THE SCOTTISH SHORTHORN.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 629, 20 December 1913, Page 6

THE SCOTTISH SHORTHORN.

AN ADAPTABLE RACE. The Scottish Shorthorn is ever find ing new fields to conquer. It is now a well established truism that the Shorthorn is a necessary and integral part of the equipment of every country which aspires to share in our great importer in beef. Other breeds have their own special functions, but the fact that the red, white and roan is found in all countries in the kingdom illustrates the peculiar adaptability of the race. It seems to keep its type better than its rivals when transplanted, and possesses those qualities which make it the greatesi of all breeds for crossing- Th.Q aim of breeders of the Scottish type has been to maintain those characteristics, which have enabled it to conquer everywhere, and it is no mean achievement, considering how dairying has advanced, and is a dancing. The colourings of the breed, so important from a practical and from ashowpoint of view are still very sound, if one may judge from the large displays seen at the various shows this year. Red is much fancied, and if that deep ruby hue tan be sustained ever in the full coat, it is likely to remain the best of all. The difficulty is to get the correct shade. So many otherwise good bulla are spoiled by a washy or faded appearance at the poll that the corrective influence of the tvhite bull will always be sought to obtain an attractive roan. Of late the white exhibit has been seen more prominently in the showyard, and some of the truest types of the Shorthorn are of this hue —if white may be considered a colour. No doubt the fact that while cattle are not in demand for export has aorxie influence on the number shown, but breeders in this country arj under no illusion as to their value. They may not suit the hot climates so well, but in most parts in Britain it is necessary from time to time to introduce a white bull to keep the colours sound. An antiquated notion has somehow or other asociated with the white Shorthorn a certain lack of constitutional stamina, but there \a no evidence whatever to support that belief. Indeed the herd owes much to the triple selection of colours, of which the basic pair are red and white.