EVOLUTION OF THE BEEF CATTLE INDUSTRY 253 



Hereford. The Hereford breed is characterized by an 

 unusually striking combination of colors. The body proper 

 is red; the head, top of neck, shoulders, over the crops, 

 lower part of the neck, brisket, floor of the body, the feet, 

 legs and switch are more or less characterized by white. 

 This varies somewhat. A medium shade of red is most 

 desirable, light colors being objectionable. The general ten- 

 dency is toward these marks, however, the principal variation 

 in color is in the regions mentioned other than the head. 

 This is one of the largest of the beef breeds, the weight of 



FIG. 106. Hereford bull. 



males being from 1800 to 2400 pounds. The breed ranks 

 high as a meat producer, although there is some tendency 

 to lack of development in the hindquarters especially. In 

 milk production it is average. Herefords graze well on 

 rather sparse pasture and in this respect they are superior 

 to most of the other recognized beef breeds. The head of 

 the Hereford is square and broad, showing marked character 

 and refinement. The horns are fine, waxy, rather prominent, 

 and add much to the natural beauty of the breed. The 

 disposition of the Hereford is more nervous than the Short- 

 horn and less so than the Aberdeen-Angus. The quality is 

 usually superior, as shown in the condition of the hide, hair, 



