven challenge Cups, and nineteen other prizes in the counties of Durham, Lancashire, and Yorkshire. These results carry us back to their origin. We well remember Mr. Wood's herd, at Stanwick Park, is also anthe Oxford Royal, and picture "Tommy Bates," with nounced for sale, by Mr. Wetherell, at the end of Auhis favourite tribe, and all the prizes. We have also gust next. The foundation of this herd was laid some watched their progress since, but have not seen a second 50 years ago. The younger animals are chiefly deDuke of Northumberland, his style, size, quality, and scended from Booth's bull. Mr. Stratton's is an imother characteristics were so happily blended. This sort portant herd, and has been chiefly bred from one cow, has been reimported from America. Mr. Thorne has old Mossrose. Apart from the numerous prizes this sold six, at an average of 300 guineas each, this year; herd has obtained, it now numbers about 300. Mr. Lord Oxford, in class 1, was purchased at 400 gs. We Stratton's best sales have been chiefly to foreigners. hear that Mr. Atherton has bought Mr. Bolden's Grand Duchess family, consisting of 13 head, old and young together, two or three of them barren, and several only calves, at £5,000. Of the Booth blood so much has been written, that we confine our notice to an extract from the Chester report, in the Royal Agricultural Society's Journal. "The Booth blood is now by almost universal consent, recognized as the best tribe of Shorthorns in existence; they trace back to Suwarrow (636), bred by Mr. R. Collings, and the two bulls Pilot (496) and Albion (14), bought at the Collings' sale, by the Messrs. Booth." The Mason blood has not been so successful at the Agricultural meetings; they were, as a family, rather light of flesh, and not so squarely grown as the Collings' sort. The Towneley herd was started in 1849, by the purchase of Mr. Eastwood's herd of some ten or twelve animals. The money prizes, medals, and challenge cups won by this herd, must now occupy a tolerable space in Towneley history. The herd now numbers its usual standard, about 50 head. The young bulls, and occasionally the females, are sold to all parts of the world; we offered 1,200 gs. for Royal Butterfly to supply a commission from Australia, which was refused; his brother having previously realized the same amount to the same colony. The Butterflies were established from Buttercup, and Bessy, both sisters to Princess Royal, the three from Barmpton Rose. All four of these were bought at Mr. Henry Watson's sale, about 1843; the two first by Mr. Eastwood, Princess Royal by Earl Ducie, and Barmpton Rose by Sir C. Tempest. The famous Frederic was from Bessy, of the same tribe. The Feversham herd was commenced by the late Lord Feversham, 40 years since, but made no public entrée until Cleveland Lad was purchased of the late Mr. Bates. Two bull calves, the Dukes of Oxford and Gloucester, were then purchased at the Tortworth sale, the former took the 1st prize at the Chester Royal, the latter at Paris. Other prizes have been taken at Warwick, Smithfield, Birmingham, York, Leeds, Hull, Rotherham, &c., &c. The herd now numbers from 50 to 60 head. Mr. Ambler's herd now consists of 25 females, and 10 bulls, their maximum being 40 head. The tribes of Booth and Bates are favourites, if combined they are better still. The money triumphs of this herd are innumerable, and the gold and silver cups serve as an advertisement to all comers. Twenty-two bulls have been sold to the continent and the colonies since 1853, at an average of 125 gs., and 17 females averaging 115 gs. each. The sale of 50 animals in 1857 averaged 84 gs. Gamester and Windsor Augustus, winners of 18 prizes, were at Battersea. The Bushey Grove herd is another instance of succesful enterprize, now numbering about 60 cows and 20 bulls. Merrie Carlisle first found Mr. Marjoribanks an exhibiter of Shorthorns. A commendation, and a good sale of his animals led on to future contests at the Royal. Great Mogul at Salisbury and Chester, Harkaway and The Babraham herd, although numbering with one exception the largest entry in the Shorthorn Herd Book, as will be seen on reference to the two last volumes, has sung second to the Southdowns. But like the cottage figures that prognosticate the weather, the Southdowns now give place to the Shorthorns. Essex had known its strength, as three times in five years had the challenge prize offered to all comers in the bull classes been won by Mr. Webb. Leeds