230 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



is almost universally credited with being a superior rustler 

 under range conditions. His ability to withstand rigor- 

 ous conditions is due mostly to his capacity and diligence 

 in laying up stores of flesh during the season of plenty on 

 which he may draw in a season of want. The superior 

 fleshing disposition of the Hereford has been demonstrated 

 many times in the feed-lots of the corn-belt, where large 

 numbers of the grades of all breeds are collected and fed 

 for market under like conditions, and the Herefords are 

 the first to be shipped to the market. 



261. Uses. This breed makes no claim to milk- 

 production, and no efforts have been made in America to 

 develop this faculty. 



Hereford cattle are primarily beef animals, and in this 

 capacity they stand in the first rank. They are especially 

 valuable for the production of " baby beef." In the 

 matter of early maturity, they are unexcelled. 



262. Feeding. The strong point with the Hereford in 

 the production of beef is his ability to grow and develop 

 on grass alone. He was developed in a great grazing 

 district, and his first reputation was based on his capacity 

 for converting grass into beef. While he surpasses other 

 breeds as a grazier, he is equally prominent in the feed-lot. 

 All cattle feeds are acceptable to him, and he responds 

 as promptly as any to a ration of grain. 



263. Distribution. The Hereford has been introduced 

 and used extensively in most parts of the world where 

 attempts have been made to improve the cattle grown 

 mainly for beef purposes. They were in use in consider- 

 able numbers in Australia and New Zealand some years 

 before they were brought to America to any extent. Large 

 herds of registered Herefords are now established in these 

 countries, and a herd-book society has been organized that 



