150 ON THE WEST HIGHLAND BREED OF CATTLE. 



Menzies, and Mr M'Laren in Eannocli, whose united stocks 

 are still kept up by the Honourable Lady Menzies on a large 

 scale ; and the Messrs Stewarts in Glenlyon. 



The Mainland Herds. — One of the finest herds of cattle to be 

 found on the mainland of Argyll is that belonging to Mr 

 Malcolm of Poltalloch, a name known throughout Scotland as 

 being frequently connected with " ribbons and medals " at the 

 principal shows. As far back as 1844, the three beautiful 

 heifers and four prime steers shown by Mr Neil Malcolm at the 

 Highland and Agricultural Society's Show at Glasgow, were the 

 theme of admiration in West Highland fancying circles. Care- 

 ful selection in animals for breeding, and due attention to 

 rearing, have raised the character of the herd at Poltalloch to a 

 pitch of excellence which is difficult to rival In winter the 

 herd is well cared for, ample shelter has been provided, and 

 the times of feeding are noted with praiseworthy regularity. It 

 may be remarked that the Argyllshire Highlanders are in 

 great repute in some parts of England ; indeed, so partial are 

 buyers, that they can scarcely be prevailed upon to purchase 

 stock from any other quarter. 



The Earl of Seafield has in recent years established a herd at 

 the home farm at Castle Grant, which bids fair to acquire fame. 

 He obtained many of his best cattle from some of the noted dis- 

 tricts of Perthshire, and has since made choice selections from 

 other herds of repute. Both bulls and cows from this stock have 

 taken honours at the Highland Society's Show, as well as other 

 local shows. 



There is a very large fold in Badenoch, the property of Mr 

 M'Intosh, South Kinrara. This herd is of long standing, and 

 includes many nice animals, although perhaps there is a deficiency 

 of horn and hair in some of the cattle. 



The herd owned by the late Marquis of Breadalbane was, at 

 the time of his death in 1862, said to be one of the finest in Scot- 

 land. Lord Breadalbane took an active interest in his stock, 

 selecting animals from the most famous herds in Rannoch, 

 Glenlyon, Callander, Balquhidder, and other noted districts. In 

 this he was assisted by one of the ablest judges of Highland cattle 

 in Scotland — the late Mr John Stewart Menzies of Chesthill. 



The Breadalbane herd was dispersed during the year succeed- 

 ing the noble Lord's death. The principal purchaser was the 

 late Duke of Athole, who, in addition to his fine stock of Ayr- 

 shires at Dunkeld, was desirous of possessing a herd of West 

 Highlanders at Blair- Athole. His Grace had an able adviser in 

 Mr Fletcher Norton Menzies, now secretary of theHighland and 

 Agricultural Society, who was well acquainted with the Bread- 

 albane herd, and who selected for him a magnificent drove to 

 roam on the fine pastures of Glen Tilt. Various animals from 



