Cattle 1853 - Lewis Family Farm

THE ABERDEEN BREED.
The character of the cattle varies with that of the country. In
the interior; and on the hills, formerly occupying the whole' of that
district, and still 'existing in considerable numbers, is the native unmixed
Highland breed. This breed, however, would be out of its
place in the milder climate and more productive soil of the lower
district of Aberdeen ; another kind of cattle was therefore gradually
raised, the origin of which it is difficult to describe.
It was first attempted by judicious selections from the native
breed, and some increase of size was obtained, but not sufficient for
the pasture. The long-horn and the short-horn were tried ; but
either they did not amalgamate with the native breed; or a species of
cattle were produced too large for the soil. There were exceptions
to this; and one of them, the Kintore ox, we give in two stages of his
preparation for market.
He was bred bred by Lord Kintore from an Aberdeenshire cow
and a shorthorn bull.
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KINTORE OX, FEEDING.
This animal was a sufficient proof of what may be effected by the
cross. The introduction of steam will probably tempt many of the
northern breeders to try this first cross.
To improve the Aberdeen cattle, all the southern counties of Scotland
were resorted to, but with doubtful success. The Fife, or
Falkland breed, possessed enough of the old cattle to bid fair to
mingle and be identified with the natives, while the bones were
smaller, the limbs cleaner, and yet short ; the carcass fairly round,
and the hips wide, and they wvere superior in size, hardy, and docile,