ion of a breeding stock will be the first matter
under consideration. We are met here at the very outset by the
advocates of blood and those of selection. Much may be said and volumes
have been written in favour of both. My experience leads me to take a
middle course between the two, and to keep in view both the one and the
other. With respect to the qualifications of a successful breeder,
Darwin writes: "Not one man in a thousand has accuracy of eye and
judgment sufficient to become an eminent breeder. If gifted with these
qualities, and he studies the subject for years, and devotes his
lifetime to it with indomitable perseverance, he will succeed and make
great improvements; and if he wants any of these qualities he will
assuredly fail." Darwin's view will be found pretty correct. Many breed
with a certain success, and even rush to the top for a time in the
show-yard, but it is only those described by Darwin who will finally
succeed. In laying the foundation of a breeding stock there is
generally one of two objects in view: either, first, to raise up a herd
the best of its race, with a view to competition in the show-yard and
to improve it to the utmost; or, second, to breed commercial cattle for
commercial purposes with the greatest possible profit. The first
requires independent means; and, to secure success, skill,
perseverance, and patience under heavy disappointments. The second can
be attained by ordinary prudence. If the first object be the one aimed
at, the selection should be made from the most established herds, and
of animals of pedigree, and possessing the characteristics of the race
you intend to propagate. But my attention will be more particularly
directed to the second. There are few that have hatfuls of money to
expend upon the purchase of high-bred animals; nor is this necessary in
order to secure a profitable return from a breeding stock.

I would recommend the following method: I shall suppose a farmer wishes
to buy twenty cows to stock his farm (Aberdeen and Angus cattle). His
entry is, say, at Whitsunday. He must have a bull to serve his cows. He
should be selected from an established herd and from a race of good
milkers. The farmer must be a good judge, or employ one in whom he has
implicit confidence to act in his behalf. In his selection he must have
a certain model in his eye, such as he wishes to propagate. I assume
that he considered that his farm is adapted for the rearing of the
Aberdeen