Management of Aberdeen Angus Cattle. 
95 
Formation of a Herd. 
The herd, I believe, is best commenced by buying a small 
number of in-calf cows or heifers as near to the drop as possible, 
and then selecting the best stud bull obtainable. As to the 
females, it is not, in my opinion, wise to at first buy high-priced 
and so-called fashionable-bred ones ; these may with advantage 
be bought afterwards, when the establishment of the herd has 
become an accomplished fact. 
Good thick-fleshed animals upon short legs, and with good 
polled heads, are the sorts not only to start with but to stick to, 
and the bull that is bought should be the best that can be found 
or that the buyer can afford to pay for. A really good bull will 
make a herd even from moderate cows, whilst an inferior bull 
will ruin a herd regardless of the high qualities of the cows it 
may contain. 
Those who intend to start a herd should, in my opinion, con- 
sult someone who is quite familiar with the breed ; of course, 
the man who has a natural eye for cattle can easily pick out the 
good sorts, but there is more than this required if the new herd 
is to be a success. There is the family history to consider. Were 
the ancestors of the animals it is proposed to buy all good ones ? 
Were they regular breeders and good milkers ? Were they free 
from white markings on the body and legs (no one objects to a 
white udder) ? and were they'sound and robust in constitution ? 
These are important points, and should all be well considered, 
but it is only those who have made a special study of the sub- 
ject who are competent to advise. 
Experientia docet always comes in, but, alas ! it generally 
comes too late. It is better, therefore, for the beginner to 
remember the law of caveat emjptor, and to consult an expert, 
and pay for his advice. Or he may place himself unreservedly in 
the hands of a well-known breeder, but should be prepared to 
pay full value for good animals. 
Having selected the animals and got them safely into their 
new quarters, it becomes a question how to treat them so as to 
obtain the best results. In my subsequent remarks I propose 
dealing with the several subjects in what may be termed chrono- 
logical order. 
Preparations for Calving. 
The Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland dates the 
age of calves from December 1, consequently Scottish breeders 
so arrange that their cows begin to calve down in that month. 
