SELECTION OF BREEDING ANIMALS. 279 



In the first place it is to be remembered that 

 the bull represents fully one-half of the breed- 

 ing ratio of the herd. He is one of the factors 

 in every product, and he may be far more 'than 

 half. If he is a vigorous animal of great pre- 

 potency it will not be long till it becomes ap- 

 parent that he represents far more than his 

 numerical value in the final sum of influence 

 in determining the form and value of the re- 

 sults of breeding. This being so the greatest 

 care and attention must be given to the selec- 

 tion of a breeding bull ; care to avoid a poor 

 animal and inferior breeder; care to select a fine 

 animal and vigorous breeder ; above all. to get 

 a beast that will prove a superior.breeder. 



It is not an easy thing to find just the bull 

 that fulfills such requirements. On the con- 

 trary, it is very difficult. Hence the more rea- 

 son is there that every possible effort should be 

 enlisted in so important and so difficult a task. 

 If we are buying a young and untried animal 

 the difficulties are only increased. Yet I am 

 not seeking to discourage, only to warn and 

 equip with the true spirit of trying many before 

 choosing one. There is no point more essential 

 to success than the careful selection of a sire. 

 Let us see, then, what some of the more essen- 

 tial requirements are. ; 



Following the general division of the subject 

 into individual merit and excellence of pedigree, 



