26 REVIEW THE BREEDING AND ECONOMY OF LIVE STOCK. 
great aptitude to fatten, and fed to great weights at an early 
age — his two-year-olds weighing from 70 to 80 stones each, and 
his three-year-olds upwards of 100 stones. The stock arrived 
at maturity at two years old. Mr. Robertson was a liberal man, 
and did not demand such high prices for his stock as many other 
breeders. He frequently sold and allowed the use of his best 
bulls at moderate rates. To his own tenants he made no charge 
for the use of bulls ; consequently, but little inferior stock was 
seen on his estate. As an illustration of the value of the stock, 
it is related that, on an eminent breeder visiting Mr. Robertson, 
and seeing twenty cows pasturing in one field, offered him 100 
guineas each for the lot, which was refused. The late Mr. 
John Rennie, after commencing his career as a Short-horned 
breeder, purchased many of his best animals from Mr. Robertson ; 
in fact, he for some years bought nearly the whole of that gen- 
tleman’s surplus stock, several of which were sold at his great 
sale in 1827. The famed bull ‘ Romulus,’ was bred by Mr. 
Robertson, and purchased from him by Mr. Rennie. This ani- 
mal gained the Highland Society’s premium for the best bull, 
at Edinburgh, in 1827. Mr. Rennie also purchased from Mr. 
Robertson a favourite white cow when a heifer, which he after- 
wards presented to Mr. Carnegie. This cow gained the Border 
Union Agricultural Society’s first prize at Coldstream, and was 
the dam of Mr. Carnegie’s famed bull, “ Edrom,” which obtained 
a premium on more than one occasion. This bull was got by a 
bull bred by the late Mr. Mason, of Chilton. After Mr. 
Robertson’s decease, his stock was sold at very high prices to 
many eminent breeders. Some of the best were purchased for 
the Duke of Buccleuch, and among them the favourite high- 
bred cow, ‘ Vesta.’ Mr. Robertson followed the practice of 
breeding f in and in,’ as it is termed ; the reason alleged being 
the fear of deterioration by introducing other blood. Many of 
his cattle, in consequence, shewed a delicacy and weakness of 
constitution, which no doubt arose from this cause. The system 
is justified by many breeders, but condemned by a large number. 
A slight acquaintance with animal physiology would, however, 
convince breeders generally of its bad effects. 
“ Cotemporary with Mr. Robertson, as celebrated breeders in 
Berwickshire, may be mentioned the names of the Messrs. 
Wilsons, Thomsons, Logans, Brown, Heriot, Jobllng, Colonel 
Johnston, and others, the stocks of whom were much improved 
by Mr. Robertson’s. The improved breed soon spread over 
Berwick and Roxburgh shires ; and for many years back, very 
superior animals have been exhibited at the Union Agricultural 
Show, at Kelso and Coldstream, both for premiums and sale. 
The writer has seen about twenty one-year-old bulls shewn at 
