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CHAPTER X 



Hereford cattle — Early history of the breed — Report of the United 

 States Government — Grazing capabiHties — Quahty of beef— Curious 

 anecdote — Mr. Westcar, of Creslow — Foundation of the Smithfield 

 Chib — Introduction of the breed into the Midlands — Duke of 

 Bedford — Lord Berners — Remarkable cattle — Great value of 

 'Hereford' beef at Christmas — Beauty of the animals — Colour, 

 grandeur, and carriage — General aptitude to fatten. 



Having been for many years an ardent admirer 

 and somewhat successful breeder of Shorthorns, I 

 have arrived at the conclusion that in some districts 

 there are various tribes of cattle which have become, 

 from continuous breeding, and very careful selection 

 of the fittest for the surrounding conditions, as 

 it were, indigenous to certain soils of this country ; 

 whilst the developing of special characteristics has 

 naturally fostered a prejudice in favour of the breed, 

 even to the detriment of others. This is well 

 known amongst breeders of Devons, and is still 

 more pronounced in relation to the Herefords. I 

 have never bred Herefords, but have been a 

 grazier and feeder of them for many years. I there- 

 fore can state most unhesitatingly that no breed 

 has a greater aptitude to fatten; and when placed in 

 rich pastures on a congenial soil, they lay on flesh, and 

 fatten, more readily than any breed in existence. 

 Some few years since the Government of the 



