978 A HISTORY OF HEREFORD CATTLE 



at high prices. We regret that space will not per- 

 mit of our setting forth the bloodlines of these im- 

 ported cattle, but it must suffice to say that all of 

 the great producing strains of the breed in Here- 

 fordshire were represented. 



Las Hormigas. Senor A. Ayerza, owner of Las 

 Hormigas, established in Conchitas in the District 

 of Quilmes, Province of Buenos Aires, in the year 

 1896, began with four pedigree cows imported from 

 England, and with fifteen bred in Argentina, the 

 produce of imported English cows. The first bull 

 used was Eaton Defender, bred by Sir Joseph 

 Pulley, Bart, of Lower Eaton, and was followed by 

 the famous Eed Cross, bred by Arkwright of Hamp- 

 ton Court and winner of many important prizes at 

 English shows. 



The natural increase from births in this estab- 

 lishment during a period of eleven years was 425 

 head. Comparing the "mestizacion" or effects of 

 crossing with both * * Durham ' ' and Hereford bulls, Sr. 

 Ayerza, after having practical experience with both 

 breeds and having produced as many as 6,000 head 

 of grades of both breeds decided to give up using 

 "Durhams" and only employ Herefords. Eef erring 

 to this he said: 



" Above all I must tell you that the mestizacion in 

 my establishment has been made principally with 

 purebred pedigree bulls, but few of a ' mixed breed * 

 having been used, but even those had been crossed 

 at least four times. As to the cows, although they 

 had some Hereford blood (only the color), yet on 



