184 THE WORLD'S MEAT FUTURE 



The cattle of this breed are fair grazers, ranking with or 

 slightly ahead of the Short horns but not equal to the Devon 

 or Hereford. They are very prepotent and give uniformity 

 in offspring when hied to native cows. Like all dual-purposo 

 breeds, it has been hard to fix or to hold a uniform type, as 

 many breeders incline to beef production, while others try to 

 develop the milking qualities to the detriment of the beef form. 



The breed has long been celebrated for its early maturity, 

 eaaj fleshing qualities, and for a fair to good milk flow. The 

 steers have attracted attention and sold for high prices on 

 English markets for years, and have made very creditable 

 showings in America. They make good daily gains and 

 lay on flesh evenly. They are usually rather leggy, and lack 

 the heavy fleshing qualities of the beef breeds. The hind- 

 quarters are less well-developed, with a tendency toward a 

 rather thin thigh and a high flank and twist. 



The milking qualities of the breed are fair. Many of the cows 

 average over 5000 lbs. of milk a year. The cows flesh up 

 readily when dry. 



In conformation these cattle resemble the Devon. The head 

 i.^ Lean, medium in length, with a well-defined poll, covered 

 with a nice tuft of hair of medium length. The neck is longer 

 and thinner than in the beef breeds, and does not blend with 

 the shoulders bo nicely. The chest is unusually well developed 

 and the ribs well sprung, though lacking in a thick covering of 

 flesh. The barrel is developed to a greater extent than with 

 the beef breeds, and the loin and hindquarter arc lighter fleshed. 

 The bone is of medium size. The skin is thin, soft, and pliable, 

 and the hair is short and fine, showing quality. The colour 

 ranges from light red to dark red, but a deep, rich red is pre- 

 ferred throughout, although a little white on the udder or 

 underline and a white brush are permissible. The udder is 

 well developed in the back, but does not come forward well ; 

 it. is "• chopped off," and the tendency is to develop large teats. 

 The milk veins are prominent and of fair size. 



The Red Polls are more nervous than the Shorthorn, but less 

 so than the Aberdeen-Angus. As this is a comparatively 

 young breed, they are not so popular as the older breeds. As 

 dual-purpose cattle they are hard to excel. 



