THINK BEFORE YOU BREED
By Sheelagh Le Cocq
Although one breeder is keen to breed Traditional as well as Modern, I do not think that this is a good idea. You need to be committed one way or the other. Breeders who want to breed Moderns so that they can have a part in the show world will find a lot of influence brought on them not to have anything to do with the old type. Even though you may think you can avoid this persuasion it is insidious and mya take you over before you realise it. Please concentrate on one type only; don't mix the breeds. You can't win! People wanting show cats will see your old type and be wary of buying, wondering what type of kittens they'll have. Aficionados of the Traditional will be frightened off by the Moderns. You don't please any of the people any of the time, so be specific and stick to one type only.
PEDIGREES
By Sheelagh LeCocq
I know I'm not the only one to be fascinated by pedigrees, not just the old, but interesting new ones as well, i first came into Siamese 20-25 years ago and many of the names that crop up time and time again are like old friends. I can picture them in their hey-day and they are as alive to me now as they were then.
I remember a few years ago, I believe it was the Siamese Cat Association newsletter had the most fascinating article about Roundway Ourisia, who was no6t a great show cat or Champion, but who could be called the "Father of Siamese" as virtually all pedigrees eventually trace back to this cat. Needless to say I checked mine, it was hard going back beyond the normal four or five generations, but yes, Ourisa was there in every one.
There are others that seem to crop up everywhere...Boidheach McGille being one that becomes to mind, but there are many, many more.
