Langton Performer 242 (4844). A famous Hackney sire. UwiR-d by T. C. Stevens of New York. From a photograph of a painting TYPES AND BREEDS OF FARM ANIMALS BY CHARLES S. PLUMB Professor of Animal Husbandry in the College of Agriculture OF THE Ohio State University GINN & COMPANY BOSTON . NEW YORK • CHICAGO • LONDON LIBRARY of CONGRESS Two Copies Received DEC 24 '906 n Cepyrlgtit Entry cues oC xxc, No. COPY B. Entered at Stationers' Hall Copyright, 1906 By CHARLES S. PLUMB ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 66.11 t(jr JJuUe. \ f^ii;.il imii i.l pi ]/:u-\\ iiiiiuii; iiiaa.-.t..^^ Fig. 22. Kirkburn Sensation (8533). Champion Hackney stallion at Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1904, and first and junior cham- pion at London Hackney Horse Society Show, 1904. Owned by Sir Walter Gilbey, Bart. Photograph from Wm. Cooper & Nephews, Berk- hamsted, England Virginia, 1888 ; John A. Logan, Youngstown, Ohio, 1888 ; Gal- braith Bros., Janesville, Wisconsin, J. H. Truman & Son, Bush- nell, Illinois, Powell Bros., Springboro, Pennsylvania, and some others, 1889. In 1890 Dr. Seward Webb, Shelburne Farms, Vermont, made an importation of twenty-seven mares and four stallions, the most important consignment up to this time. Since then many Hackneys have been brought to the United States from England. Among more recent importers, F. C. Stevens, 68 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE Attica, New York, Kben D. Jordan, Boston, Massachusetts, and Robert Beith, Bowmanvillc, Ontario, Canada, are perhaps best known. Hackney characteristics are especially shown in conformation and gait. The type of this breed is usually associated with the horse full of breast, short of back, long, level, and broad of rump, deep of rib, short of leg, with a carriage of head and neck of the coachiest type. The Hackney may perhaps be regarded as Fig. 23. Faiulaiigu zd 373. A tine type of Hackney .stallion. l'ii.st at Bo.ston Hor.se Show and New York Open Air Show in 1899 anda winner at other exhibitions since. Owned by F. C. Stevens, Attica, New York. Photo- graph from owner blockier of form than other coach breeds of cob-like character. Mr. Henry F. Euren states that the general description of the Hackney which fitted both old style and new ideal is in brief this: "A powerfully built, short-legged, big, broad horse, with an intelligent head, neat neck, strong, level back, powerful loins, and as perfect shoulders as can be produced." While Hackney breeders desire a height ranging from 15^ to I 5] hands, this breed shows quite a variation in height. In 1885 THE HACKNEY 69 the Royal Agricultural Society of England, at the request of the Hackney Studbook Society, increased the standard height for the breed to 15^ hands, and the class was well filled. There are Hackney ponies under 14 hands, Hackney cobs larger than ponies, and Hackney coachers over 16 hands. The gait of the Hackney originally had its chief value in a long, strong trot for road work. With the evolution of years the fashion of modern times called for the high stepper with extravagant action. The horse Confidence 158 (English studbook) was the sire of many horses of this type of gait, and, as some think, to the detriment of the breed, though "the get of Confidence yielded a larger total profit than any other horse of his day." While the fancy city trade desires matched pairs with very high action, this is inconsistent with the most graceful or forceful movement. The ideal Hackney has a perfect walk, and a trot associated with a powerful stride. The feet are carried clear and full from the ground and are strongly and actively raised at the knee, while the hock is carried forward under the body with much grace, strength, and action. The soundness of this breed has been much emphasized. At the first show of Hackneys held in Agricultural Hall, London, in 1885, it is said that over twenty stallions from four to sixteen years old were selected by the judges as absolutely sound. For some years the English Hackney Society, in its shows, has had the horses on exhibition examined for soundness, and the animals ha\e had to undergo a veterinary examination before being sub- mitted to the judges. The following figures show the results of examinations for five different years. Exhibition of Horses Examined Rejected Per cent Rejected 1896 396 17 4.20 1897 438 23 5-47 1898 436 21 4.80 1903 422 21 4-97 1904 416 24 5-76 The color of the Hackney varies, but chestnuts at present seem in great favor. Bays and browns always have been popu- lar and common, while black, roan, buckskin, and sorrel occur 70 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE occasionally. White markings also occur, as a blaze face or star, a white foot or pastern, or lower part of leg. Half-bred or grade Hackneys have become more or less popular in both America and Great Britain, while in France Hackney stallions have had much influence. A study of pedi- grees will show an important relationship of Norfolk Hackney blood in building up the French Coach, and the French have Fk;. 24. Ilildied, a very pcii^,^i ii|,c wi a Hackney mare, imported and owned by Eben D. Jordan of Boston. This mare in recent years has been a notable prize winner and favorite in American horse shows. Photograph from Mr. Jordan not been backward in using the Hackney for cross-breeding. In America Hackney stallions have been mainly used in the more eastern states. Mr. Henry Fairfa.x of Virginia has used Hackney stallions on common farm mares with much success, and grades of this breeding have been successfully exhibited. Some years ago the late John A. Logan, Jr., had an extensive Hackney stud at Youngstown, Ohio, where he had about fifty THE HACKNEY 7 1 racing mares. He selected twenty-five as near types of their respective families as possible, including two Thoroughbreds, and bred to them a Hackney stallion, from which he obtained twenty- three live foals. This Hackney stallion also was bred to about thirty other mares in the