38 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 
33. Uses of Shires. — Like the Clydesdale, the Shire - 
is a heavy draft horse, slow-moving but sure and steady, 
and makes no claims for other uses, except for crossing 
on native draft stock and for improving other breeds 
with an injection of its blood. 
The use of the Shire has been an important factor in 
improving our horse stock for draft purposes, as attested 
by the extent to which the best drafters of our modern 
markets have Shire blood on the maternal side. The 
Shire is credited with having produced the highest-priced 
gelding that has been sold by auction on the Chicago 
market, and many more of the best have traced to Shire 
blood on the side of their dams. Dr. Alexander is author- 
ity for the statement that a grade Shire gelding, weighing 
2210 pounds, sold for $660 on the Chicago market in 
1904, which is the highest price paid on that market that 
has been reported. Our breeding stock have surely not 
suffered because of the use of Shire blood, and there is a 
feeling that if the Shire had been more liberally used our 
breeding mares would more surely produce the highest- 
selling class of drafters. It remains to be said that the 
use of the Shire jn draft-breeding to such a limited extent 
may be due in a measure to the fact that the source of 
supply for importation is not so large as that of some other 
continental breeds; and furthermore, it is difficult to in- 
duce home-breeders to part with their very best types, so 
much desired in their native land for breeding purposes. 
34. Distribution. — This breed enjoys much popu- 
larity in England, as indicated by its prominence in horse 
shows. From there it has spread into most other English- 
speaking countries. Germany, Australia and Argentina 
have made importations. In America, it is most popu- 
lar in the north-central states, 
