DUAL-PURPOSE CATTLE 93 



considered by them as an important characteristic of the 

 breed, to be retained as far as possible. At the same time 

 they were more interested in developing the general sym- 

 metry and beef-making characteristics. They followed the 

 methods of Robert Blakewell closely, practicing in-and-in 

 breeding constantly. 



Toward the latter part of the eighteenth century, Thomas 

 Bates began breeding Shorthorns. He aimed constantly to 

 develop a superior dairy and beef animal combined, and 

 succeeded to a marked extent. Most of the best milkers 

 among the Shorthorns at present are descended from ani- 

 mals of this breeding. 



The Booth family began breeding Shorthorns about 1790. 

 They have all along emphasized the beef production, and 

 paid little or no attention to the dairy qualities. 



Amos Cruickshank, who began breeding in 1837, developed 

 the so-called Scotch type of Shorthorns, which are charac- 

 terized by superior beef qualities and decidedly inferior dairy 

 qualities. 



The original Shorthorns were counted good dairy animals. 

 Some very creditable reports are given regarding daily or 

 weekly production of certain cows in the time of the Col- 

 lings. It would appear, however, that even then the breed 

 had the characteristics of the Shorthorn of to-day; milking 

 heavy for a short time, but lacking persistency. 



The Shorthorn cows brought to America during the early 

 importations were usually at least fair, and some were 

 exceptional milkers. On account of the general use of this 

 breed for exclusive beef production in America, the dairy 

 qualities were generally neglected, and most breeders aimed 

 only at the best beef animal. This condition was further 