had the Englishman as a second prize yearling bull. Battersea, close upon the heels of the clearance" from the sheep-fold, brought out the family tribe of bulls-Sir Charles, Englishman, and First Fruit; the first-named being the sire of the second, and the second of the third; each progressing onwards, finishing with the Society's gold medal for the best male animal in the show. We think "First Fruit" will be excelled by some future brother, possibly the produce of some one of the five Battersea cows and the now famous Englishman. These animals were all bred by Mr. Webb. The Sarsden herd now numbers 100 Shorthorns. Amongst them we find the good old blood of Sir C. Knightley's. Lord Ducie's Chaplet" and her little herd are also here. Royal Turk, the first prize bull at Warwick, and second at Leeds, has done well for this herd. The Lord of the Harem is another staunch support to the future of the Sarsden herd; while the third prize bull at Battersea best showed the fruits of the past. Bates blood has been used a good deal of late. Booth and Bates blood are found to mix well, and is being encouraged. Mr. Hewer, of Sevenhampton, commenced his herd in 1844. It now represents nearly 100 animals, chiefly descended from the late Earl Ducie, Lord Spencer, and Sir C. Tempest's herds; and Booth Bulls have been used during the last few years. Seventy-four prizes have been taken, and sales to foreigners have succeeded them. The Branches Park herd, commenced in 1856, has created a lively interest in the Shorthorn world, and led to the now popular plan of publishing annual catalogues of the herd. The open and frank way in which this herd is set forth commends it to the public. Booth blood is the tribe selected. The establishment of this herd has two missions in view: 1st, Pure bred Shorthorns; 2nd, Shorthorns for dairy purposes-these are nicely put, and may be read to advantage. The best herd consists of about 70 head, among which are the Bracelet blood (Spicy and Almack's Belle), the Bonnet tribe (Lady Grandison and Lady Windsor, her daughter), the Mantalinis (Victoria, Victoria Origin, La Vallière, and Rose of Promise), Fame and Faith tribe, ancestors of Crown Prince (Castanet, Castianira), May, nard's tribe going back to R. Collings' blood (RosyRosedale, and White) Lady Cherry Queen and Wild Cherry of the old Cherry Blood, and Lady Sarah, Ladye Edburga of the Panton blood. Considerable losses have been experienced, all by over feeding; but it would now seem that the vessel was righting itself, and all will be well, that is, if the key of the artificials be kept a little more within bounds: to pursue the system would indeed be adding fuel to fire, with the eyes open. The death of the beautiful two-year-old heifer Ladye Alfrida was a serious loss, not alone as regards her money value, but as the future parent of an important tribe. On 1st January, 1862, 106 prizes, and many gold and silver medals had found their way to Branches Park. The farm of 525 acres, revels in the returns made to it by the Shorthorns: it needs no other aid than this highly prized manure. prize cow, Fill pail, girthed 7 feet 9 inches. The milking properties of these animals were at one time much extolled. Large and important dairies were kept in Leicestershire, and high prices realized for the breeding stock; but for the want of a master hand, or head, to maintain the breed, they have glided down hill, others taking up the vacant ground. NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK POLLED. get a place in public estimation than in Norfolk and In no instance do "the counties" struggle harder to Suffolk. The old Norfolk sheep have passed away, but collected into force, and have this year done honournot the polled cattle. The scattered herds are being the other counties. Lord Sondes long since came to his "milk-and-beef"-producing-animals; but they their rescue, and occasionally exhibited specimens of had not been seen in force until the Battersea meeting, where Sir E. Kerrison, Sir Willoughby Jones, and Messrs. John Smith, Samuel Wolton, A. W. Crisp, G. Hampton, and W. Ransome supported Lord Sondesthus forming an interesting class of 27 entries. Mr. Holland, of Dumbleton Hall, has a rising herd, established about 1852, by the purchase of a few good females and a bull from Mr. Stratton, since which, additions have been made from the herds of Lord Exeter, Messrs. Featherstonaugh, Adkins, Atherton, Bell, Craw-able battle alongside the more numerous