Cowyard Personalities

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 8 (Supplement)

Cowyard Personalities

r PHE personages in the cow-vard are many and varied, yet if carefully studied, they each possess diflerent traits. Firstly there is Becky, an old red cow, who, on account of her age. dominates the rest of the herd. Nobody dare horn Becky, but nevertheless they have to beware of her sharp horns. She never runs if she can help it, but prefers to walk in a dignified fashion, appearing quite ruffled if anyone causes her to hurry unnecessarily. Hilarv is a light red cow with nieelycurved horns and is rather good-look-

ing as far as bovine beauty goes. I am quite sure that if Hilary was human she would be a vivacious red-head, gay, full of confidence, and always in the limelight. Wendy is a complete contrast, being nervous," scatterbrained and seemingly unable to stand up for herself. She always rushes aimlessly round the yard when she is horned, and never thinks of turning to protect herself. Bunty is full of self-assurance, and also of the wish to stir tip trouble

By RONA COSTER, M.B.G. (15)

quite frequently by poking some timid heifer just in front of her when 6he goes into the bail. She does not leave much room to get past, which is awkward, as she is apt to kick rather spitefully on occasions. Asia, also an old hand at the game of cow-yard etiquette, tosses her head menacingly should anyone dare walk close in front of her. She has a great liking for apple cores, and always draws one's attention to the fact by sniffing loudly.

Bcckina is another timid creature, always rushing for the empty bail, but is also rather addicted to giving a sly prod to any caw in a worse position than herself. Creamota (not thus named on account of any inilkfng qualities she may possess), is rather slow and goodnatured as long a| nobody interferes with her, but when she gets annoyed she can kick very vigorously. Then-, last but not least, there is the kitten, Black Jockpy, who comes to the shed regularly. He sits on the stool when anyone is milking, but only in the middle bail, never in the two end ones. There are, however, two drawbacks to this innocent show of affection. Several cows detest him heartily, and always fidget when they see him near. Secondly, he sticks his claws into the milkers knee, which is not altogether appreciated. He is given milk out of half a coconut shell, and always waits till he gets it, but much prefers the froth after the milk has been strained. One of his favourite tricks is to creep up behind an unsuspecting hen and then to spring at her, thereby causing tier to run. cackling loudly. He even used to treat the turkey in this fashion, and the turkey always responded suitably. Although he is rather a nuisance, sometimes, he gives endless amusement, and is even tolerated by many of the cows, some of whom let him walk round their feet at milking time.