282 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



high honors had much to do with bringing the breed into world- 

 wide notice, and undoubtedly was one of the very strong contribut- 

 ing factors in bringing the breed into such sudden prominence in 

 America. 



Importations were made in 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882 and 1883, 

 and it is estimated that from 1880 to 1883, inclusive, over 2,000 

 head were imported to and distributed throughout the United 

 States and Canada. Up to date there has been 125,000 animals 

 recorded by the American Aberdeen Angus Breeders' Association. 

 The association has a membership of 1,300, and each year the 

 records have shown a decided increase in number of registrations 

 and memberships over the preceding year. 



The influence of the Aberdeen Angus on the beef cattle of the 

 United States was from the outset, in the direction of greater 

 utility. Their low set, blocky, thick-fleshed forms commended them 

 at once to the slaughterers, as was proved by the fact that in the 

 first carcass contests they were entered in, in this country (1884, 

 Chicago Fat Stock Show) , they won prizes in both the two-year old 

 and yearling classes. The polled head has ever been a factor of 

 value, for it is well recognized now that polled cattle feed more 

 quietly and satisfactorily, ship better and sell higher than cattle 

 that are otherwise equal, save for the horn they carry. Indeed, 

 this is so well known that most feeders of experience dehorn their 

 young horned cattle before putting them on feed. The early ma- 

 turity of the breed also commended it to practical farmers, and its 

 hearty feeding qualities, developed under the careful Scotch man- 

 agement, aided in bringing the breed rapidly into public notice. 



It may be that I have wearied some of you with this review 

 of Angus history. If this be the case, I beg pardon, for I have tried 

 to dwell on it only to such an extent as seemed necessary to the 

 subject at issue — "What the Angus had done to improve the beef 

 cattle of America." 



Turning from the review of the past to more recent history, I 

 desire to ask you to briefly consider with me the record of the past 

 eight international live stock shows. 



Of the eight grand championships awarded, two have been won 

 by pure-bred Angus steers and two by high grade Angus steers. 



Of the eight reserve championships awarded, four have been 

 won by pure-bred Angus. 



Out of eight championships for the best carload of fat steers, 

 six have been won by loads of high grade Angus steers, and the 