tribes from ley, and Surtees. Duke of Cambridge (12742), General Havelock by Cherry Duke 2nd (14255), Master Butterfly 5th (14921), and Duke of Cambridge (15921), have succeeded each other at Dumbleton. A daughter of Lady Charlotte, with a bull calf by Butterfly will be put in training for Worcester. Lady Charlotte is of the Surtees blood, 81 guineas was paid for her at the sale. There are herds springing up in almost every corner of the shires. Bedfordshire is doing well. The Biddenham herd, and Mr. Pawlett's (of Beeston), are coming on. Mr. C. Howard's neighbour, Mr. Robinson, is also growing in force. Mr. Pawlett has ten cows in his herd, which cost over £1,000. These are chiefly in calf to Sir James. This herd now numbers twentyone females and nine bulls. Mr. Howard has some of the Charmer blood from Sylph; the Graceful from Wood's, Pearls from Crofton's blood, the Gurguins, and Lady Spencer's of Mason blood. The Lady Spencer family produced the first prize yearling bull at Leeds; they are of good size and quality, and Mr. Howard is opening up a good foreign trade. Mr. Robinson, of Clifton Pastures, is an older breeder, and well up in Shorthorns. His Claret family is as well known in the show-yard as the history of the Duke of Thorndale on both sides of the Atlantic. This famous bull is being jointly used by Messrs. Howard and Robinson. Mr. Robinson has added another Duke to his herd, the 2nd Duke of Airdrie, from the Speke sale; this looks like going on. Colonel Pennant's herd is gaining strength, the particulars of which have been chronicled with the Drax Abbey and Whitewell herds in the 20th volume of the Farmers' Magazine. The Athelstaneford, Mr. Bolden's and Mr. Stirling's are given in vol. 16. The Aylesby (Mr. Torr's), Captain Gunter's and the Bushey Grove herds in vol. 15. THE LONG-HORNS. These were the pet cattle of the late Mr. Bakewell, since whose death they have gradually decreased, and are now only to be found in the hands of a few veterans, who yet admire the sort. They have long been peculiar to the midlands, especially Leicestershire, and around Warwick. Mr. Bakewell reared some beautiful cattle at Dishley. These were fine in the horn, had small heads, clean throats, straight backs, and wide quarters, but were light in their carcase and offal. They were also gentle and quiet in temper, and grew fat with a small proportion of food; but these fattening animals, like those of other breeds, gave less milk than the "bony ones." The characteristics of the breed were exemplified in the present classes. The prize bull Tom at 4 years and 6 months girthed 8 feet 2 inches! He was the property of Col. Inge, Thorpe, Tamworth, which, with the four best cows, the property of Col. Inge and Messrs. Warner and Twycross, formed a complete study of themselves-both massive and elegant; Mr. Warner's (of Weston Hill, Nuneaton) first prize cow, Lupin, was in fact a splendid animal. The 2nd We noticed that the animals sent from the county of Norfolk were of a darker red than those from Suffolk. Climate may have much to do with this: we have frequently noticed the rich red colour of the Devon change with change of climate. In confirmation of the great interest taken by Lord Sondes in this breed of cattle, we notice that his prize animals were bred by interest-even curiosity-has sought the starting point himself, at Elmham Hall, Thetford, Norfolk. Much of these animals. Some declare them to be Devons "without horns"-a joke, but not fairly put. Their origin seems more properly to be that of an introduction of Scotch polled Galloways to these counties for grazing purposes, even as far back as the middle of the last century. The change in colour is probably owing to a selection. cross with the then native breed, or to the influence of After the introduction of Devons by the late Lord Leicester, the polled stock would appear to have been somewhat neglected. Until about twenty years ago they had got into very few hands. At the present time there are upwards of sixty herds of pure-bred polled cattle to be found in the county of Norfolk alone. Amongst the principal breeders are Lord Sondes, who has 80 head; Messrs. Hudson, of Castleacre; T. W. George, of Eaton; Oliver, of Dorking; Hudsons, of Billingford; Quarles, Blakeney, Wrighton, and Griggs, of Gately; Sir Willoughby Jones, Bart., Cranmer; Col. Mason, of Necton, &c. The Duke of Bedford at Wobourne, Mr. Tollemache in Cheshire, Mr. Webb and Mr. Garth in Berks, Mr. Hampton in