vicinity, including several grade Per- cherons, two Clydesdales, and the balance mainly ordinary farm work mares. From fifty-six mares fifty-two live foals were obtained, not one of which was blemished or crooked. Says Mr. Logan : " Every colt I have ever seen (and I think I have seen them all) has a wonderfully short back, round well-developed quarters, short flat legs, with a great amount of bone and sub- stance. A stranger can pick them out from any number of others of different breeds almost at a glance." The result of this cross gave the greatest satisfaction, producing horses with substance, style, finish, and a high-class carriage gait. The distribution of the Hackney is more widespread than that of any other coach-horse breed. It is generally found in the east- ern and north central United States, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois being breeding centers. It is also found almost all over the world. In 1903 horses were exported from England to Africa, Australia, Belgium, Argentine, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, and the United States. The English Hackney Horse Society was established in 1883, and published the first volume of its studbook in 1884. Up to 1905 this society has published twenty-two studbooks and has registered 9076 stallions and 17,074 mares. The American Hackney Horse Society was organized in 1891, and Volume I of the studbook appeared in 1893. Since then, up to 1905, but one other volume has been issued. CHAPTER XI THE FREx\CH COACH Early French horse history. The horse has been known in France since prehistoric times, and the remains of horses have been found in the eastern part of the country in large numbers. These were associated with the Stone Age. Just when the horse first became domesticated in France is unknown. He may have been used in a measure by the early people of the country, both for food and labor. Several hundred years prior to the time of Christ horses were used in Gaul for military purposes. Horse racing in France dates back several centuries. It is said that racing was practiced in i 323 under Charles le Bel and even earlier. Systematic attempts to improve the racing horse began during the reign of Louis XIV, in the latter part of the seven- teenth century. Colbert, one of the ministers of Louis XIV, founded the "Administration des Haras." ^ During these early days more or less horse racing was engaged in, but in no persistent form. Between 1775 and 1790 French horses were taken to England and raced on the turf by French owners. The French saw the merit of the English Thoroughbred, and along in this period they began to buy and send them to France for both breeding and racing purposes. Several of the sires taken to France in and about i '/■]6 became famous, as, for example, Comus by Otho, Glowworm, by Eclij^se, King Pepin by Turf, and Pyrois by Matchem. Some marcs were also taken across the Channel. Very early in the nineteenth century Napoleon the Great undertook to promote the development of the horse, though he had in view the army service as well as use on the turf. The French Jockey Club was organized in 1833, and with it came the first real influential development of the light horse in 1 Administration of Studs. THE frp:nch coach 73 France. This club was aristocratic, wealthy, and influential, and began to promote racing and breeding. Since that time the gov- ernment haras, the Jockey Club, and horse-breeding societies have done much to improve the horse of France. Origin of the French Coach horse. The term " French Coach " is an American one, there being no breed of that name in France. The type of horse that we know by this name in America is termed Demi-Sang in France, meaning half-blood. These horses when descended from Eng- lish sires and mares of Normandy have been called Anglo- Normans and are often referred to as such. Besides the Thor- oughbred, there were introduced into France Hackneys and Nor- folk trotters from England and Arabs and other horses from the Orient. Descend- ants of the great Hackney stallion Phenomenon were taken to F'rance and used in the studs with much benefit. Evi- dence before the Irish Commissioners of Horse Breeding showed that during the last quarter of the past century from twenty to thirty Hackney stal- lions a year were bought in England for the French haras, on government orders. These, however, have not as a rule gone into those sections drawn upon for carriage horses for the American trade. The leading source of French Coach stock has been in a famous horse region in a district west of Paris, extending to the seashore, notably in the counties or departments of Calvados, Orne, and Fig. 25. Apropo-s 3445, a French Coach stallion im- ported by McLaughlin Bros., Columbus, Ohio, in 1903. Grand champion at American Royal at Kansas City in 1904, and at International Live Stock E.xposition, Chicago, in 1905. Photograph by author 74 rill-; iioKsi-:, ass, and mule La Manche, in that section of France known as Normandy. Here was early felt the influence of the race course, and it was found that by using English sires to the Normandy mares a certain degree of coarseness and plainness was removed, while there was an increase in speed and quality. There was much experimental breeding, resulting in con- siderable variation in the beginning. English horses were used to a consider- able extent in the early development, but since 1840 French-bred horses have been used almost exclusively. The coach or carriage horse of France is derived from trotter stock. The purpose of breeding fast horses, capable of per- forming hard work, was clearly in the minds of the French people. The pedigrees of the best of French Coach horses trace back through lines of descent into the blood of English Thoroughbreds, Hackney and Norfolk trotters, Arabs, etc. For example, the stallion Niger, foaled in 1869, had Norfolk Phe- nomenon for sire and Miss Bell, a half-blood American mare, for dam. He was used in the national haras and became a very famous