THIRD ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART XI. 631 



and perhaps intense association with the breeds and breeders. Also having 

 intimating acquaintance with the Hereford men and cattle, particularly 

 in their native country, importing some very good ones to this country. 

 However, this connection was temporary. But when I was compelled to 

 cut the Short-horn tie, to say it caused a pang of sorrow is putting it 

 mildly, but am trying to comfort myself with what are sometimes termed 

 the "black-skinned beauties," and whether in my situation the loss or gain 

 is the greater I will leave you to determine. I am really content. A great 

 deal could and should be said in this connection, but to suit a paper of this 

 kind, at this time, will only touch briefly on the main points. 



Great Britain has given to this country all our really valuable breeds 

 of animals, excepting, perhaps, the nigger and the mule, and had we had 

 no others no loss would be felt, but considerable disappointment avoided. 

 It seems to be the generally accepted fact that we have the three distinct 

 breed. And what their promoters are trying to do is not revealed to me, 

 farmer, in what is called the corn belt region of this country, in which a 

 kind Providence has placed us. I need hardly name them, but will just 

 give you them in priority as introduced to this country on their great mis- 

 sion, as our domestic and export beef trade shows. Nearly 100 years in 

 advance of any other came the noble Short-horn, to begin the struggle 

 for better beef and higher civilization, against the scrub steer and the scrub 

 farmer. Then came the Hereford, followed closely by the Angus. As far 

 as I have seen and understand, the cattle called Polled Durham are not as 

 yet at any rate, entitled to the distinction of a breed, certainly not a pure 

 breed. And what their promoters are trying to do is not revealed to me. 

 unless it is to have something uncommon, enjoying a free field for — well, 

 I will not say what. 



Surely the loss of the horn even if it becomes hereditary, will not 

 make up for the loss of valuable flesh which is certain to become heredi- 

 tary. 



If you eliminate the waxy horn, mild eye and roan, mossy skin, you 

 eliminate the quality that has made the Short-horn so justly and world- 

 wide famous. This was tried partly by the red craze. A great deal of char- 

 acter is shown and I believe held in the horn of a Short-horn so much so 

 that by my experience I find that the matured bull will not sire so good 

 calves after as before he was dehorned. And if you dehorn the breed 

 either by the introduction of inferior Polled blood or individual breeding 

 animals by the saw, you are not a friend but a Delilah shearing Sampson 

 of his locks. "Sampson! Sampson! The Phillistines are upon thee. Samp- 

 son." Barnum masquerading in kilt and plaid! But we will lay the 

 Polled Durham by with the white willow, the Bohemian oat and the "gold 

 brick" and proceed to consider the three beef breeds claiming our atten- 

 tion in this country. In order to do so effectively we must acquaint our- 

 selves with the conditions and influences under which each has been 

 moulded, soil, climate and general environment that produce these breeds. 

 Knowing these particulars it will be easier for us to determine which will 

 best suit our conditions and requirements here. Beginning in the south 

 leads us to the country drained and watered by the tributaries of the 

 crystal Severn, Hereford and Salop. Here we quote from a work published 