Sussex, are also breeders of the Norfolk and Suffolk polled cattle. A good cow gives six gallons of milk per day when in full profit. These steers at three years old weigh from 50 to 60 stone (of 14lbs.). These are favourites with the west end butchers. Where little care has been bestowed upon them, they are light-made in every way -not so with the specimens exhibited at Battersea. The first prize cow, Duchess of Norfolk, the property of Sir E. Kerrison, and the second prize cow Hetty, the property of Sir W. Jones, were of a large caste, yet round in form, with expressive countenances denoting their feeding properties, while the herdsman assured us that they were well up to three gallons of milk per meal, and of a hardy constitution. Lord Sondes also exhibited a beautiful cow in this class, which unfortunately calved in the yard, thus leaving her a bad chance for competition. However, she aptly illustrated the milking qualities of the breed. His first and second prize heifers in-milk-Coral and Ruby made a good display, as also Sir E. Kerrison's bull, Sark is situated about 6 miles to the east of GuernBowbearer; Mr. J. Smith's (Crownthorpe, Wymond-sey, on which it depends, and is about 5 miles long and ham, Norfolk) Red Jacket; Mr. Wolton's (Newbourn 3 broad. Hall, Woodbridge, Suffolk) Eclipse; and Mr. Crisp's (Chillesford, Wickham Market, Suffolk) Duke. The yearling heifers formed a pretty group. Five of the eight entries were from the herds of Lord Sondes and Sir E. Kerrison, the former gaining first honours with Cherry, and the latter second with Plover the 2nd, by Bowbearer. Mr. W. Ransome, St. Albans, Herts, exhibited a polled roan heifer in this class of good merit, as regards form; but by the Suffolk breeders it was designated "The disowned." WELSH CATTLE. NORTH WALES.-The cattle districts of Carnarvon, Merioneth, and Anglesea failed to produce competition in four classes, and Mr. Harvey, of Harroldstone, Pembroke, stood alone with his two entries in the cow class: these were large and good. The counties of Flint, Denbigh, and Montgomery are famous for dairy produce, while in the former, rearing of cattle is almost exclusively attended to. These oxen or runts are chiefly exported to England, and are grazed most in the counties of Leicester, Northampton, and Warwick. It is estimated that 25,000 leave their native homes annually for the English market. SOUTH WALES.-The five classes open to the six counties of Cardigan, Radnor, Pembroke, Brecknock, Carmarthen, and Glamorgan contained but nine representatives-1 bull, 3 cows, and 5 heifers, six of which were exhibited by Mr. Sewell Read, Plumstead, Norfolk. Mr. Brown, of Haverfordwest, Pembroke, took the ball prize against merit; Mr. S. Read four prizes for his females, and Mr. Harvey, of Harroldstone, Pembroke, a prize for his in-calf heifer. These were useful of their order; but in the midst of the International Meeting failed to elicit admiration, while at Chester the Welsh classes formed a very interesting portion of the show. They may yet be materially improved, and wait attention from the enterprising man. IRISH CATTLE. The Kerrys, from the mountainous province of Munster, were small in size and small in number. They were much alike, of a black colour, and said to represent the true type of their order, viz., small cottage cows and good milkers. The nine entries came direct from their father-land, and we had among them two 66 Kings of Kerry," a "Mountain Chief," and "Mountain Maid," a "Lady," and " Kathleen of the Lakes," and, lastly, a "Kate Kearney," which shared the seven prizes amongst them. The prize bull, "King of Kerry," the property of Mr. John Borthwick, of Prospect, Carrickfergus, Antrim, was a most symmetrical little fellow-in fact, one of the best animals in the showyard. Some of the females fetched high prices. CHANNEL ISLANDS. These islands, situated in the English Channel, are four in number-viz., Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark-all subject to England. Jersey is situated 18 miles from the coast of Normandy, in France, and 84 miles from Portland, in Dorsetshire; is 12 miles long and 6 broad, and contains 30,000 acres. The valleys are finely watered by brooks, and abound in cattle and sheep. St. Heliers and St. Aubin the chief towns. Guernsey is of a circular form, from 25 to 30 miles in circumference; the soil verdant, though hilly. Port St. Pierre the only town. Alderney is small, only 8 miles in circuit; fertile in corn and