202 THE BREEDS OF LIV E-STOCK 
232. Origin in England. — As has been said, the Short- 
horn breed of cattle originated in northeastern England, 
and first became popular in the shires of Durham, North- 
umberland, Lincoln and York. From this somewhat 
restricted territory their popularity gradually extended 
throughout England and Scotland, until, early in the 
nineteenth century, they were by far the most popular 
race of cattle in the British Isles. Authorities differ 
somewhat as to the particular stock used in developing 
this breed. All agree, however, that the largest factor 
entering into their production was the native cattle of the 
northeastern section of England. That occasional crosses 
of Dutch bulls were used is probable. 
233. Breeding by Colling Brothers. — Improvement 
began about 1750, although very little methodical or 
efficient work was accomplished prior to the cattle-breeding 
operations of Robert and Charles Colling, of Barmpton 
and Ketton Hall. By careful selection and inbreeding 
they succeeded in setting standards towards which con- 
temporary breeders aimed. Charles Colling’s first Short- 
horn purchase was made in 1784. His herd was dispersed 
successfully in 1810. Robert Colling’s herd was sold 
partly in 1818 and the remainder in 1820. While these 
two brothers operated their farms separately and main- 
tained separate herds, their methods and accomplishments 
were similar. They were unusually fortunate in the pur- 
chase of that first great Shorthorn sire, Hubback (319). 
While this was an undersized bull, yellow-red in color, 
he proved a fortunate ‘nick’ for the late-maturing, 
coarse cows so common in the early history of the breed. 
As breeders of the Durham Ox, The White Heifer that 
Traveled, Favorite (252) and Comet (155), these pioneer 
breeders established a reputation for breeding good 