sire. The stallion Tigris is three generations removed from the English Thoroughbred, The Heir of Linne, imported to the national haras at Tarbes, in 1859, a stallion that made a strong impression on the Demi-Sang. Another interesting phase of the influence of foreign blood is shown in the stallion Aemulus, foaled in 1871, sired by Mambrino Pilot and out of Black Bess. He was a prize winner on the American turf between 1876 and 1880, but was taken to PVance in 1881 and placed in the haras of Colaincourt (Aisne), where he rendered good service. Aemulus was a combination of Mambrino blood on the sire's side and Morgan on the dam's. Conquerant, foaled in 1858, another Fig. 26. Harley, a prominent French Coach sire in service in France. Photograph by James B. McLaughlin, Columbus, Ohio THE FRENCH COACH 75 famous Demi-Sang stallion that proved to be a remarkable breeder, being in service at the national haras at Le Pin from 1862 to 1880, had Thoroughbred blood on both sire and dam sides four generations back. The famous stallion Indre 385, imported by the late M. W. Dunham, foaled in 1886 and still alive in 1905, was a grandson of The Heir of Linne on the sire's side and great- grandson of Conquerant on the dam's side. The stallion Young Rattler, bred in England but in service in Normandy from 1820 to 1834, proved to have a most important influence on the French turf. These examples suffice to show the influence of foreign horses on the mares of France in developing the Demi-Sang. In recent years it is claimed that the breeding has been restricted to French blood entirely. Methods of the French to promote horse improvement. It is appropriate to give here in some detail the methods employed in France to improve the horse, these applying to the Percheron, dis- cussed elsewhere, as well as to the French Coach. Beginning with the Administration des Haras in the latter part of the seventeenth century, the French government has, in a more or less degree, continuously promoted horse improvement. In 1690 by government decree there were 1600 stallions classed as either royal or approved. In I 714 Louis XV estab- lished a government stud, or haras, at Le Pin, which has since been the leading one of France, and where also an equine school has been maintained. In 1775 a stud with twelve sub-studs was established at Pompadour, this being under govern- ment control. In 1789 there were 3239 approved and govern- ment stallions in France, which served about 115,000 marcs. Fig. 27. Radziwill, a famous French Coach stalHon, purchased by the French govern- ment for 25,000 francs ; under examination by a juror at Caen. Photograph by James B. McLaughlin 76 THl': HORSE, ASS, ANT) MULE I During the first part of the nineteenth century the government purchased many stalHons for the haras. F"rom 1815 to 1833 there were bought 1902 stalUons, of which 223 came from Arabia and other foreign countries, 853 from the northern departments of France, and 826 were selections from the government studs. In 1833 a royal decree established a studbook for the preserva- tion of pedigrees. This was designated The French Studbook : A Register of Deini-Saiig Horses, Born and Imported into France} the first volume of which was published in 1891, com- prising 3219 stallions and 1445 mares registered between 1840 and 1890. On May 5, 1870, the management of the gov- ernment haras was given to the Department of Agriculture and Com- merce. These were placed in charge of a director general, eight inspectors, twenty-six sub-directors, ten superintendents, and twenty-six veterinari- ans. To hold one of these offices one must be a grad- k Hffl biUi rtaSl 1 .-i' llllltK pMsv. , ,^.*) sm E i Fig. 28. A view of the Equine School at Le Pin, France. Photograph by James B. McLaugh- lin, Columbus, Ohio uate of the equine school at Le Pin. In 1 874 the government issued an order to increase the stallions in France by 200 per year until the total number should reach 2500. The Chamber of Deputies appropriated 1,500,000 francs ($300,000) for prizes for breeding animals, and 50,000 francs ($10,000) to experiment with the Arab and Anglo- Arab, using 60 superior mares at the haras of Pompadour. Classes of breeding stallions in France. In order to promote intelligent breeding and a superior stock of horses in France, the government made three different classes of stallions, both coach and draft : First, stallions owned in the government haras. ' Stud-Book Fraiictiis : Kegistre des Chevanx de Dcmi-Saiig, Tome I, Paris, 1891. THE FRENCH COACH n Second, approved or subsidized stallions, such as are owned by private parties. Upon inspection by government experts, those of the second class that are found of sufficient merit are given government apj:)rovaI. The owners of such horses are allowed from 300 to 5000 francs bonus (S60 to $1000) from the Minister of Agriculture for the year for which this approval stands, during which time the horses are to be used on the mares of the com- munity in which they are located. Third, authorized stallions. These by official inspection are pronounced of good quality and worthy of public patronage. Since 1885 the French law has prohibited from public service stallions not com- ing up to this standard. According to official statement in 1903,^ there were owned in P" ranee by private proprietors, 1476 approved and 265 author- ized stallions. Of the approved, 522 proprietors owned one stallion each ; 167, two; 74, three; and 29, four ; while 208 owned one authorized stallion each. Characteristics of the French Coach. This breed really pre- sents some variation in type. The larger, smoother sort brought to America is what we know as the coacher. These generally average about 16 hands high, and American trade prefers this height for stallions and geldings of maturity. Mares will stand from 15 to 16 hands. In a list of 22 stalhons before the writer the average weight in sale flesh is 1396 pounds, the lightest weight being 1300 and the heaviest 1475. For stallions in fair condition 1350 may be regarded as an acceptable weight, with mares at 1200 pounds. There is also a smaller, more cobby type of coacher, or French trotter, that is not so commonly brought to America, yet is highly valued by the French for its speed quality. 