pasture lands. St. Ann the only town. These islands are all famous for their breed of dairy COWS. Such has been the exactness of the Government to preserve them entire, that strict laws have been laid down to protect them against French importations. The Guernsey and Sark cattle now form one family, and the Jersey, commonly called Alderney, another; the purity of each being strictly preserved by each class of breeders. JERSEY, COMMONLY CALLed Alderney. This breed is peculiar to the island; and the prohibition laws, first established about 1780 and revised in 1827, have had the desired effect of maintaining the original purity of the breed. So stringent was the law against the introduction of any French cattle into Jersey, that a penalty of £60 was enforced against any fraudulent intruder. There are no large breeders upon the islands; the ordinary size of farms from 6 to 8 acres; those of 30 to 60 acres are the exceptions. From £4 to £5 per acre is paid for good land, and even £8 to £10 around St. Heliers. The climate is good; never very hot or very cold. The two leading breeders are Mons. A. Le Gallais, of La Moie House, and Mr. Bartholomew Watts, of St. Heliers. About 1,800 head of cattle are annually exported, representing in money value about £20,000. This is the main source of profit derived by the landowners and farmers, the prosperity of the island depending on the purity of its cattle. The Jerseys are very beautiful of their order, and most docile in their habits. Their value ranges from £15 to £20, but from £20 to £40 are given for selected animals. The breed has been unquestionably improved since the formation of the Jersey Royal Agricultural Society. This Society has laid down formal rules for judging their cattle, which are handed to the judges before they commence work, as follows: A Jersey cow, to be perfection, must have 36 points of excellence, and a bull 33 points. No prize is given to a bull with less than 25, cow or a heifer with less than 26. These numbers, without pedigree, are approved and marked with the Society's brand, but cannot (in the absence of pedigree) receive a prize. It is understood by pedigree that the parent stock must have been prize animals, and marked with the Society's approval brand. The points of excellence referred to are such as pedigree, good head, clear colour, bold eye, deep chest, round body, straight back, general appearance, with many points for milking properties, such as large bag, milk veins, &c. The favourite tribe is that of a dark grey, and bronze colour, fine in bone, active in step, and pleasing in appearance. The cows are much sought after for their dairy qualities, giving about sixteen quarts of milk per day, and averaging 6lbs. of butter per week from calving to calving, the milk exceedingly rich in quality. A large and successful dairy of these cows is kept by Mr. Dumbrell, at Ditchling, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, who is now breeding his own stock, to save the loss which importers have suffered in having to acclimatize a delicate and valuable animal. The paper read by Mr. Dumbrell at the London. Farmers' Club, in April last, will be read, and even reread, by breeders with much interest. He states that "the importation of butter alone amounted in the last year to one million seven hundred thousand cwts." Again: "For butter-making, there is no breed produducing the quantity and quality of cream equal to that of the Channel Islands." The Jersey is a smaller animal than the Guernsey; the latter being larger in body, is coarser in quality. Next to these rank the Ayrshire COWS. The four classes open to the Jerseys contained 20 specimens. Mr. B. Watts' prize bull Noble was a good animal, as also were the many prize animals exhibited by Mons. A. Le Gallais ; while the prize cow in Class GUERNSEYS.