Chapter XXXIV. 



LONGHORNS. 



These cattle, so little known at present in the United States, have 

 their origin in the district of Craven, England. Probably the Irish 

 Longhorns, mentioned by Youatt, were identical with the English 

 breed, and for many years were bred in parallel lines. 



When Bakewell (see also Leicester sheep) took hold of the breed, 

 he found it already somewhat improved, but there can be no doubt that 

 a large proportion of whatever merit or popularity the English Long- 

 horns once possessed was due to his wonderful skill as a breeder. His 

 methods were kept secret, and his ability considered extraordinary ; 

 but, to state the case plainly, we have no doubt that many of our mod- 

 ern improvers and breeders possess just as much ability, and are pro- 

 ducing just as great results. 



Concerning their importation to America, we can say little. A few 

 head were imported into Kentucky as early as 1817, but they were 

 crossed with the Shorthorns and soon lost sight of. We know of but 

 one other importation, although several are said to have been made at 

 different times. In 1872 or 1873, the writer attended the Iowa State 

 Fair, then held at Cedar Rapids, in Linn county ; there was exhibited 

 a herd of some four or five cows and a bull of the genuine English 

 Longhorns ; they were marked somewhat similar to the modern Here- 

 ford, with white faces and lined backs and bellies ; their sides, however, 

 were of a dun or light red, almost a yellow, and on one or two individ- 

 uals patches of brindle and roan were visible. We do not remember 

 the name of the exhibitor, nor have we since been able to locate the 

 herd. 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 



We describe as we remember them, and find that our observations 

 agree with the description given by Allen (American Cattle). Size 

 equal to Shorthorn or Hereford ; color dun or yellowish fawn, some- 

 times red, brindled or roan, with frequently white faces and white lines 

 on' back and belly. Their distinguishing feature lies in the peculiar 

 horns, which are long, ungraceful, curving forward and downward, 

 sometimes crossing under the jaws, and frequently requiring amputa- 

 tion to prevent a threatened puncture of the muzzle. 



They were claimed to be general purpose animals, but with especial 



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