CHAPTER VIII. 



THE HEREFOBDS. 



After giving so extended a chapter on the Devons — which we 

 have partially done for convenient reference in remarking on 

 some other breeds, to save frequent repetition — ^it wiU not be 

 necessary to describe the Herefords so minutely. Although 

 comparatively little known in this country, they are a valuable 

 breed, and their origin dates far back in the history of English 

 cattle. The principal counties in England in which they are 

 kept, are Hereford, Shropshire, Gloucester, and Oxford, and some 

 counties adjoining Hereford, in Wales. They are also found in 

 other counties, but those named are their principal homes. 



Ever since breeds of cattle have been discussed, in modem 

 days, the Hereford has been named as of ancient descent. To 

 what extent, concurrent with other breeds, they have been 

 improved, it is not easy to say; but that they have received 

 great attention within a century past, and no doubt been much 

 improved, is certain, as we learn by English authorities. The 

 Herefords of a hundred years ago, were deep red — almost brown 

 — ^in color, with mottled faces ; now, they are usually red, with 

 shades sometimes running into hglit, or yellowish red, with 

 white faces, throats, bellies, and sometimes backs, and occasign- 

 ally a roan of red and white mixed, and more rarely, an almost 

 clear white, with red ears, is found among them. 



From a "lecture" delivered by Mr. T. Duckham, on Hereford 

 cattle, in the Royal Agricultural College, at Cirencester, Eng., 

 we extract the following : 



