THE SHIRE 



129 



Hitchin Conqueror (4458) was foaled in 1883, being sired by 

 William the Conqueror (2343). His dam was Flower, by Honest 

 Prince (1058). Hitchin Conqueror sired many fine prize winners 

 and superior breeding animals. 



Shire characteristics of distinctive importance are as follows. 

 In size this is the largest of the British draft breeds, and is 



Fig. 47. Souldern Scylax. Champion Shire stallion at the Royal Agricultural 

 ' Society Show of England, 1904. Photograph from National Stockman 

 and Farmer 



excelled in weight only by the Belgian. Stallions weighing from 

 1800 to 2000 pounds are comparatively common, massiveness 

 having long been sought for by Shire breeders. In height the 

 Shire stallion should stand close to 1 7 hands, although the aver- 

 age is about two inches less. The color of this breed is some- 

 what variable, though in recent years bays and browns have 

 been most common, white markings on the face or forehead 