1 Rapport de I'inspecteur general directeur des haras a M. !e ministre de I'agriculture sur la gestion de I'administration des haras en 1903. Fig. 29. A view of the stable at the Equine School, Le Pin, France. Photograph by James B. McLaughlin, Columbus, Ohio 7^ THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE There is not a great variation in c(jlor, bay, in varying shades, and brown, being most common. Of 147 stallions and mares owned by two of the leading dealers in the United States there were 90 bays or brown bays, 29 browns, 17 blacks, and 1 1 chestnuts. The French Coach is characterized by very good length of body, with a long, somewhat arching neck and a long, wide, level croup. The trot of this breed is long and powerful, rather than high and trappy like the Hackney. The French have sought strong bone and excellent feet and great speed for a heavy type of trotter. The French race track, which is either two and one half or two miles lorg, is over a course of turf. The sod track causes a high knee action and long stride as well as a strong, well-flexed hock movement. Speed records of French Coachers. As might natu- rally be supposed, the use of stallions from high-class speed ancestry on French mares produced fast trot- ters. The horses of France, however, have never made as fast time as those of America. In 1873 Niger trotted 2\ miles in 6.55, while up to 1877 the fastest record was by Pactole, who made 2^ miles in 6.38. In 1 89 1 there were 1 399 contestants in races, 3 1 2 of which trotted races from 2 to 3f miles at less than 3 minutes per mile, 137 under 2.50, 112 under 2.45, and 62 under 2.40. The size and strength of this horse enable him to go con- siderable distances at comparatively great speed. In 1875, at Toulouse, Zethus, under saddle, trotted I2i miles in 37 minutes 21 seconds, and in another trial at Caen trotted the same dis- tance in 37 minutes 19 seconds. In 1877 the mare Zacinthe trotted 185 miles on an ordinary road in 59 minutes, defeating Zethus, then fourteen years old. . \ ti'- ■ -'^iStt ' 1^ ^:.^ mm ^ ^wl m 1 m^ ^k. ^ ■ M Fig. 30. A u\>\ pii/i- lieiii li (/oacli mil at a show in France. Photograph by James B. McLaughlin THE FRENCH COACH 79 The preceding records speak well for the speed capacity of the h'rcnch Coach horse. Distribution and adaptation. This breed has been rather extensively distributed over Europe and the United States, although it is not generally bred outside of Normandy in France. In the United States it is fairly well known east of the Mississippi and north of the Ohio, The best-known breeding and importing studs are in Ohio and Illinois. The late Mark W. Dunham of Wayne, Illinois, and Powell Bros, of Springboro, Pennsylvania, were the most important breeders and importers in Fig. 31. A French Coach stallion i8 years of age. A fine example of vigor and breed character. Photograph taken in France by the author this country for years. More coach horses of this breed are being brought to the United States than of any other kind, unless the Hackney be excepted. French Coach horses seem to thrive very well in the Atlantic seaboard states and in the upper Mississippi Valley. There are but very few breeding studs. In the main stallions are imported and are then used for breeding on the larger type of light driving mares of common stock, to produce coachers for the city market. When there is a harmonious mating with American trotting- bred stock, a superior class of carriage horse is developed. 8o THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE The grade or half-bred French Coach horse, the result of pure- bred sires on American-bred mares, is comparatively little known. In some localities very excellent carriage horses have come from French Coach sires on mares of trotting-blood ancestry, while in other regions the cross has not been satisfactory. The Hamlins of Buffalo, New York, sent twelve trotting-bred mares from Village Farm to Oaklawn, the stud of the late M. W. Dunham, to be bred to French Coach sires. They were retained for two years at Oaklawn, and the half-bred colts met with considerable favorable comment. One of the half-bred stallions was placed in the imperial stud of Japan. Another became prominent as a saddle horse. Cogent, got by Mambrino King out of a French Coach mare, was not only a sire of some distinction, but also won numerous prizes as a heavy harness horse. Mr. J. S. San- born of Boston, on his Maine farm, mated French Coach stallions to trotting mares and produced some very choice harness horses. In a communication to the Breeders Gazette, Messrs. Dunham, Fletcher & Coleman write : A few years ago a shipment of half and three-quarter bred French Coach mares and geldings, matched and finished for the trade, was made from Iowa to New York, where the animals were sold at highly renumerative prices, as high as $3000 a pair being paid. Carriage horses of exactly the same and still higher breeding have been shipped continuously from the same districts in the Hawkeye state ever since, with equally or still more profitable results. American studbook. There are two societies in the United States for French Coach horses, viz. The French Coach Horse Society with present headquarters at Chicago, Illinois, and the French Coach Registry Company with headquarters at Columbus, Ohio. The former was organized in 1885, and published its first studbook in 1906. The French Coach Registry Company was organized in 1904, and also published Volume I of its studbook in 1906. CHAPTER XII THE GERMAN COACH The history of the German Coach horse is hardly clear to American students. Nearly all the evidence we have regarding it is found in live-stock and agricultural journals, which in the main consists of contributions from partisans of the breed. In