SHORTHORNS. 107 



merit decreases in a herd, the close-breeding method cannot 

 any longer be relied on to uphold selling values in the most 

 fashionable tribes. 



The Herd Book has been the mainstay of this carefulness on 

 the part of the breeder. Brought out in 1822, by Mr. G-eorge 

 Coates in his old age, it was continued by his son. After his 

 death it was taken up by the late Mr. Henry Strajfford, by 

 whose persevering labours the series was conducted up to its 

 twentieth volume. This was published in 1873 with a record 

 of 32,898 numbered bulls, and a proportionate number of cows. 

 In 1874 it transpired that Mr Strafford, from advancing years 

 and decaying health, was desirous of retiring from a position 

 which involved great personal labour. A committee of breeders 

 was formed to consider the position ; and a meeting was held 

 July 1, 1874, in Willis's Eooms, under the presidency of the 

 Duke of Devonshire, to consider what steps it was desirable to 

 take. As one consequence, a Shorthorn Society was formed ; 

 which, among other duties, undertakes that of maintaining the 

 Herd Book, and issuing a yearly volume in continuation of 

 the series. This has regularly been done ; and the latest (Vol. 

 XXXI.) appeared in October, 1885 ; bringing up the register of 

 produce to the end of the December previous, and containing 

 pedigrees of bulls up to No. 52,382. 



The value attached to the best specimens, for a brief time, 

 became almost fabulous. The late Mr. Whitaker, whose sound 

 judgment and modest opinions entitle his observations to the 

 most sincere respect, says that in 1829, 2000 guineas would not 

 purchase ten of the most select animals in the country. More 

 than twice that price breeders have been known to steadily and 

 calmly decline for one animal. Following upon the great 

 expansion of trade — and apparently of wealth, which the 

 prosperous years of 1851-61 witnessed — farming became even a 

 more fashionable pursuit than it had ever been. Throughout 

 the country, estates, new or inherited, were stocked with pure- 

 bred cattle. The retired merchant, or professional man, amused 

 his leisure hours with model farming, and found a pleasing 

 relaxation in breeding Shorthorns. The demand, for a time, in 

 consequence, exceeded the supply ; prices rose, and breeders of 

 the more fashionable tribes endeavoured to meet the demand 