-The island of Guernsey has also its Royal Agricultural Society, the twentieth report of which was published in February last. A body of sixty members have formed themselves into a company for the mutual insurance of their cattle, numbering some 400 head-a good resolve. The Guernsey cow being of a larger frame, has a natural tendency to milk, and gives more butter than the Jersey, but scarcely so fine in quality. The numbers exhibited were limited, but the animals shown were very good; the prize heifer exhibited by Mr. J. Rougier, of Golden Spurs, St Peter's Port, especially so. The bulls were also good specimens of the breed. There are better cows in the island than those exhibited, but are in the hands of breeders, who will neither show nor sell tnem. About 1,000 are annually sold, but not the best. The quantity of milk and butter from a Guernsey cow varies much. With some it ranges as high as 20 quarts of milk and 2lbs. of butter per day; but the average may be placed at 13 quarts per day, and from 7 to 10lbs. of butter per week. In the purchase of Guernsey cows, especial care should be had to their purity, as thousands of French cows have been sent to England since the change of tariff. Guernsey cows do not reach such fancy prices as the Jerseys; a good cow can be had at from £14 to £18, and up to £30. POLLED ABERDEEN AND ANGUS. These classes elicited general admiration, their jet black colour, bright silky skins, fine touch, and robust carcases upon short legs, denoting what they really are-a hardy, rent-paying class of animals. There were 27 entries, all of which were symmetrical enough for a prize. The aged bulls were very good; our choice lay with the old second prize bull Druid, exhibited by the Earl of Southesk: he had kept his shapes free from patchiness, and well covered on the best parts. Still, the judges and the public went against us in favour of Mr. Lyell's (Shielhill, Forfar) young bull Prospero. The old bull girthed 8 feet 2 inches, the young one at 3 years old 7 feet 6 inches. The highly commended bull exhibited by Mr. Walker, Portlethen, Aberdeen, was a promising animal. The two years old bulls came to hand with less condition about them, except Mr. Pierson's (of the Gwynd, Arbroath, Foi far) prize bull Young Alford, which was too fat; had Mr. Farquharson's (Houghton, Alford, Aberdeen) second prize bull Garibaldi been in the same condition, he would have been at the top of the tree. The prize bull Rifleman, exhibited by Mr. W. M'Combie, of Tillyfour, Aberdeen, in the yearling class, was a perfect model. The second prize bull exhibited by Mr. Lyell was good, but wanting in style and quality. The Earl of Southesk's third prize bull was of great size, but wanting about the tail, where the first prize bull is so remarkably good. The cow class was a good one, the finest that has ever been brought to a show-yard. The first prize cow Pride of Aberdeen, the property of Mr. M'Combie, was one of the best, if not the best female in the yard. She has carried first honours wherever exhibited, including the 50 guineas cup in 1860. She is the dam of the first prize yearling bull, and second prize two years old bull. The second prize cow Charlotte, also the property of Mr. M'Combie, has had nine calves, is eleven years old, and won the 50 guineas cup at Aberdeen last year. She is the dam of Pride of Aberdeen, commonly called the Paris cow, having gained the first prize at the International Exhibition in 1856. Her bull calf was at her side at Battersea, her shapes held up like a four years old. It may be truly written that the three, mother, daughter, and son (yearling bull), are the finest specimens of the breed that have yet appeared. The Paris Society, founded in 1854, have just sent their medal to Mr. M'Combie. This distinction, which is of gold, is specially awarded for the polled cows which he showed at Battersea. A similar medal has been assigned to Sir Edward Kerrison, for his polled Norfolk and Suffolk COW. These medals were first founded at the suggestion of M. Dutrone, who was at the Battersea Exhibition, and it was on his report that the medals for this year were awarded. The third prize cow, the property of the Earl of Southesk, was also a good one, but had no chance with Nos. 1 and 2. These cows girthed respectively 7 feet 11 inches and 7 feet 6 inches. The two years old heifers were also good as a class; the first and second were easily selected: they also belonged to Mr. M'Combie: and were again beautiful specimens. Lord Southesk's third prize heifer was a promising animal. In the yearling class the Earl of Southesk came to the front rank; this class was not so good as the others. This polled breed of cattle has been known from time immemorial in the county of Angus, and the border counties of Kincardine, Aberdeen, and Moray. We may note the following as the principal breeders of this race: Earl of Southesk, Kinnaird Castle, Brechin, Forfar; Mr. M'Combie, Tillyfour, Aberdeen; Sir G. M. Grant, Ballingdalloch, Morayshire; Messrs. Bowie, Mains of Kelly, Brown of Westerton, Walker of Portlethen, Collie of Ardgay, Walker of Montbletton, Paterson of