the United States carriage or coach horses from Germany have been advertised as Hanoverian, Oldenburg, and German Coach. The home of horse breeding in Germany has long been recog- nized as especially located in the northwestern section, in the rich lowlands drained by the rivers Elbe, Weser, and Ems, all of which flow into the North Sea. Here was originally found the great draft horse of northern Europe, and here to-day the coach horse is bred, especially in the states of Hanover, Oldenburg, and Schlcswig-Holstcin, and in the district of East Friesland. Early records of horse breeding in Germany go back nearly five centuries. We are told that early in 1500 important annual fairs were held in Friesland near the Holland boundary, where buyers from Holland, Belgium, and Germany found superior horses. From 1628 to 1648 the stables of Count Ulrich II con- tained numerous stallions of high repute. A government stud was established at Ilo, which contained 182 horses in 1648. In 1658 Count Enno Ludwig sent the Emperor Leopold a number of beautiful and valuable horses. In 1 708 Prince George Albrecht prepared a catalogue of his stud, which contained horses from the prominent horse countries of the world, including Turkey, Poland, Hungary, Transylvania, Denmark, England, and even Iceland. This shows the mixed character of the early German horse stock. At Harlingerland, in East Friesland, government studs were in operation and reports refer to these as far back as 17 12, when 16 stallions were used here for service on 819 mares. In 1 889, in this same region, i 5 stallions were used on 142 1 mares. 81 82 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE Government supervision of horse breeding in Germany has obtained for centuries. The use of staUions on the marcs of I'2ast Friesland was regulated by royal edict for many years. Finally more liberality was permitted in the use of stallions, but govern- ment supervision, much as in Belgium, was the rule. It was made a law that no permits should be issued authorizing the use of stallions, unless they passed a satisfactory government inspection. At the present time both the government and agricultural societies promote intelligent horse breeding. Prizes are awarded for ani- mals of special merit, and such animals must remain in the country for a specified term. First prizes are awarded only to mature horses and mares that have shown merit as breeders. Stallion shows have long been held at Aurich, in East Friesland, where the horses are brought annually for inspection and approval. Prizes for brood mares are also awarded by the government. The type of German Coach horse, as seen in America, possesses some considerable variation. In 1893, at the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago, an exhibit of over eighty German Coach horses was made, including special exhibits from Germany made by the Oldenburg Agricultural Society, the Hanoverian Agri- cultural Society of central (jcrmany, and the F!ast Friesland Head Agricultural Society. There was some considerable varia- tion in the types shown, and following the awards by German judges came pronounced objection and dissatisfaction. This resulted in an editorial statement on the German Coach type, which appeared in the Breeders'' Gazette and was authorized by the German judges. This statement is of importance to American students, and so is given here : The visiting; Cierman horsemen make the following claims concernincj the light types of horses. Four types of light-legged horses are recognized, and each now has its separate studbook. The Trakehner is the lightest of all and is a carriage and saddle horse, not a heavy coacher. Th&Holsiein and Hanoverian horses are about the same type, but the Hanoverians are more used for saddle horses and the Holsteins for carriage horses. This difference in use implies somewhat of a difference in action. The Oldenburg is the heaviest type, and these horses are used for heavy coach ^vork, such as state coaches, and as farm or all-purpose horses, and are not put under saddle. Then there are the East Friesland horses, which are practically Oldenburgs, as they are bred from Oldenburg sires. It is claimed that these distinctions are actual rather than artificial. THE GERMAN COACH 83 The history of the German Coach horse in America is a com- paratively brief one. These horses were first brought to the United States along in the eighties. Not much prior to 1890 did the breed receive recognition at American shows. A. B. Holbert, of Greeley, Iowa, was one of the earliest introducers of the breed. The Oltmann Bros, of Illinois and Crouch & Son of Indiana Fig. 32. Hannibal, a German Coach stallion imported by Crouch & Son, La Fayette, Indiana. It is doubtful if a better specimen of the breed has been shown in America. A prize winner of the highest rank at many shows. Photograph by the author have also been most actively and prominently identified with its promotion during its career in the United States. Its distribution began in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, was extended to California, and is now being projected over still wider fields, the South and general West being included. The German Coach horse organization in America began in 1892 with the incorporation, under the laws of Illinois, of the German, Hanoverian, and Oldenburg Coach Horse Association. 