THE BEST AND MOST PROFITABLE BEEF.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1442, 29 September 1881, Page 4

THE BEST AND MOST PROFITABLE BEEF.

The flrfit thing requisite to enable one to distinguish what constitutes the best animal is to look closely to its general formation. It should be of a suitable size, with fine head and glowing eyes ; a lound, compact body well ribbed up ; wide, doep breast and projecting brisket ; full ceops ; broad, level back, loins, and quarters, the latter well let down in the twist ; legs fine, and rather short than otherwise, supported by strong, clear liooff. It should be free and easy in all its movements, of a placid disposition, and a quick, hardy feeder. A combination of tho above points makes up an admirably formed beast ; but there is still another thing to be" considered, which may perhaps bo called the most important point of all, and that is quality, for without this, however perfect the form may be, the flesh will not prove first rate. In order to judge what the quality of a bullock's beef will bo after slaughter, one must be well experienced in what is technically termed "handing."' This consists in going over the different parts of the body by pressing and relaxing the fingers upon them, and slightly lifting the skin to see that it is not hide-bound, and neither too thick nor too thin. If the flesh pioves soft under the touch, the moat will probably piove flabby, juiceless, ana compaiatively tasteless ; if found haid, it will be dry and tough ; neither well marbled — that is, the fat and lean finely lined and intermixed — throughout. But if under the pressure of the fingers the flesh is found firm and of a solid sort of elasticity, one may be cortain of its proving of a good quality, well marbled, tender, juicy, and eavoury. .Such beef i& the most profitable of all to tho consumer, although he is obliged to pay a much higher price for it than if of an inferior quality, it being not only more palatable, butnourishing and healthy. Another method of judging of the quality of a bullock and what his beef is likely to prove on slaughtering, is a close examination of his coat. If tho longer portion of the hair be silky, and the shorter soft, thick, and furry, he will almost invariably cut up nicely marbled, tender, savoury beef ; if the hair on him is scant and thin, tho beef will be flabby and little savoury , if harsh and stiff, then, dry and tough. Animals that put on the softest, thickest, and most furry coats as cold weather approaches, and retain the fur latest in the spring, aro generally the most hardy, thrifty, and easiest kept, and consequently the most profitable to breed, rear, and. fatten. This being on outside appearance and easily got at and judged by all, ono should neeor neglect paying special attention to tho coat in selecting his animals. With proper care and feeding, the gteateit average gain per day of weight in cattle is obtained the first year of their existence ; tho next, in the second year ; and so it goes on, the gain per day diminishing each added year until four years old. After this the gain in weight will usually be so small as to leave a loss rather than a profit on the food consumed during the latter age. All will be convinced now how much better it is to mature cattle early, the bullocks for maiketing and the heifers for breeding. The capital invested in these is turned much quicker than otherwise, realising the oid adage of a "brisk sixpence earning more than a dull shilling." Another thing to be considered in early maturity is the much less risk incurred' in rearing stock ; for disease and accidents are constantly taking place, and every day an animal's life is prolonged it is subject to be lost by one or the other. Now, let us look well to this, and see how rapidly the wealth of the country can be increased by improving our cattle.

" Do you drink ?'' asked a temperance reformer to a besyear who had implored alms of him. "Yes, thank you," returned the candid pauper, "where shall we go ?" The new pure cash system now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly prove a benefit "to the public. It has been a groat success in Sydney and Melbourne and when strictly carried out the customer who bujs at an establishment where the poods arc marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery millinery, and clothing at such prices for cash as gucs the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without the risk of being called upon to bear a portion of the loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cianwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and are determined to give the pure cash system a fair trial ; whether, they gain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such ,as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bed '3uip and gencrai house furu'ture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of five per gent, ■will be allowed to thosc i who pay at the time of purchase. _G. & C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their la^c cash sale, the present stock is nfw and ghpipi.y nour.H 1 . An inspection i<i invited.— Garlick and Cranwi i.l, City Hall Furnishing Arcade Oueenstrcet, Auckland