The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1898-08-24

dreds of steers have been raised, and
poorly raised at that. These in their
second, third or fourth year, when al
lowed a good grass run, may be easily
taken by the novice as fairly good and
profitable animals to buy, especially
if secured at from 2A to cents per
pound. Now, if such cattle are from
beefy dams, says Farmers Advocate,
and have been well reared, they might
return a profit for labor and cheap
food consumed; but in most cases the
dairy cows that are bred are not of
that sort and the result is to disgust
the inexperienced steer feeder with
trying to make money out of beef, or
else to show him the more glaring les
son, that to try to do it with the wrong
type of animal was the mistake. Prac-
teal and experienced feeders, who
breed or purchase steers for fattening,
observe striking differences in the
aptitude of animals of varying types
and makeup to lay on flesh readily
and in such form and quality as to
command the highest price on the
market.
Prof. Curtiss says, in a recently is
sued bulletin on Essentials in Beef
Production" 1T requires a we'll
trained eye to detect in all cases the
possible variation of results in the
store or stock steer; but there are
some distinctions that are easily de-
tected. There are certain types of
cattle, for instance, that never feed
profitably under any conditions, and
it is quite as important to discriminate
against these in the feed lot as to be
able to recognize the excellence. in
other types. The accompanying illus
tration, Fig. 1, represents yearling
steer that combines practically all the
qualities that go to make up a good
feeding steeyG While the actual feed
ing qualities of steer in thin condi
ton are more difficult to detect than
one in better condition, still the bet
ter sort Ito quote Prof. Curtiss) 'pre
sents a blocky frame and stoutness of
build, accompanied by short, straight
legs, wide back and loin, well-sprung
ribs, fullncss back of shoulders and in
flank, prominent brisket, wide chest
and well-rounded barrel, together
with good, soft, mellow-handling
skin and fine silky hair, giving what is
termed the thick, messy coat, without
coarseness, land, withal, a good strong,
vigorous head, clear, full eye, and
quiet temperament" Soft, mellow
will the thrifty steer of beef form
coarseness in head, horn or any other
part are desirable characteristics.
Cheap meat, a greater percentage of
offal, as well as tendency to unthrift-
mess, usually accompany coarseness
and matchmaking skin. Not only
will the thrifty steer of beet form
make greater gains for the food con-
sumed, but he will sell for much bet
ter price per hundredweight when fat.
This is readily understood when it is
remembered that loin and rib roasts of
prime quality retail for from 16
to IS cents per pound, while flank and
plate cuts sell for from two TO four
cents, and internal tallow for four
cents per pound. 1t is not matter
of prejudice against this or that breed
or type, when an expert buyer offers
81 cents per pound for one mans cat
tie, and Az cents for another lot of
no greater weight, as he values them
strictly on their merits. The control
ling factor is the utility and inherent