84 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE Very soon after the organization of this association came the Oldenburg Coach Horse Association, which was also incorporated in Illinois. Both of these organizations still exist, though just why they should is not clear. So far as the American public is aware, the various coach horses brought to America from Ger- many are exhibited here as the German Coach breed, whether Oldenburg, Hanoverian, or otherwise. Leading importers who advertise, designate their horses as " Oldenburg, German Coach," or "German, Hanoverian, and Oldenburg Coach." This differ- ence of title may be accounted for in part by the variety of type. This apparent confusion of names in America, the advocates of the breed or breeds would do well to clarify in some permanent way. Characteristics of the German Coach horse. In height the breed ranges from i6 to 16^ hands, and in weight from 1350 to 1450 pounds. The color does not vary greatly, being almost exclu- sively bay, brown, or black. The head is fairly typical of the coachers, the neck being long and arched, the shoulders well placed, and the withers prominent. The body of the German Coach is somewhat larger than that of the French Coach, and the croup is high and the tail well placed. The legs show considerable length compared with the Hackney, while the feet are excellent. On the basis of many specimens brought to this country, seen by the writer, the German Coach varies materially in size and quality. Coarseness is not uncommon, as seen in large heads and joints with more or less largeness of bone. In action there is a wide difference of merit, and, from the coach-horse point of view, frequent deficiency. A superior folding of knee and flexing of hock, with desirable activity, is not a prevailing attribute of American specimens of the breed. This contrast in style and action will be clearly brought out by visiting both German Coach and Hackney stables, and studying the movements of numerous horses of each breed. Cross-bred or grade German Coach horses are now becoming more common than formerly in this country. Some of these, the product from American mares, aire very good, while others lack quality and finish. When used on coarse mares a stallion of the breed will not be likely to produce satisfactory offspring. Used on the finer sort of mare of trotting ancestry better returns THE GERMAN COACH 85 may be expected. One prominent importer, who is seeking to introduce the breed in the South, says in the Breeders' Gazette : " We are advising our southern friends to cross their small mares on the German Coach stalHon, which weighs from 1 300 to 1400 pounds, and the progeny of this cross will be a good, strong serviceable horse that will do their work in the fields, can be used on the roads, and is a marketable horse in every respect." German Coach horses of importance are not as yet known in America in large numbers. Among the earlier imported Moltke 1 3, Kaiser Wilhelm 494, Young Altona I 458, and Young Adonis 476 met with favorable comment, the latter being a successful prize winner in California in 189 1. In the central West the horses Bertus, brought out by Oltmann Bros., and Euto and Hannibal, by Crouch & Son, have been distinguished specimens of the breed in the show ring, winning against the severest competitif)n for years in succession. German Coach mares have not as yet been brought to America on any scale of importance, and there has been no breeding stud that has gained prominence. A very great percentage of the offspring of the stallions must be grades, the product of native mares. The distribution of German Coach horses is very widespread. They may be found in various European countries, in South America, South Africa, and quite widely over the United States and the Canadian Northwest. For years the most prominent importers, exhibitors, and promoters of the breed have had head- quarters in Indiana and Illinois. A German Coach horse studbook of " the German, Hanoverian, and Oldenburg Coach Horse," containing pedigrees of registered stallions and mares imported or raised in America, has been published by the association bearing this title. Two volumes have been issued up to 1906. They contain the registration of about eighteen hundred animals, mostly stallions. CHAPTER XIII THE CLEVELAND BAY The native home of the Cleveland Bay horse is in northeastern England, in the county of York. It is also said that a similar type formerly existed in Devon in south England. The breed, as now known, has its breeding center in the counties of Durham, Northumberland, and especially York, and it is in the latter county, among the Cleveland Hills, in North and East Riding, it has been found in its greatest purity. York is a rolling or slightly hilly country, with rougher land up in Northumberland. Superior pastures cover these hills and make ideal conditions for producing coach horses of the Cleveland Bay sort. The origin of the Cleveland Bay is very obscure. Formerly it was known as the Chapman or pack horse, the name Cleveland Bay being a modern one. Some have assumed that the breed is descended from Roman days in Britain, and comes from the union of Oriental horses and English stock. Others have attrib- uted the breed to the use of Thoroughbreds on British cart- horse mares, which no doubt is quite within the facts. This theory has been resented by some Cleveland Bay authorities who wish to show a pure ancestry. The use of Scandinavian horse blood has also been suggested, thus accounting for the black points in the Cleveland. Another eminent authority offers the theory that this breed has been gradually developed from the native horses in southern England, with possibly some help in early times from Oriental or Thoroughbred blood. In spite of these various theories nothing definite is known on the subject. The mares of Cleveland were, no doubt, crossed more or less with Thoroughbred or other blood, and plenty of evidence exists to show that in early times, at least, the breed was not of absolute purity. This criticism however will apply to most other breeds as well. cS6 THE CLEVELAND BAY 87 The early purpose of the Cleveland Bay is universally recog- nized as agricultural or general utility. In 1823 a writer in the Fanner s ]\Iao;azinc made this statement : The original breed of the country was neither blood nor black, that is, a distinct race from the English blood horse, and equally distinct from the black or cart breed of the country. It was the basis of the breed of the old London coach horse when heavier cattle were used for these conveyances ; and after it became the fashion to adopt a lighter