37G 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT. 



Little variety in system of management — Practice of various breeders — 

 Mr Bowie, Mains of Kelly ; Mr "William FuUerton ; Mr Ferguson, 

 Kinnoohtry ; Mr Whyte, Spott ; Mr Smith of Benholm ; Mr Anderson, 

 Wellhouse ; Mr Eeid, Greystone ; Mr M 'Combie of Easter Skene ; 

 Mr Auld, Bridgend ; Sir George Macplierson Grant, Bart. , of Ballin- 

 dalloch ; Mr Hannay of Gavenwood ; Mr Tayler of Gleubarry — Ex- 

 periments in crossing by Mr Wilken, Waterside of Forbes — Summary 

 of system of management — Methods of breeding — Desirability of 

 estabUsbing a few line - bred families — Natural characteristics of 

 breed should be maintained. 



There is not much variety in the general system of 

 management pursued by breeders of polled cattle. As a 

 rule it is simple and natural. In the preparing of show- 

 yard animals high feeding has of course been freely 

 resorted to, but the great bulk of the breed has received 

 little " pampering " or unnatural treatment of any kind. 

 It cannot be doubted that to this last fact the exceptional 

 fecundity, general soundness, good health, and hardiness 

 of polled cattle is in a large measure attributable. No 

 race of animals can long withstand unnatural treatment, 

 no matter how skilful it may be pursued. 



Breeders, as a rule, aim at having their calves dropped 

 between the first of December and the end of March. 

 Many come later and some earlier, but these are not in 

 favour. There are important advantages in having early 



