Chapter XL. 

 ABERDEEN-ANGUS. 



{Polled Angus or Polled Aberdeen. .) 



As to the origin of this now well-known breed, little is definite be- 

 yond the commonly accepted belief that the two polled Scotch breeds 

 Galloway and Aberdeen-Angus are descended from the polled variety 

 of the original Forest breed. Of the long controversy, between Gal- 

 loway and Angus breeders regarding the merits of their respective 

 breeds we have nothing to say; by many the two breeds are considered 

 identical. Some of our best judges predict that at no distant day the 

 Aberdeen-Angus and Galloway Associations will follow the example 

 so lately set by the Holstein and the Dutch Friesian breeders, by com- 

 bining forces to advance the interests of all concerned. 



We cannot say that we agree with such expression. While both 

 breeds have undoubtedly descended from the same original stock, yet 

 selection, feeding, care and systematic breeding have changed the 

 characteristics and appearance so greatly as to fully warrant the present 

 recognized distinctions between them. What these differences are will 

 be understood from a study of the description and characteristics of the 

 two breeds which see. 



Improvement of the Aberdeen- Angus was first begun in a systematic 

 way about the opening of the present century. Probably no man has 

 contributed more to advance the merits of Angus cattle than Mr. Hugh 

 Watson, of Keillor, Scotland. Mr. Watson began his herd in 1808 with 

 2 bulls and 14 cows the "best and blackest" that could be found and 

 by continually breeding in and in, putting the "best to the best," without 

 regard to relationship, and carefully weeding out all freaks or reversions, 

 he established a reputation for his herd, and for himself as a breeder, 

 which the most successful of breeders might well envy. The early im- 

 provers brought to the work superior ability, practical experience and 

 sound sense. Following up the demand for an animal that should range 

 well, and at the same time prove a kindly feeder, quick maturer and 

 an animal of large size, they kept steadily at work, until the foundation 

 of the Angus breed was thoroughly laid, tested and received. Among 

 the later breeders of note we may mention William McCombie, of Tilly- 

 four. His herd was started about the year 1830 just at the time when 

 the pure bred Aberdeen-Angus was threatened with total extinction 



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