4 APRIL 1952, Page 19

Hard on Jerseys Jersey cattle are stoutly' defendedby the secretary

of the English Jersey Cattle Society. He draws attention to a note of mine on the hardy breeds of cattle found on the hilly farms of North Wales, and points out that Jersey herds are to be found in Wales as well as in Northern Alberta. I do not doubt the facts, but I do suggest that a census of breeds will show that the Welsh farmer is partial to the Friesian, the Ayrshire, the Shorthorn' hd the Welsh Black. The Jersey is hardy, I am told. Some of my farming friends are not inclined to think that it is particularly so, and insist that the Welsh Black is hardier and the Friesian a more suitable breed for the country than the Jersey. I am not an expert, but 1 know a Jersey cow when I see one, and I do not see them anything like as often as I see the breeds I have mentioned. While I admit that quantity in milk-production may come into it somewhere, I think it likely that the native beast, if not the Friesian and Ayrshire as well, is a better proposition on pasture not so lush and hills that are exposed. I find that I am not alone in my view. In that very' excellent book, Both Sides of The Road, Sidney Rogerson speaks of the Friesian as a breed to be met anywhere in Britain and cobtinues: " Not so the Channel Island cattle. As natives of islands nearer the sun they do not do well in northern climes. Indeed you will seldom see either Jersey or Guernsey cattle in England north of the line of the River Trent."