202 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



232. Origin in England. As has been said, the Short- 

 horn breed of cattle originated in northeastern England, 

 and first became popular in the shires of Durham, North- 

 umberland, Lincoln and York. From this somewhat 

 restricted territory their popularity gradually extended 

 throughout England and Scotland, until, early in the 

 nineteenth century, they were by far the most popular 

 race of cattle in the British Isles. Authorities differ 

 somewhat as to the particular stock used in developing 

 this breed. All agree, however, that the largest factor 

 entering into their production was the native cattle of the 

 northeastern section of England. That occasional crosses 

 of Dutch bulls were used is probable. 



233. Breeding by Colling Brothers. Improvement 

 began about 1750, although very little methodical or 

 efficient work was accomplished prior to the cattle-breeding 

 operations of Robert and Charles Colling, of Barmpton 

 and Ketton Hall. By careful selection and inbreeding 

 they succeeded in setting standards towards which con- 

 temporary breeders aimed. Charles Ceiling's first Short- 

 horn purchase was made in 1784. His herd was dispersed 

 successfully in 1810. Robert Ceiling's herd was sold 

 partly in 1818 and the remainder in 1820. While these 

 two brothers operated their farms separately and main- 

 tained separate herds, their methods and accomplishments 

 were similar. They were unusually fortunate in the pur- 

 chase of that first great Shorthorn sire, Hubback (319). 

 While this was an undersized bull, yellow-red in color, 

 he proved a fortunate " nick " for the late-maturing, 

 coarse cows so common in the early history of the breed. 

 As breeders of the Durham Ox, The White Heifer that 

 Traveled, Favorite (252) and Comet (155), these pioneer 

 breeders established a reputation for breeding good 



