UNITED STATES 177 



Formerly, the Hereford was severely criticised because of a 

 light hindquarter, but the breed has improved wonderfully in 

 overcoming this defect during the last two decades. It is now 

 'somewhat less rangy, more compact, and heavier fleshed 

 than formerly. The Hereford cows have also been criticised 

 because of their scanty milk flow, but they usually produce 

 enough to raise a good calf. The Hereford of the States has 

 a fuller heart girth, stronger constitution, and can with- 

 stand adverse conditions better than the Shorthorn. They 

 are early maturing, and fatten readily in the feed-lot. 



The weight of the Hereford is practically the same as that 

 of the Shorthorn. Mature bulls weigh from 1800 to 2200 lbs. 

 or more, while good cows weigh from 1200 to 1600 lbs., although 

 it is not unusual for mature animals of either sex to weigh more 

 than stated. 



Mr. W. F. Ward, Senior Animal Husbandman in Beef Cattle 

 Investigations, U.S.A., says : — 



" In colour the Hereford is red with white markings. The 

 white markings usually consist of a white face and head, the 

 white extending along the top of the neck and shoulders, 

 a white throat and dewlap, and white on the underline. 

 Frequently, however, no white is found on the neck or top of 

 shoulders. White is sometimes found on other parts of the 

 body ; and, while it is permissible, it is not desirable. A 

 pure white face is usually preferred, although many purebred 

 animals show spots about the face and especially some red 

 around the eyes. The red colour of the body varies from a 

 light red approaching yellow in colour to a very dark red ap- 

 proaching black. Neither the light red nor the blackish red 

 colour is desirable, a rich deep red being the most popular. 

 The hair is usually of medium length with a curly tendency, 

 although short-haired animals are common. 



" The general formation of the Hereford is the same as that 

 of the Shorthorn, except that the rectangular form is not quite 

 so pronounced and the prominent bones are more smoothly 

 covered. The form is low, compact, and blocky, with well- 

 sprung ribs, broad loin, and wide hips, without the prominent 

 hip bones of the Shorthorn, and with a more rounded and 

 bulging quarter, although developed to a lesser degree in this 



