98 TYPES AND BREEDS 



gray. A considerable amount of white, frequently too much, on 

 face and legs is common. 



The popularity of the Shire in this country has been re- 

 stricted rather than general. There are some parts where he is 

 bred almost exclusively, others in which he is almost unknown. 

 His grossness, abundant feather, and sluggish moyements pre- 

 vent him from making a strong bid for general favor in compe- 

 tition with the other breeds. 



Crosses. — A percentage of Shire blood, especially in the 

 dams from which market geldings are produced, is acknowl- 

 edged to be a valuable asset Attention has been called to the 

 fact that much credit which belongs to the Shire has been as- 

 signed to other breeds through just this sort of mating, the sires 

 usually being most conspicuous and the dams obscure. Size and 

 substance can be derived with greater certainty from Shire blood 

 than from any other line of breeding. 



SUFFOLK 



The Suffolks are characterized as being of the purest lineage, 

 most uniform color, and are bred more exclusively for farm work 

 than any of the draft breeds. 



Their origin is untraced, but horses of this stamp are known 

 to have been bred in Suffolk for over two centuries. So care- 

 fully has their lineage been guarded that practically all of the 

 pure-bred representatives of the breed trace back to a common 

 ancestor, The Crisp Horse of Ufford, foaled in 1768. They are 

 produced almost exclusively in Suffolk and adjoining Essex, in 

 eastern England, by farmers and for farming purposes. 



Their especial adaptability for farm service is found in their 

 good dispositions, which render them so easy of control as to make 

 it possible to work them in tandem hitches without lines ; their 

 easy keeping quality, working long hours between feeds; and 

 their persistence at the collar, pulling true under all circum- 

 stances. 



Their distinguishing characteristics are tlie invariable chest- 

 nut color of varying shades (Fig. 73) , mth little if any white, but 

 often with flaxen manes and tails; their smooth, rotund form; 



