230 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 
is almost universally credited with being a superior rustler 
under range conditions. His ability to withstand rigor- 
ous conditions is due mostly to his capacity and diligence 
in laying up stores of flesh during the season of plenty on 
which he may draw in a season of want. The superior 
fleshing disposition of the Hereford has been demonstrated 
many times in the feed-lots of the corn-belt, where large 
numbers of the grades of all breeds are collected and fed 
for market under like conditions, and the Herefords are 
the first to be shipped to the market. 
261. Uses. — This breed makes no claim to milk- 
production, and no efforts have been made in America to 
develop this faculty. 
Hereford cattle are primarily beef animals, and in this 
capacity they stand in the first rank. They are especially 
valuable for the production of “baby beef.’ In the 
matter of early maturity, they are unexcelled. 
262. Feeding. — The strong point with the Hereford in 
the production of beef is his ability to grow and develop 
on grass alone. He was developed in a great grazing 
district, and his first reputation was based on his capacity 
for converting grass into beef. While he surpasses other 
breeds as a grazier, he is equally prominent in the feed-lot. 
All cattle feeds are acceptable to him, and he responds 
as promptly as any to a ration of grain. 
263. Distribution. — The Hereford has been introduced 
and used extensively in most parts of the world where 
attempts have been made to improve the cattle grown 
mainly for beef purposes. They were in use in consider- 
able numbers in Australia and New Zealand some years 
before they were brought to America to any extent. Large 
herds of registered Herefords are now established in these 
countries, and a herd-book society has been organized that 