horse for carriages, this valuable breed was allowed to become almost extinct until their excellence for agricultural purposes was noticed by some practical farmers in the north of England, who for several years have been exerting themselves to revive the breed. The purity of the Cleveland Bay as a breed has been the sub- ject of much controversy. For nearly a century supply and demand has affected the welfare of this horse. The preceding reference, written in 1823, indicates that. In 1849 George Legard, in \\iQ. Journal of tJie Royal Agricultural Society, contributed still other evidence in the same line : Formerly a large, powerfully boned animal was required for carnage purposes. The fashion of the present day has, however, changed in this particular, and now it is necessary that the London carriage horses should be at least three parts Thoroughbred. Consequently all traces of the orig- inal pure coaching breed, or Cleveland Bay, as it was termed, are nearly obliterated. Marshall, himself a native of Yorkshire and a famous agri- cultural writer of a century ago, deplored the use of the Thor- oughbred as spoiling the Cleveland. The breed was of great endurance, and the mares bred to Thoroughbreds produced Hunters of superior merit and power. When the fields of Yorkshire became more subject to tillage, and when the mines and city drayage began to require heavy horses, then the lighter Cleveland type became unpopular, and the cart horse, the Clydesdale and Shire, came into prominence. The heavy horse brought the most money, and so the Cleveland Bay fell into disfav'Or and was neglected. From 185 I to 1867 the breed was in considerable favor, after which came a decline in its popularity. In 1884 the Cleveland Bay Horse Society was organized in Yorkshire, to promote its 88 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE jxirity and to put the breed in proper relation to the pubHc. h^ven this, however, did not give such impetus to its develop- ment as might have been anticipated. At the 1885 show of the Royal Agricultural Society, held in the county of York right where the breed is supposed to be strongest, but one entry of a Cleveland Bay was made, a mare and foal. At the 1900 exhibit of the Royal Society, again held at York, a very good show of Clevelands was made, forty-one head being entered. Since then V\r,. 33. Special Delight. Champion Cleveland Bay stallion at the Royal Agricultural Society Show of England, 1904. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephews, Berkamsted, England some quite creditable exhibits have been made at various Eng- lish shows. This indicates some progress, still the breed cannot to-day be regarded as common in England. The Cleveland Bay in America must be regarded almost in the light of a failure. Along in the eighties quite a number were imported, and in 1885 the Cleveland Bay Horse Society of America was organized at Chicago. At one time Stericker Bros., then of Springfield, Illinois, had a large stud of this THE CLEVELAND BAY 89 breed and made most attractive exhibits. The people of the United States, however, have never been favorably impressed in a large way, consequently Cleveland Bay interests have mainly died out. Specimens of Cleveland Bays are now almost unknown in our horse shows. In 1900 the class for Cleveland Bays at the Illinois State Fair was discontinued, yet Illinois but a few years before had the principal stud of this breed in America. Neither is there any breeder prominently advocating the merits of the breed, and importations are rarely made. Cleveland Bay characteristics need but a brief consideration here. The color is always bay, either light or dark, with black legs, mane, and tail. White is not permissible, except a small star in the forehead or few white hairs on the heel. More white, the breeders say, indicates foreign blood. The color may be dap- pled, and dark bars may occasionally be seen on the lower arm or possibly above the hock. The height ranges from 16^ to i6| hands, and the weight from 1200 to 1550 pounds. A pure-bred mare, Jessica 214, owned by the Ohio State University, weighs about 1350 pounds in moderate flesh. The stallion Lord Derby 231 (740), a first-prize winner at the Yorkshire show, and imported by Galbraith Brothers, weighed about 1550 pounds. The body of the Cleveland Bay is of the larger coach type with long sloping shoulder and high, broad croup. The Jiead has been regarded as lacking in refinement, while the limbs have not as much quality as the best market demands. In action the move- ment is strong and powerful, but not stylish. The breed is per- haps the largest of the coach type, and lacks somewhat the quality of the prominent coach breeds. William Scarth Dixon, one of the best English authorities on the breed, writing in 1902, says : The Cleveland Bay is distinguished for his size, the pecuHar quality and amount of his bone, and for his general symmetry. Color is indispensable. ..." What we want is more quality," say breeders and dealers alike. Admitted, but at the same time I must point out tliat quality is a very elastic term ; that there is a so-called quality which is certainly of a very mere- tricious character, for it tends to eliminate from a breed its most valuable characteristics. And it must be urged, even to the point of tediousness, that as the quality of the Shire horse is different from the Thoroughbred, so in character does the quality of the Cleveland Bay differ from the quality of the Yorkshire Coach horse. 