LECTURE NO. 12. 



HEREFORD CATTLE THEIR LEADING CHARACTER- 

 ISTICS. 



I. Popularity. 



(1) In the last century and during the early part of the 

 present one, Herefords were equally popular with Short- 

 horns, but 



(2) Since that time Shorthorns have been more in favor 

 with the average farmer, unless in rich pastoral districts. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) Herefords, like Shorthorns, readily adapt themselves 

 to the changed conditions of soil and climate, and their 

 marked docility is eminently favorable to such adaptation. 



(2) They are well adapted to arable countries, level or 

 gently undulating, and capable of rich production in grain 

 and pastures. 



(3) They have proved themselves eminently fitted for 

 range conditions, such as prevail in the western and south- 

 western states. 



(4) Although they have proved hardy in northern lati- 

 tudes, they would seem better adapted relatively than the 

 Shorthorns to warm temperatures. 



III. Relative size. 



(1) In average size and weight, as a breed, they are 

 almost equal to the Shorthorns, while 



(2) In many instances individual animals outweigh 

 Shorthorns. 



IV. Early maturing qualities. 



(1) In early maturing qualities they are fully equal to the 

 Shorthorns. 



(2) Like the latter, with good feeding, they may be made 

 quite ripe for the block at two and one-half years. 



V. Grazing qualities. 



(1) Their grazing properties are decidedly superior, since 

 they take on flesh rapidly on good pastures, and 



(2) Their grades have shown much capacity for well 

 doing on the dry and not overabundant pastures of the open 

 range. 



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