CHAP. HI. THE BUYING OF CATTLE. 85 



with a population like London obviously being the more valuable 

 peculiarity. And of this breed, it is curious to note for no reason 

 can be given for the prejudice that a red cow is the peculiar aversion 

 of the London dairyman, a dappled animal being the favourite. As we 

 have already said, one prefers one breed, another another ; one dairy- 

 man says that he finds the Hereford breed gives him the finest cows 

 a breed almost universally thought of only as a fattening breed ; 

 another prefers the Devon, while a third deems a cross between them 

 the best. With opinions so diverse, the tyro who is beginning the 

 practice of grazing will own that he has much to do in the exercise of 

 a careful observation, a wise prudence in selection, and a sound and 

 thorough method of treatment and management, before he can lay 

 claim to be considered a " complete grazier." 



CHAPTER III. 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON BUYING CATTLE AND STOCKING A FARM. 



THE profit to be derived from the occupation of land depends so 

 much on the command of the requisite capital, that the most 

 important consideration for a young beginner is to be well advised on 

 this essential point, and to be assured that he possesses sufficient means 

 to turn every acre to the best account : always bearing in mind that a 

 comparatively small farm, with sufficient capital, will be more bene- 

 ficial than another of larger extent without capital to turn the land 

 to full advantage. Assuming it therefore as certain, that the young 

 grazier is provided with this indispensable requisite, we shall proceed 

 to give a few general hints on buying his cattle and stocking his farm ; 

 and introduce, under the respective accounts of rearing and breeding 

 the different varieties of stock, such remarks on their merits and 

 faults as will, it is hoped, materially assist him in the course of his 

 labours. 



The first object demanding attention is the relation between his 

 stock and the quantity of food that will be necessary to support it. 

 The nature, situation, and fertility of the soils that compose his farm 

 are equally worthy of notice, as well as the purpose for which he designs 

 more particularly to rear or feed his cattle ; and chiefly, whether for 

 the dairy, or with the view of supplying the markets. It will be 

 expedient to observe great care in these relations, because, in case 

 he should overstock his land, he will be compelled to re-sell before the 

 cattle are in a fit state for the market, and consequently, at certain 



