The Agricultural Features of the Paris Exhibition. 
203 
have been evident even to the most casual observer ; yet a 
comparison of the Shorthorn strength of France, in full muster 
at Paris, and that of Eng:land at Bristol a month later, showed a 
clear superiority in favour of England. That this should be 
so need surprise no one, and should be no discouragement to 
French breeders ; for it must be remembered that, both as to 
experience and material at command, our English Shorthorn 
breeders have had a great pull over their brethren in France. 
It must be admitted, and we do so with pleasure, that French 
breeders have made a very creditable use of their comparatively 
short experience, as well as of the limited materials within their 
reach. Thev have not all been equallv successful — our own 
breeders have not been that — but thev have shown a keen appre- 
ciation of the properties of the breed, and have displaved some 
skill and commendable care in the rearing of it. The display of 
French Shorthorns was in some respects fuUv up to expectation, 
yet the collection exhibited certain defects to which we may 
here allude. Perhaps the most general and striking of these 
was a want of what is well known as true Shorthorn character 
— those square, well-drawn-out, well-balanced, svmmetrical 
proportions, which make the ideal Shorthorn -fill the eye so 
pleasinglv from all points of view. To put it the other wav, 
there was a roundness and a commonness about many of the 
animals which deprived them of true Shorthorn type and style, 
and which are usually regarded by Englishmen as suggestive of 
mixed breeding. There was also a plainness about the head, 
a deficiency of quarter, a flatness of rib, and a want of rich 
natural flesh. Their hair, too, was shorter and harder than 
that of average English Shorthorns ; it wanted that soft velvety 
touch which adds so much to the apparent quality of English 
Shorthorns. Taking the warmer climate of France into con- 
sideration, however, this is easily accounted for, and is a less 
serious fault than most of the others. Weight and substance 
were not strong points of the display, but still no one could 
complain very much of deficiency in these respects. The 
majority were thick, substantial, useful-looking animals, losing 
much in appearance by the want of that finish and style which 
give to an animal the characteristics of good breeding. As a 
rule, they were in fair showing condition, certainly not over-fed, 
and they had a healthy lively look about them, which would 
contrast favourably with the somewhat stiff, sleepy, over-fed 
condition in which many English Shorthorns are exhibited. 
It was indeed pleasing to find so little pampering and dressing, 
and French breeders will show wisdom if they continue to keep 
clear of those damaging practices. It was noticeable that the 
prevailing shade of colour was lighter than one is accustomed to 
