58 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



question of size, and of profit to the feeder, have long been 

 competitors of the Short-horns. They have been well bred in 

 England, and are a much older breed than their rivals. On the 

 score of strength, energy, hardiness of constitution, and quality 



Hereford Bull. 



of flesh, they contrast favorably with them ; and while they are 

 not so profitable to the breeder, they are often preferred by the 

 feeder. Their deep bodies, broad hips, large frames, thick and 

 mellow hides, and vigorous motions indicate great thrift and 

 power. And in some instances they have shown a remarkable 

 return to the feeder, after having performed a vast deal of 

 valuable service to the farmer. Their claims, as dairy animals, 

 in any period of their history, are small. 



It cannot be denied that the introduction of Hereford blood 

 into this country, has not been attended with very successful 

 results. It may be that the animal, from the antiquity of his 

 breed, has become, as it were, indigenous to certain portions of 

 England ; and like all ancient races does not bear transplanting, 

 and is too decided for crossing. Be this as it may, Herefords 

 have thus far failed to compete with Short-horns, both in Massa- 

 chusetts and in other parts of this country, as far west as Iowa. 

 Their natural preponderence of bone seems to be increased in 

 the grades, and an ungainly frame is too often the result of 

 breeding in this direction. There is no doubt that for tlie 

 purposes of work, the pure-bred Hereford is more hardy and 

 active than the Short-horn. But this does not appear to hold 

 good with regard to the grades. 



