CHAPTER XXI. 



BREEDING GRADE CATTLE FOR GRAZING. 



In breeding cattle for grazing, and the shambles, early maturity, 

 rapidity of taking on flesh, and the distribution of it on the best 

 parts of the carcass, are the main objects for profit and quick 

 returns. In selecting the breed to be adopted, the same rules in 

 relation to climate, and the land they are to occupy, are to be 

 observed as with dairy cows. The foundation of the herd, in 

 cows, should be of those, whether of common, or more or less of 

 any improved blood, which combine flesh-producing qualities in 

 as high degree as possible. The quantity of milk they will 

 yield is of less importance. Almost any cow will give milk 

 enough to rear a calf well to six or eight months old, and if in 

 a locality where milk is of no particular value, that time is 

 enough for her to yield it. 



The bull selected to breed from, should, if possible to obtain 

 such, be pure in blood, of whatever breed may be adopted. He 

 should be masculine in appearance, strong, and vigorous, but not 

 coarse. He should be fine in bone, his skin, and the flesh under 

 it, elastic to the touch, with good, thick, woolly hair ; no particular 

 matter about the color, so that the color be true to his breed. 

 His flesh should be well laid on in the best parts for beef, and 

 combining as nearly the points of a model Devon, or Short-horn 

 in that particular, as his breed, if of another kind, will permit. 



Abimdance of good food, water, shelter, and care, the young 

 should always have, and the cows and bulls should always be 

 kept in good condition — ^not pampered — that the young do not 