Mulben, F. Mains of Ardestie, M'Combie of Easter Skene, S. Conglass, Lyhell of Shielhill, Wemyss of Wemyss Castle, H. Shaw of Bogfeur, and Walker of Hardhuncart; Mrs. Scott of Balwyllo, Col. Gordon of Fyvie Castle, Sir A. Burnett of Crathes Castle, and Major Taylor of Rothieway, with many others who breed excellent cattle. Mr. Watson, of Keillor, in Angus, did more to improve the breed than any other man: and many a rising herd owes much of its merit to a large infusion of Keillor blood. Mr. Watson, however, has for some time ceased to exhibit cattle, and has now given up farming. A number of enterprising breeders seem almost simultaneously to have improved this kind within the last ten years, but no herd has stood so prominently before the public as that of Tillyfour. In the mountain districts of all the northeastern counties, polled cattle are extensively bred, and amongst these may be found good examples of the ancient race, as it was, 'ere developed by recent improvement. The improved animals are bred upon various soils; to the North of Aberdeen, where they are brought to the greatest perfection, the land is naturally of a moderate quality. The admirers of this breed consider their extreme hardiness and healthiness to be amongst their chief merits. Some of the cows are very good milkers, both in quantity and quality, but those of the improved "beef-making" breed are generally inferior for dairy purposes to those of the old type. Nothing is better for feeding purposes than the first cross between a good Shorthorn bull and a polled cow; the second cross, however, is inferior. The pure breed, as also the crosses, command the attention of the Westend butchers. As regards prices, bulls range from £40 to £200, cows and heifers from £30 to £100 each. The Kinnaird herd, consisting of about 70 head, 20 of which are breeding cows, owe their marks of improvement to the Keillor family. The pedigree of this herd had been strictly kept long before the day of the new Polled Herd Book, edited by Mr. Ravenscroft, of Edinburgh, and published by Blackwood and Sons, only a few months since. It contains some valuable information, about 800 entries having already been made, While England has its Booth, Bates, and Quartlys, Scotland boasts of its M'Combie, whose prize list stands thus: Taken at International and local exhibitions, not less than 250 prizes, 17 gold, and 40 silver medals, 2 great gold medals in France, 4 cups, and lastly the Prince Consort's cup at Poissy, value 100 guineas, for the best ox of any breed native or foreign. Many of these animals have been sold to go abroad. The Emperor of the French paid Mr. M'Combie £275 for a cow and heifer at the Paris meeting in 1856. POLLED GALLOWAY. This breed seems almost identical with the Angus, but, owing to local tastes and practices in management, these southern cattle cannot advantageously compete with the others in the show-yard, and are now exhibited as a separate class. The entries comprised 6 bulls, 3 cows, 5 heifers, and 6 yearlings-20. These were chiefly from Kirkcudbright and Dumfrieshire. The six females exhibited by the Duke of Buccleugh were all good specimens, gaining five prizes and a high commendation. Their similarity of colour, form, &c., lengthened the line of polled cattle to advantage-so much so, that a casual observer would not distinguish where the Angus began or the Galloway left off. The English grazier is most familiar with the Galloway steer, he having found his way over the borders, it would almost seem, for generations; and the Galloway is spoken of in Suffolk and Norfolk as having been the origin of the now beautiful race of cattle the Norfolk and Suffolk Polled. indifferent, only five animals competing: all receiving prizes. These short-legged bulls girthed well, averaging 7 feet each, while the Welsh prize bull was only 6 feet 4 inches. In the cow class there was an important discovery by the tape: the first-prize cow at 5 years and 2 months old girthed 6 feet 1 inch, the second at 4 years 6 feet 10 inches, and the third at 4 years and 5 months 6 feet 9 inches. There was so little difference for choice in these classes, that our curiosity did not lead us to any particular scrutiny. AYRSHIRE. The Ayrshires are an important breed, and considered indigenous cattle of the county of Ayr. They have been improved in size, shape, and quality, especially around Cunningham. The favourite colour is a mixed brown and white, some very dark, but scarcely two alike; in