30 RANCHING IN THE CANADIAN WEST 



fresh beasts to make good the depletion of his 

 herd. In the latter case he would rely upon the 

 progeny of the survivors of your mixed bunch to 

 supply the deficiency, although, of course, it would 

 take three or four years to attain this object. To 

 the small capitalist I would recommend unhesi- 

 tatingly the mixed bunch. The rate of increase for 

 cattle has been placed at about 45 per cent, of the 

 cows bred, but many small proprietors fix it at 

 60 per cent, and over. It will therefore readily be 

 seen what profit can be realized, always providing 

 the winter is not too severe. 



Breeds. 



Great difference of opinion exists as to the most 

 suitable breed with which to stock a range. The 

 chief ones are Durham (short-horn), Hereford, Pole 

 Angus, and Highland, the milking breeds, such as 

 Jerseys, Holsteins, etc., being, of course, quite use- 

 less. The Durham is undoubtedly first favourite, 

 by reason of its being a big-boned animal, easily 

 fattened where good grass abounds. It is " chunky " 

 throughout, whereas the Hereford has a tendency 

 to thin out towards the flank. The days of the 

 long-horned, slab-sided range steer are now pro- 

 videntially drawing to a close. The Highland, 



