BRAZIL 143 



In conclusion, Mr. Black said : " After experience in Aus- 

 tralia and Argentina, and having been all through Uruguay, 

 Bolivia, and Paraguay, I consider there are no better oppor- 

 tunities for brains and capital than in Brazil." 



Brazil as a Pastoral Country 



Of the twenty-one Brazilian States, " Rio Grande do Sul " 

 is by far the most advanced in pastoral matters, chiefly owing 

 to the fact that the State is in close touch with Uruguay and 

 the Argentine, of both of which countries she forms the 

 southern Brazilian limit. Although the class of cattle bred 

 is not to be compared to the stock of the other two countries 

 mentioned, breeders are now making every effort to improve 

 their herds, and with satisfactory results, as they are now 

 disposing of a good number of stock for freezing purposes. 

 Until recently all the cattle bred there were slaughtered for 

 the purpose of making " Xarque " for export to the other 

 States, but with the improvement which has come in the 

 quality of the bullocks, breeders find that it is more profitable 

 to dispose of their stock to the works buyers, and consequently 

 are importing good bulls in large numbers. Several breeders, 

 thinking that the Zebu would be better than the English 

 breeds, acting on the advice of breeders in the States of Minas 

 and Sao Paulo, where the Zebu has a great reputation, imported 

 them on quite a large scale. No doubt there was a certain 

 amount of reason for importing Zebus years ago, for the simple 

 reason that they are very hardy, and immune from tick 

 fever, which holds sway over all parts of Brazil. The first 

 cross with the native cows gave a rakish, big bullock, and 

 although the meat is very coarse, yet when fat it made good 

 xarque, and that was the " end in view." 



The State next in order to Rio Grande is Minas Geraes, 

 which lies north and west of the State of Rio. Here we find 

 the Noah's Ark as regards cattle, every breed under the sun 

 being represented, that is, if we except the English breeds. 

 Minas is the home of the Zebu, and some very nice specimens 

 are to be seen during one's travels, which is not to be wondered 

 at, considering the money spent in purchasing them. 



