1858.] SENATE— No. 4. 19 



But it does not follow that the high bred short-horns are unex- 

 ceptionable for beef. The very exaggeration, — so to speak, — of 

 the qualities which make them so valuable for the improvement 

 of other and less perfect races, may become a fault when wanted 

 for the table. The very rapidity with which they increase in 

 size, is thought by some to prevent their meat from ripening up 

 sufficiently before being hurried off to the butcher. The dis- 

 proportion of the fatty to the muscular flesh, found in this to a 

 greater extent than in races coming slower to maturity, makes 

 the meat of the thorough bred short-horn, in the estimation of 

 some, both less agreeable to the taste and less profitable to the 

 consumer, since the nitrogenous compounds, true sources of 

 nutriment, are found in less quantity than in the meat of ani- 

 mals not so highly bred. 



But the improved short-horn is justly unrivalled for symmetry 

 of form and beauty. I have never seen a picture or an engrav- 

 ing of an animal which could compare in beauty with many 

 specimens of this race, especially with tlie best bred in Kentucky 

 and Ohio, where many excellent breeders, favored by a climate 

 and pastures eminently adapted to bring the short-horn to per- 

 fection, have not only imported extensively from the best herds 

 in England, but have themselves attained a degree of knowledge 

 and skill equalled only by that of the most celebrated breeders 

 in the native country of this improved race. 



To all short-horn breeders, Coate's Herd-book is an indispen- 

 sable guide. This is published in alternate years, and several 

 thousand animals are recorded, whose pedigree is thus fixed 

 beyond dispute. The number of good herds of short-horns now 

 in Great Britain exceeds five hundred. 



The short-horns exhibited at the State Fair were, mrmy of 

 them, of a very high order. The premiums offered for them iu 

 the schedule were as follows : — 



Herd Premiums. — For best short-liorued bull and four cows, or heifers of 

 any age, belonging to any one person — $50 ; next best, Diploma. 



Bulls. — Three years old and upwards — 1st premium, $30 ; 2nd, $20 ; 3d, ^15. 

 Two years old and under three years — 1st premium, $20 ; 2nd, $15 ; 3d, ^10. 

 One year old and under two yeaj-s — 1st premium, $15 ; 2nd, $10 ; 3d, 35. 



Cows and Heifers. — Three years old and upwards — 1st premium, $30 ; 2nd, 

 ?20 ; 3d, $15. Two years old and under three years — 1st premium, $20 ; 

 2nd, $15 ; 3d, $10. One year old and under two years — 1st premium, $15 ; 

 2nd, $10 ; 3d, $5. Calves, discretionary. 



