24 AMERICAN CATTLE. 



As a country, we are in the merest infancy in cattle growing. 

 We have no adequate infusion of the best breeds, in their 

 variety, with which to populate these unreclaimed lands, if we 

 had them reduced to a fitness for occupation. These varieties, 

 or breeds, have existed for centuries in Europe, and are now bred 

 to such perfection in their good qualities, as the cattle of no 

 other portion of the world have attained. 



The domestic animals of all countries, partake more or less of 

 a character given to them as the result of the pursuits of the 

 people who inhabit them; and let their original race or con- 

 dition be what they may, they gradually assimulate to the 

 treatment and uses to which they are subjected. The finest 

 greyhound, pointer, or spaniel dog, in the hands of an uncivil- 

 ized American Indian, in the course of generations will become 

 the sneaking, savage cur that follows at the heels of his vagrant 

 master, so that his once aristocratic lineage can hardly be 

 detected. So, the neat cattle, of whatever original or cultivated 

 race, no matter if the pure blood of centuries has coursed 

 uncontaminated through their veins, may become altogether 

 estranged in appearance, by abuse, or the hardships of long and 

 neglected endurance. Being thus fortunate, in possessing a 

 country, fitted in its various climates, soils, and altitudes for the 

 best developement of which the several races of cattle are capa- 

 ble, we have only to direct our attention to that extent of culti- 

 vation which is necessary to attain the most profitable results. 



To the fitness of the various known breeds, or races of cattle, 

 to the different soils, climates, and localities of our wide country, 

 we shall address our remarks as we proceed. 



