BOVINE FREEMASONRY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19432, 17 October 1925, Page 9

BOVINE FREEMASONRY

By E. G. R., in “Journal of the ReC Poll Breed.’’ A well-known breeder and judge of British Friesians once said: “Let me see a cow walk and I will tell you how si* milks. Many points must be considered besides actual udder capacity befqre ascertaining the milking qualities of a cow, as every dairyman knows, and not the least of these is the important question of disposition. Disposition is, as in human beings, hereditary and controlled —to a certain exton —by environment, but it varies considerably in different breeds of cattle, ami the Red Poll can claim to bo as gently disposed as any. Of course there are exceptions, and occasionally one may find a cow which is not as gentle as she should be, but this applies to all breeds, and the greatest characteristic of the Red Poll’s disposition is its affection for its kind which almost approaches Freemasonry. True, no mystic sign is necessary; all that is required is a clean poll and a ruddy complexion, and the bond of fellowship is sealed. Doubtless most, graziers have difficulty at times when cattle refuse to agree, one dominates over the others, or another is not allowed to live in peace and equity with its fellows; all but not so Red Polls, as they always seem to welcome their own kind with a clannishness which excludes all others. When the writer kept a mixed herd the polls banded together, refusing to associate with a new animal of horned, but a. fresh Red Poll was met at the gate with a welcome, immediately received with courtesy, made to feel at home, and not asked to fight to show its worth like the proverbial schoolboy. Some may laugh at this as a fairy tale, but it assuredly is not, but solemn fact, and the importance of it is great because the cow who feels at home is the cow to milk, nor does she reduce the yield of the whole herd by leading them a dance round the meadow for an hour or so. This may make a difference of several gallons, and the same principle applies to steers and heifers. Rod Poll stores can be fed together in closer proximity than horned cattle, not because they are hornless, but because their disposition warrants it, and they feel kindly disposed towards each other, and quiet feeding means less expense, room, and labour as every animal is then doing its best to fatten or milk, as required of it. To those wishing to try a few Red Polls, I would say: Do not be afraid to put them with your horned stock, they are quite capable of taking care of themselves, will not worry the others, but should the horned ones attempt liberties With them, they will promptly show them that a good poll ii no mean weapon of defence.