34 TBE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



28. Organizations and records. In 1877, the Ameri- 

 can Clydesdale Horse Association was formed to look 

 after the interest of this breed in America, and nearly 

 19,000 registrations have been entered. The Scotch 

 Clydesdale Horse Society was organized in 1878. Each 

 of these associations issues a stud-book, the American 

 Association having published eighteen volumes. The 

 headquarters of the American Association are in the 

 Union Stock Yards, Chicago. 



SHIRE HORSE. Fig. 6. 

 By John A. Craig 



29. The Shire horse is recognized as one of the leading 

 breeds of draft horses. The best type is specially adapted 

 for breeding the heaviest class of draft horses, suited for 

 slow work, when weight and strength are prime essentials. 

 For hauling large loads on lorries through crowded city 

 streets, without jerking but steadily progressing, weight 

 and strength are the main factors, and it is because of the 

 possession of these qualities that the Shire maintains its 

 position as a draft horse. A medium-weight horse may 

 succeed in pulling more than one of heavier weight if 

 permitted to rush at it; but to start a load steadily 

 and keep it moving slowly, repeating this frequently, 

 as is done on crowded streets, weight must supplement 

 strength. Herein lies the reason for the popularity of 

 the Shire for drayage purposes in England, where it 

 originated. 



30. History in Great Britain. The Shire is considered 

 to be descended from the old war horse of Great Britain 

 and has been referred to as the War horse and the Great 



