142 THE CATTLE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



their own calf through the winter, which can be weaned in the 

 spring, and another calf put to the cow. If managed in this 

 way, each cow will rear two calves, and the number of barreners 

 be greatly diminished, which is one of the greatest evils when 

 cows are allowed to drop their calves all the year round. 



Great credit is due to Mr. Edward Cane, of Berwick Court, 

 for the energy he has displayed in the improvement of the 

 breed. Mr. Cane at one time was one of the largest breeders, 

 and always ready to give a good price for the best cow brought 

 to the hammer. He was, however, very unfortunate with his 

 yearlings, and after losing a great many, was induced to sell off 

 his herd. A cow purchased at this sale produced one of the 

 best steer specimens of the breed, which was in 1867 exhibited 

 at Smithfield, obtained the first prize in its class, and was one 

 of the most formidable competitors for the cup, finally awarded 

 to Mr. McCombie's celebrated Black Prince. In the report of 

 the show published in The Field of Dec. 14, 1867, this animal 

 is thus alluded to : " The older class of steers contains eight 

 entries, and is decidedly good, Messrs. Heasman's entry being 

 probably their chef d'oeuvre; so good that it remained out a 

 long time competing with Mr. Foljambe's steer as second-best 

 male." And again : " The Duke of Sutherland's very smart, 

 level, and well-fed young Shorthorn was much fancied for second 

 place ; but he gave way to one of the best Sussex steers yet 

 shown." Mr. Cane was the first to introduce the Sussex cattle 

 to the notice of the Smithfield Club, and from that time much 

 improvement has taken place. The Smithfield Club have been 

 very liberal in their support by offering good prizes, the result 

 of which is that the classes are well filled, and the breed year 

 by year becomes a more prominent feature in the Christmas 

 gatherings. 



The Sussex men do not feel inclined to spoil their best 

 animals by over-feeding. 



The Public Herd Book of Sussex Stock (without which no 

 breed is perfect) has been established about thirteen years, and 

 promises to be of great assistance. Each year it becomes of 

 more importance, and as recorded pedigrees increase it will 

 enable breeders to select a cross with a degree of certainty 

 which has hitherto been a difficulty. It will also help the sales. 



