THE SENSATION OF SEVENTY-THREE. 457 



Mr. Gibson attributes most of the troubles of 

 the New York Mills Duchesses after his con- 

 nection with the herd ceased.* 



4th Duke of Geneva. As the chief stock 

 bull in service at New York Mills this bull oc- 

 cupied a commanding position in the minds of 

 those who were following the Bates colors. 

 Through the instrumentality of Ben F. Van- 

 meter of Clark Co., Ky., he was bought in the 

 spring of 1873 for the joint account of himself 

 and Abram Renick at $6,000. He weighed at 

 that time about 2,000 Ibs. Mr. Wright, herds- 

 man for Mr. Alexander, had looked at him as a 

 yearling with a view toward securing him for 

 Woodburn, but left him on account of his 

 showing at that time a defect behind the 

 shoulder. He improved in that respect, how- 

 ever, and is generally credited with having 

 proved a great success in Kentucky, to which 



* The history of this herd reads like a romance. The fight against fate at 

 first, the importation of the Booths, the first purchase of half the Geneva 

 herd, the compulsory acquirement of the second and the final dispersion 

 were all the outcome of peculiar circumstances. The climax was a success, 

 but that success was not commanded by superior knowledge nor sagacity, 

 but simply caused by a fortuitous sequence of favorable events all having 

 a bearing. Old Weehawken, the success as sires of American Duchess 

 bulls in England, the extinction of the pure Duchess line there, the con. 

 stant refusal to price one, England's competition in the sale-ring, and a 

 favorable time, all conspired to bring about the astounding result. Two 

 months later we were in the throes of financial trouble. The gratuitous 

 advertising through controversy in England, and above all the tact and skill 

 of the auctioneer, were also important factors. 



"Are you satisfied, Mr. Campbell, 100 head of cattle can be sold in an 

 afternoon? " asked the auctioneer after it was all over. " I am aware it has 

 been done, sir," rejoined Mr. Campbell; and the auctioneer's fee was two 

 black-nosed Victorias that were not worthy to be put in the sale! Richard 

 Gibson in "Breeder's Gazette" 



