392 SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT. 



and scientific reasoning both teach that no animal is so 

 likely to reproduce an exact copy of itself as one that 

 has been in-bred, or in other words, one that contains one 

 dominant, all-prevailing family cuiTent. We therefore 

 think that the existence of a few well-defined in-bred 

 families of really high individual merit would help 

 greatly to maintain, and even still further improve, the 

 high character of the breed generally. These families 

 would be as it were strong springs of rich, pure blood, 

 from which fresh draughts might be drawn from time to 

 time for the reviving and ameliorating of mixed herds. 



We are pleased to know that the importance of the 

 point in question is being more clearly recognised than 

 it has ever before been, and that by several breeders the 

 higher and more scientific modes of breeding, to which 

 reference has been made, are receiving greatly increased 

 attention. Efforts, wisely and energetically sustained, are 

 sui-e to produce excellent results, and we think we are 

 not over-confident in predicting for some of our noted 

 herds of polled cattle a future of great distinction and 

 usefulness. While pressing these considerations upon 

 the notice of breeders, we would also urge them to keep 

 a jealous eye upon what are recognised as the established 

 natural characteristics of the breed. We desire to see 

 maintained its well-known distinguishing features, its 

 typical symmetry and roundness of form, its hardiness 

 and robustness of constitution, and at the same time still 

 further developed its excellent beef-producing, early- 

 maturing, and milking properties, as well as to have 

 imparted to the breed generally, and especially to the 

 principal families, a little more true high-bred chai-acter. 

 All these are attainable objects, and with good men de- 

 voted to the breed the great promise of the future of the 

 celebrated polls of the North-East of Scotland can hardly 

 fail to be abundantly fulfilled. 



