293 



The first cattle were brought to the Islands by \'ancouver in 

 1793 and were deemed of sufficient value to be protected by royal 

 decree for a period of ten years, only the excess males being 

 slaughtered. The records do not state what particular breed 

 or breeds were represented in this importation. 



The first record we have of the introduction of pure-bred stock 

 into these Islands is in the eighties, and three men were princi- 

 pally responsible. J. I. Dowsett was the first, he importing a 

 small herd of Polled Angus. This importation was followed by 

 a small herd of Holstein Friesan cattle from Germany by Judge 

 McCully, to be followed shortly after by a herd of Shorthorns 

 introduced by James Campbell. 



This was a small beginning; too small, in fact, to make much 

 impression on the existing heterogeneous mass of native stock. 

 Still, it was a step in the right direction, and we are now^ receiv- 

 ing the benefit of the impetus given the live, stock industry by 

 these men. 



Still progress was slow. There seemed to be no concerted 

 effort on the part of breeders to systematically improve their 

 herds. There was considerable discussion as to what breed of 

 beef or dairy cattle was best fitted for the peculiar climatic con- 

 ditions obtaining here, without due consideration given to the 

 fact that certain breeds might do better in certain localities than 

 others and that it was not entirely necessary that any particular 

 breed be picked out to stock the entire Territory. 



After a period of uncertainty there was finally made an at- 

 tempt to organize the chaotic conditions which had previously 

 existed. It had become apparent to a number of the foremost 

 breeders of live stock that, if anything worth while was to be 

 accomplished, organization was necessary, and so, in the early 

 part of 1902, the Hawaiian Live Stock Breeders' Association was 

 formed, the purpose of said organization being the development 

 and improvement of all live stock industry in the Territory, the 

 introduction of new pasture grasses, and the preserving and re- 

 storing of such forest growth as might be beneficial to grazing 

 lands. 



This organization started in well, its various members show- 

 ing considerable interest and enthusiasm. It laid the foundation 

 of our present system of breeding, and it is to be regretted that 

 it was unable to keep on with the good work. Such an organ- 

 ization made up of the foremost breeders is of incalculable value 

 in the development of the live stock industry of any country. Its 

 members are given the opportunity of getting together for the 

 presentation and discussion of their various ideas and problem.s 

 and the circulation of valuable experiences. Such an organiza- 

 tion being at all times in touch with similar organizations on the 

 mainland and in foreign countries, its library is replete with 

 books and magazines bearing on the subject of live stock breed- 

 ing and allied industries, knowledge of the greatest value to 

 those engaged in such work. 



