THE LATE SIR GEORGE MACPHERSON GRANT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 6

THE LATE SIR GEORGE MACPHERSON GRANT.

By the death of Sir George Macpherson Grant, of Ballindalloch, one of the most distinguished of British cattle breeders has been removed. His name has long been familiar in New Zealand through the importations of AberdeenAngus cattle fiom the Ballindalloch herd, which have enriched the herds of

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. that breed in this colony. The Glad brook herd, our leading herd of th< black polled breed, is particular^ wealthy in the blood of the great Bal lindalloch families. The Ballmdalloch herd is one of the oldest, and has always been in the front rank ac regards quality. Its greatest fame, however, was attained under the direct management of the late owner, who went to reside on the property in 1861, and in that year bought, at the Earl of Southesk's Kinnaird sale, fchie celebrated cow, Erica, for 50gs-. This cow founded the renowned Erica tribe, the most highly-prized strain of the Aberdeen-Angus breed. Other grand cows were bought from time to time, some of them, also, founding families of high renown. The bull Trojan, bred by M'Gombie, of Tillyfour, had probably the greatest male influence in the herd, his daughters from Erica being of very marked --.character, and producing many famous descendants. The Ballindalloch bulls went forth to all the world as the highest type of the breed. In 1904 Sir George was presented with a testimonial in recognition of his great services in improving the breed of polled cattle, and the gentleman who presided on the occasion declared that " Ballindalloch had stood like a fountain high up on a hill, which had throughout these years been sending forth refreshing streams to fertilise and improve the herds of other breeders. . . , The breeding had been carried on upon a fixed principle. It had been conducted by breeding from close affinities — not breeding from too close relationship, but what was called breeding in line. . . . The fame of the Ballindalloch herd is equally great in the breeding paddock, the show yard, and the sale ring, and this is the greatest tribute that can be bestowed on any herd." Sir George had been president of the Polled Cattle Society and of the Highland and Agricultural Society. Only the day befoie Sir George's death he gained two of the principal prizes at the Edinburgh fat stock show. It is some consolation to know that his son and successor, John Macpbwson Grant, has taken great interest in the Aberdeen-Angus breed and in the Ballindalloch herd.