214 EXISTING SCOTCH HEEDS. 



Cortachy. 



The late Earl of Airlie commenced the breeding of 

 polled cattle more than twenty years ago, but it was not 

 until about 1865 that he began to devote special attention 

 to the formation of a herd that rapidly came to the front. 

 Among the early purchases were Delia 1533, New Year's 

 Day 1124, and Jessica 2nd 3231, from Mr Whyte, Spott. 

 Victoria of Kelly 345 was acquired from Mr Bowie, Mains 

 of Kelly, and additions were also made from the Port- 

 lethen, Aldbar, Spott, The Thorn, Easter TuUoch, The 

 Burn, and other herds. At the sale held by the late Mr 

 M'Combie of Tilly four at Alford in 1874, Lord Airlie 

 secured four of the best-bred cows and heifers disposed of 

 on that occasion. They were — Eegina 1179, of the Pride 

 family, purchased for 40 guineas ; Sylph 2nd 1787, of the 

 Queen tribe ; Salvia 1781, of the Zara tribe, who cost 60 

 guineas; and Diana 1782, of the Daisy branch of the 

 Queen tribe, who cost 76 guineas, being the highest price 

 paid at the sale. Miss Macpherson 1252, of the Erica 

 tribe, who had been bought at Tullochallum for 90 guineas, 

 was secured by Lord Airlie at a very long price. At 

 Tullochallum, in 1877, Lord Airlie purchased the heifer 

 Dvvina 3081, of the Eothiemay Georgina family, for 60 

 guineas. In the same year, at Mr Hannay's sale at Cor- 

 skie, was purchased Erica 4th 1697 for 101 guineas, and 

 some others of lesser note. At the Montcoffer sale in 

 1878, Lord Airlie paid 46 guineas for the calf Pavilion 

 3772. She turned out a magnificent heifer, and it was a 

 great misfortune that she died when under three years 

 old. A few good animals were bought at Eothiemay in 

 1878, but the most important purchases were made at 

 Tillyfour in 1880. At that sale three animals were ac- 

 quired at an average pf over £93 each. They were — 

 Pride of Aberdeen 5th 1174, at 135 guineas ; Sybil 1st of 

 Tillyfour 3524, at 110 guineas ; and the calf Pride of 



