Cattle and Cattle-breeders

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22520

Title

Cattle and Cattle-breeders

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

William McCombie offers a seasoned grazier's perspective on cattle feeding, trading, and breeding. Drawing on family tradition and decades of experience, he details strategies for selecting stock, managing fairs, and navigating the volatile markets of 19th-century Scotland.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Cattle and Cattle-breeders,' William McCombie offers a comprehensive guide to the Scottish cattle trade, blending practical advice with historical anecdotes from his family's legacy. The work begins with essential techniques for feeding cattle and managing partnerships, recounting McCombie's early career of driving livestock alone and learning to judge stock individually rather than by lot. He details the dynamics of major fairs like Falkirk Tryst and Hallow Fair, emphasizing the art of fair division among buyers and the dangers of relying solely on appearance. McCombie highlights the camaraderie and rivalry among traders, recalling perilous night travels on lonely moors and the devastating impact of diseases like rinderpest and pleuro-pneumonia on the industry. The narrative celebrates distinguished breeders who prioritized purity and robust condition over forced show-yard preparation. He honors pioneers such as Hugh Watson of Keillor, whose 'Old Jock' and 'Old Grannie' set new standards for longevity, and Lord Southesk, whose herds suffered heavily during the plague. The book profiles other notable figures, including Mr. Bowie, Mr. Fullerton, and the Walker family, whose prize-winning bulls and cows dominated national and international shows. McCombie also praises breeders like Mr. Stronach and Mr. Longmore for their success with Shorthorns and Aberdeen-Angus polled cattle. Throughout, the text serves as both a historical record of Scottish cattle breeding and a technical guide, reflecting on the enduring reputation of specific herds like Crathes and Ballwyllo while advocating for stock that remains true to its breed characteristics.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22520.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22520.epub

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Categories

• Cattle
• Breeding