102 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



any extent previous to this period, the natural result will bo to render him a less valuable 

 animal for future use, while calves from such early service will not be as well developed and 

 strong as they otherwise would be. 



When two years of age he may be safely used .for service from fifty to seventy-five 

 times during the season; after this period the number may be extended to one hundred or 

 even more per season. If he proves a good stock getter, and is not a vicious animal, he may 

 be used as a breeder until he begins to fail, which will generally be from ten to twelve years 

 of age. Two noted bulls, owned and used in the herd of Robert Colling, were employed for 

 breeding purposes until they were respectively thirteen and fifteen years old, having begun 

 service at two years. In order to make a bull gentle and render him more easily managed, 

 lie should be early taught to lead, and be accustomed to frequent handling. When two or 

 three days old he should have a strap put about his neck, to which a rope three or four feet 

 long should be attached. By being tied in a stable in this manner for a time, and occasionally 

 led about, he will soon learn to submit to a power stronger than himself, a lesson that will be 

 a valuable one; still every precaution should be taken as the animal grows older, to avoid as 

 far as possible, all danger from injury by a cross bull, for it frequently happens that a bull 

 that has previously been kind and gentle will become unaccountably and suddenly vicious, 

 attacking the person having charge of him without the least warning. 



When about eight or nine months old, a copper ring should be put in his nose. Steel 

 and iron are sometimes used for this purpose, but they corrode more than copper, and should 

 not for this reason be recommended. A strong stick, seven or eight feet long, with two links 

 of chain and a snap hook at the end, fastened to the ring in the nose, is the safest arrangement 

 for leading a bull, as he might, in case of a sudden attack upon his keeper, be kept from rush 

 ing upon him by this means, and which could not be done by simply a rope tied into the ring. 



Instances are not rare of persons being severely injured or killed by neglecting to 

 observe these precautionary measures. It is never safe to trust even the most pleasant tern- 

 pcred bull without precautionary measures against danger, for there is generally no warning 

 against the sudden frenzy that might seize the animal. Therefore a ring in the nose, or 

 some equally good substitute should always be employed. 



Rome bulls are naturally vicious, others are made so by being teased, or by harsh and 

 violent treatment. A decidedly vicious bull is not only a dangerous animal to keep, but will 

 be liable to transmit this characteristic to his offspring, and would best be disposed of to the 

 butcher. 



A bull should bo treated kindly, and yet always managed with firmness. The keeper 

 should never let him know that he is afraid of him, and yet he should never be trusted, how 

 ever seemingly gentle in disposition. 



When fully matured, a bull will get stronger and better calves than when young; it is 

 therefore the opinion of most breeders that the most desirable age for the bull as a getter of 

 stock is when he is from five to ten years old, being then fully matured and well developed 

 in all respects. Though well fed at all times, he should never be kept very fat; when used 

 in constant service, he should be fed more than at other times. When kept in a stable, he 

 should be led about the yard for a time each day for exercise. No animal will be healthy 

 without a sufficient amount of sunlight and exercise. A better plan than to keep him con 

 stantly in a stable, is to permit him the range of a small yard leading from the stable, where 

 he can go from one to the other as he chooses. The practice of turning a bull into the com 

 mon pasture with the cows is not to be recommended. 



A bull should be groomed with the curry-comb or brush, and his skin kept clean and 

 free from dandruff by this moans and occasional washing. He should not be kept entirely 

 apart by himself, when confined in the barn, but should have a stall where he can see the 

 other cattle. This will make him more contented and quiet. 