diversity of colour, not unlike a tulip-bed. The Ayrshires have a remarkable tendency to adapt themselves to local circumstances. The breeders, like those of the Channel Isles, are prejudiced as to shape. For instance, an Ayrshire cow must have a small head, long and narrow at the muzzle, horns rather wide apart, neck long and slender, thin shoulders, light fore-quarters, large hind-quarters, straight back, deep carcase, wide over the hips, legs small and short, firm joints, milk-veins large and prominent, square bag, teats short, all pointing outwards at a considerable distance from each other, skin thin and loose, hair soft and woolly. These are the characteristics of a dairy cow. Milk and butter is the prevailing element; a bad Scotland has adopted black as her standard cattle milker soon comes to the hammer. The produce of colour, while England has taken to red. Both colours butter from these cows is very great: the quiet and conare admissible; and formerly brindled, grey, dun, and tented are most preferred. They have a natural hardiblack and white cattle were frequently seen. Slightness of constitution, arising from their depth of carcase traces of horns are sometimes found on the heads of upon short legs. even very well bred animals; but this is considered a blemish. HIGHLAND. The display of these animals was by no means striking. This might possibly arise from the evenness of their show: yet, the gallant style and fearless expression were not there. The Highland cattle differ materially in character, probably more from a difference in climate and quality of herbage than to their being sprung from distinct races, or to their being produced by crosses with other breeds. It is only lately that any marked improvement has taken place; in the northern and central Highlands the cattle are yet defective. They have possession of nearly all that division of Scotland, including the Hebrides, from the Frith of Clyde on the west to the Murray Frith on the north. The most valuable of these are the cattle of the western Highlands and Isles, known in England as the West Highlanders, of which we have occasionally seen some splendid specimens at the Smithfield Club Show. Mr. Owen Wallis' prize steer of last Christmas, and again at Poissy, is fresh in our memory, as also a remarkable animal exhibited some few years since by Mr. M‘Combie, but we saw no such animals at Battersea. The competition in the three bull classes was very The Duke of Athole, of Dunkeld, Perth, exhibited some fine specimens of this breed, especially his 7 years old dairy cow Colly Hill, which was regularly milked throughout the show, giving full 4 gallons of milk per day. Her bag and teats were well placed, and her general appearance most complete. Her girth was 6 feet 9 inches, length from top of the tail to the shoulder 9 ft., across her hips 1 foot 10 inches. The Ayrshires were divided into seven classes: 3 for bulls, cows in milk, cows in calf, heifers under 3 years, and under 2 years; and numbered 56 entries. Lanarkshire seems to be the stronghold of the Ayrshires, from which county no less than 32 specimens were entered. Perth, Dumfries, and Forfar sent 6 each, 4 only being entered from the county of Ayr. The most successful exhibitors were, the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, the Duke of Athol, the Earl of Strathmore, Mr. Stewart, of Strathaven, Lanark (who gained seven prizes); Mrs. Wilson, of Kilbarcharn, Renfrew; Mr. A. Oswald, Auchincruive, Ayr; and Mr. Walter Weir, Barmullock, Lanark. The show of Ayrshires, as a lot, were not up to the excellence we had anticipated, but a more even class of animals, combining uniformity of character and display of milking qualities, could not be found, THE SELECTION SIR,-At the Annual Cup Dinner, in May last, Mr. W., Woodward, of Northway House, remarked that increasing complaints were made by the maltsters of many lots of barley not sprouting well and at the same time on the floor. This he (Mr. W.) attributed not only to the barley crop being cut before it was thoroughly ripe, but also to the great mixture of OF BARLEY. varieties in the same field, which, although planted at the same time, on the same day, ripened at intervals of a fortnight apart, so that it had become difficult to discover the best time (taking colour and maturity into consideration) to cut the crop For this last reason he said it behoved the agriculturist to bestir himself and make the best selection of one variety of |