THOMAS BATES AND THE DUCHESSES. 115 



cent ration of the blood of the light-colored 

 Belvedere and of the white Matchem cow's sons 

 -the Cleveland Lads modified the original 

 Duchess color as well as elevated the general 

 excellence of the herd. A contemporary re- 

 port of the sale in the Farmer's Magazine com- 

 mended the character of the cattle in the fol- 

 lowing laudatory language: 



"In a combination of those qualities which constitute excel- 

 lence in the Short-horn variety of cattle it may be asserted with 

 confidence that the Kirklevington Herd at the time of its disper- 

 sion was unequaled by any other in existence. Magnificent size, 

 straight and broad back, arched and well-spread ribs, wide bosom, 

 snug shoulder, clean neck, light feet, small head, prominent and 

 bright but placid eye, were features of usefulness and beauty 

 which distinguished this herd in the very highest degree. While 

 the hide is sufficiently thick to indicate an excellent constitution, 

 its elasticity when felt between the fingers and thumb, and its 

 floating under the hand upon the cellular texture beneath, together 

 with the soft and furry texture of the coat, evinced in an extraor- 

 dinary degree throughout the herd excellent quality of flesh and 

 disposition to rapid taking on fat. In the sixty-eight head of cattle 

 not one could be characterized as inferior or even as mediocre, all 

 ranking as first-class animals; and when an idea of inferiority 

 arose it was only in reference to a comparison with others of this 

 splendid herd, which, from their most extraordinary excellence, 

 demanded special notice." 



Thus passed into other hands a herd that was 

 destined to receive recognition in the subse- 

 quent progress of the breed beyond even the 

 wildest dreams of its founder. At his grave 

 stands a substantial monument,* erected largely 

 through the efforts of Mr. William Housman, 



*The exact date of Mr. Bates' death was July 25, as already stated. 

 Through some inadvertency the inscription on the monument reads "July 

 26th." 



