THE UNITED KINGDOM. 161 



The soil generally compares with the underlyiug rocks, and varies 

 from sterile sand to very stiff loam. 



The substratum is lower greensaud rocks, chalk, and lower Eocene 

 rocks. 



The temperature is 63 in summer, 38 in winter, and the mean tem- 

 perature 50. 



HEREFORD CATTLE. 



This breed takes its name from the county where they were first 

 bred, but they are to be found also in the adjoining counties. They are 

 also grazed in most of the great grazing farms of the midland counties, 

 and there are also breeding herds in Scotland and Ireland. The Queen's 

 celebrated herd is kept near Windsor, Berkshire. This breed adapts 

 itself easily to the severe climate of the north, as well as the milder 

 climate of the south. 



In America some are to be found in ranches 6,047 feet above the level 

 of the sea, and no better proof can be given of the hardiness of the 

 Hereford s. 



Of this breed the Earl of Coventry says : 



I have observed Hereford cattle for twenty years, but I only commenced forming a 

 herd nine years ago. During that period I have tried them alongside pedigree Short- 

 horns and other breeds of cattle, and I am so satisfied of the superiority of the Here- 

 ford breed for feeding purposes that I have disposed of other sorts. They are a hardy 

 breed, doing well out of doors all the year round. Their quality of meat is very su- 

 perior ; they have less " rough " meat about them than the Short-horn, hence first-class 

 butchers prefer them to other sorts. (21st October, 1883.) 



They are a perfectly pure race of cattle and have been brought to 

 their present excellence by the judicious selection of both male and 

 female animals, and not by the introduction of crosses of other breeds. 

 This strictly pure blood gives them the great value they have for im- 

 proving other breeds. 



Color. The distinguishing color is red with a white face, chest, and 

 belly, white flank and white tip to the tail ; white on the legs, white 

 mane, and often white line along the back The red with white face is 

 invariable, arid the white predominates, more or less, on different ani- 

 mals. There are also gray Herefords, but these are now confined to one 

 or two breeds. 



The date of the first herd-book is 1845. 



Increase. The demand for exportation principally for the United 

 States and Canada has increased the stock of the district, owing to more 

 farmers breeding. 



Age at maturity : Three years. 



11 010 long bred pure : From a very remote period. 



A nnual average pounds of milk: Nine thousand five hundred poanda. 



Milk to pounds of butter : Thirty pounds to 1 pound of butter. 



H. Ex. 51 II 



