STOCK. 2G3 



"We now turn to the noble " short-horns," — or Durhams, as 

 they wore formerly called, — a race that lias received more at- 

 tention from eminent breeders than any other, and has proba- 

 bly produced more distinguished animals than all others to- 

 gether. Xo animals command such enormous prices as are 

 constantly paid for short-horns, and no breed has greater 

 merit. 



Though not so old as the Devons, the short-horns are a 

 breed of greater antiquity than is generally supposed, and were 

 of great excellence a century before Colling, in 1784, com- 

 menced those experiments that resulted in the marked improve- 

 ment of the breed, and made for himself a proud name in the 

 annals of English agriculture. The work of Colling has been 

 going on and continued to the present day, and at this moment 

 occupies the attention of the most scientific and experienced 

 breeders on both sides of the Atlantic. 



proofs of the antiquity of the short-horns, we may ad- 

 duce not only reliable documentary and traditionary evidence, 

 but we may appeal to the almost unerring certainty with which 

 a short-horn marks his descendants with the characteristics of 

 his race. This certainty is only to be found in individuals of 

 long-established breed. 



The short-horns are a showy family ; and a well-bred speci- 

 men cannot fail to please the most fastidious taste. Their ele- 

 gance and varied colors may perhaps partially account for their 

 favor in the eyes of wealthy fanciers ; but it is owing more to 

 their intrinsic excellence that they are so eagerly sought for 

 and command such enormous prices. Gentlemen of wealth 

 alone can afford to purchase and import the finest animals; but 

 few, even of such as can afford it, would lavish such sums as 

 have within the past three years been paid for short-horns, but 

 for their faith that the value of the animals warrants the 

 outlay.-' 



of Mansfield. The committee anticipated pleasure in examining a thorough-bred 

 Devon bull, from the Webster stock, entered by Messrs. Lawton and Wilbar, of 

 Somerset; but owing to the non-arrival of the Fall llivcr cars on the morning of 

 the exhibition, lie, as well as other fine animals, did not appear upon the ground. 

 The bull is represented as an uncommonly line specimen of the breed. 



* Mr. Jonathan Thorne, of Dutchess County, in 1851, expended more than sixteen 



