38 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



33. Uses of Shires. Like the Clydesdale, the Shire 

 is a heavy draft horse, slow-moving but sure and steady, 

 and makes no claims for other uses, except for crossing 

 on native draft stock and for improving other breeds 

 with an injection of its blood. 



The use of the Shire has been an important factor in 

 improving our horse stock for draft purposes, as attested 

 by the extent to which the best drafters of our modern 

 markets have Shire blood on the maternal side. The 

 Shire is credited with having produced the highest-priced 

 gelding that has been sold by auction on the Chicago 

 market, and many more of the best have traced to Shire 

 blood on the side of their dams. Dr. Alexander is author- 

 ity for the statement that a grade Shire gelding, weighing 

 2210 pounds, sold for $660 on the Chicago market in 

 1904, which is the highest price paid on that market that 

 has been reported. Our breeding stock have surely not 

 suffered because of the use of Shire blood, and there is a 

 feeling that if the Shire had been more liberally used our 

 breeding mares would more surely produce the highest- 

 selling class of drafters. It remains to be said that the 

 use of the Shire in draft-breeding to such a limited extent 

 may be due in a measure to the fact that the source of 

 supply for importation is not so large as that of some other 

 continental breeds ; and furthermore, it is difficult to in- 

 duce home-breeders to part with their very best types, so 

 much desired in their native land for breeding purposes. 



34. Distribution. This breed enjoys much popu- 

 larity in England, as indicated by its prominence in horse 

 shows. From there it has spread into most other English- 

 speaking countries. Germany, Australia and Argentina 

 have made importations. In America, it is most popu- 

 lar in the north-central states. 



