The Draft Breeds of Great Britain 103 



In different parts of the east Shire stallions of early times were 

 known under the various names of John Bull, Sampson, English 

 Draft, etc. While this early draft blood was valuable, the bene- 

 fit was not lasting, except as it was used in crossing with other 

 draft breeds which followed. About 1850, a breed called the 

 Sampson was known in the central part of jSTew York State. 

 In the early sixties I remember many grade Sampson colts on 

 our own farm that were excellent workers. These horses were 

 mostly blacks, medium in weight, of rather rough open build, 

 with great energy and endurance. The general impoi*tation of 

 Shires does not date back much before 1880. The number im- 

 ported was never great, but more in former years than now. The 

 Shire has made his best record in the middle western states where 

 they have been most successful in producing big, high-priced 

 geldings and farm native mares. The exceptional bulk, frame, 

 strength and bone of the Shire are qualities that are especially 

 valuable. With this breed, size and substance can be obtained 

 with greater certainty and more quickly than with any other 

 draft blood. 



Grade Shire mares are especially valuable in crossing with 

 stallions of other breeds. Many of the largest and best grade 

 mares and geldings on the western farms at the present time are 

 from this sort of mating. With the future uncertainty of draft 

 horse importations, especially of the continental breeds, Shire 

 importations will probably increase, since this breed will be avail- 

 able in greater numbers than any other after the war. 



The following figures, as reported by the various registry 

 associations, will show the comparative number of animals of the 

 five draft breeds imported in 1913-14, those recorded and trans- 

 ferred in 1914, and the total number recorded up to May, 1915 : 



Breeds 

 Suffolk. . . 

 Shire. . . . 

 Clydesdale. 

 Belgian. . . 

 Percheron. 



