THE DAILY LIFE OF OUR FARM. 143 



predicted the finding of the Australian gold fields. By 

 an analogous acquaintance with the elements that 

 underlie the famous Thorndale bulls, it was long ago 

 predicted by a celebrated living Shorthorn authority 

 that an occasional black nose must crop out in that 

 stock. I was not myself at the Havering Park Sale, 

 but have certainly been repeatedly told by competent 

 authorities that Baron Oxford had undoubtedly a 

 smutty nose. Mr. Eastwood did well to have an in- 

 quest in the matter, and we will devoutly hope that 

 the shadowy dim spot which is allowed to disfigure 

 the luminary may not spread nor re-appear in his 

 progeny. But as America started the fuss by objecting 

 to "black noses," let it now make the amende honor- 

 able, and confess itself hypercritical in the first instance. 

 The emancipation of the Black has been of late their 

 praiseworthy mission. As regards Mr. Eastwood's 

 herd, be they tainted all in this terrible manner, still 

 would they fetch by auction, I do not hesitate to say, 

 the highest average that has been ever obtained.* The 

 gentleman who founded the first Towneley herd, and 

 who never meddles with stock of any sort without 

 gilding it, will not suffer from what really is only a 

 vulgar prejudice. I do not mean to say that it would 

 not be better if we could eliminate the dark stain 

 from our herds ; but seeing how deeply it impregnates 

 them, I do not hesitate to state that I for one should 

 not decline to breed from an animal of excellent points 

 and fine quality, if his family^ be distinguished, even 

 though he may appear to have carried printer's ink in 



* It is gratifying that this prophecy has been fulfilled : 181 guineas 

 the highest average known, having been the result of his recent sale 

 (June, 1871.) 



