THE ABERDEEN BREED. 



68 



The character of the cattle varies with that of the country. In 

 the interior, and on the hills, formerly occupying the whole of that 

 district, and still existing in considerable numbers, is the natire un- 

 mixed Highland breed. This breed, however, would be out of its 

 place in the milder climate and more productive soil of the lower 

 district of Aberdeen ; another kind of cattle was therefore gradually 

 raised, the origin of which it is difficult to describe. 



It was fi]-st attempted by judicious selections from the native 

 breed, and some increase of size was obtained, but not sufficient for 

 the pasture. The loiig-horn and the short-horn were tried ; but 

 either they did not amalgamate with the native breed, or a species of 

 cattle were produced too large for the soil. There were exceptions 

 to this, and one of them, the Kintore ox, we give in two stages of his 

 preparation for market. 



He was bred bred by Lord Kintore from an Aberdeenshire cow 

 and a short-horn bull. 



KINTORE ox. FEEDING. 



This animal was a sufficient proof of what may be effected by the 

 cross. The introduction of steam will probably tempt many of the 

 northern breeders to try this first cross. 



To improve the Aberdeen cattle, all the southern counties of Scot- 

 land were resorted to, but with doubtful success. The Fife, or 

 Falkland breed, possessed enough of the old cattle to bid fair to 

 mingle and be identified with the natives, while the bones were 

 smaller, the limbs cleaner, and yet short ; the carcass fairly round, 

 and the hips wide and they were superior in size, hardy, and docile. 