90 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE A number of Cleveland Bays which the author has known have been characterized by none too gentle a disposition. Cleveland Bays as roadsters are very capable, and in fact always have had fame in England for this quality. Cases have been known where the Cleveland Bay has traveled from sixty to seventy miles within twenty-four hours, with heavy loads, three or four times a week, besides being employed occasionally on intermediate days. Hodgson, in ?i Jounial of tlic Royal Agricul- tural Society says : I knew a Cleveland mare that carried a man seventy miles a day for a week together. Tommy Miles, of Harlsey, near Northallerton, rode his Cleveland mare to York for a week together, to have his name called over in court as a juryman ; he was in York by nine o'clock every morning (thirty-five miles), and slept in his own bed at Harlsey (thirty-five miles) every night. Half-bred or grade Cleveland Bays have not met with favor in America, though the writer has seen some excellent specimens of the latter in active service as general purpose horses of the lighter type. These had plenty of stamina and were of fair quality. Half-breds in England, resulting from breeding Thor- oughbreds to Cleveland mares or half-bred mares, made very superior Hunters. A medium-sized or small Thoroughbred stal- lion on short legs bred to a Cleveland mare of substance was a favorite cross many years ago in Yorkshire, producing a Hunting horse exactly suited to the needs then, as no doubt it is now. Cleveland Bay studbooks have been published in both Eng- land and the United States. Two volumes have been issued in this country up to 1905, Volume H dated 1891. These contain registrations of 762 stallions and 192 mares. The studbook directs attention to the fact that with the pure Cleveland of merit the ancestry will go back to one or more of the three families, ■ — descendants of Dart (83), The Hob Horse (316), and Barley Harvest (447). The distribution of the Cleveland Bay is rather widespread, they having been exported to various jxu'ts of the world, includ- ing Sweden, Canada, United States, South Africa, Australia, and South America. At the present time a large share of those exported go to South Africa. THE CLEVELAND BAY 91 The Yorkshire Coach horse bears a peculiar relationship to the Cleveland Bay, and calls for some consideration at this point. In England there is a Yorkshire Coach Horse Society in addition to the Cleveland Society, and horses of each kind are registered separately. In America, however, Yorkshire Coach horses and Cleveland Bays are regarded as one breed and are registered in the Cleveland Bay Studbook of North America. The Yorkshire Coach horse is of more recent development than the Cleveland, and has been designated as an improved Cleveland. It tends to be smaller in size, is more coachy in action, and has perhaps more quality. The improved quality is due to Thoroughbred blood. In the YorksJiire Coach Horse Studbook of England, published in 1887, is the following ofificial statement of "The Origin and Characteristics of the Yorkshire Coach Horse." It cannot be claimed for the Yorkshire Coach horse that he is a pure- bred animal, but that, on the contrary, by the judicious crossing of large- sized, good-colored mares with stallions altogether or nearly Thoroughbred a class of horses has been produced suited to the wants and circumstances of the times. By universal consent the color should be bay or brown, with black eyes, mane and tail abundant but not curly, the height from 16 hands to 16 hands 2 inches, with fine head, sloping shoulders, strong loins, and lengthy quarters, high-stepping action, good sound feet, flat legs, and abundance of bone and muscle. CHAPTER XIV THE DRAFT TYPE The general conformation of the draft horse involves a massive form, a compact ;in(l bUjcky body, and a comparative shortness and strength of Hmb, the whole being in harmonious proportion. Weight is a most important consideration, for a true draft horse must weigh heavy compared with the lighter type. A draft horse in fair condition at maturity may weigh anywhere from 1 500 to 2000 or more pounds. Grouped into classes, the light draft horse may weigh usually from 1500 to 1600 pounds, the medium from 1600 to 1700, and the heavy from 1700 up. The greater the weight, as a rule, the higher the price paid for the superior specimen of the type. An increase of twenty-five cents for each additional pound of weight has been given as representing this growth in value. In order to pull heavy loads the draft horse must possess plenty of weight. It becomes very evident that the heavy horse in harness brings greater power into the collar than does the light one. The heigJit is not so material, provided there is the necessary weight. Draft horses usually stand from 16 to \'j\ hands, though occasional exceptions occur. The light draft represents the lesser height, and as the weight increases the height may also bear a relationship to it. Quality and sub- stance, as shown in hair, bone, and joints, should be preeminent with this horse. The hair should be fine and silky, even if long, and the bone smooth and attractive, with neatly turned joints, the lower limbs being generally free from all superfluous fleshi- ness. Coarse joints are usually associated with coarse and poor bone and feet, and often with a coarse and undesirable head. The long hair on the leg of the Clydesdale or Shire is indicative of qual- ity, fine silky hair being associated with superior bone and feet. The action of the draft horse should be true and bold. As the horse comes toward one or goes from him the line of movement 92 THE DRAFT TYPE 93 of the limbs should be true, the feet being carried straight away, with no so-called paddling or irregularity of gait. The feet should be picked up with snap, whether at walk or trot, and carried clear of the ground, showing the sole of the foot clearly in the move- ment. High knee action is not essential, but a strong, full, true movement of both knee and hock, without dragging or stiffness. Fig. 34. A champion Clydesdale stallion owned Ijy Galbiaiih & Son, show- ing draft weight and conformation. Photograph from McLay Bros. is very important. The draft horse should have an active walk, for the value of a fast walker considerably exceeds that of the sluggish type. In the sale or show ring high-class action with a draft horse adds materially to the selling or show value, no matter what the breed. A free and easy movement of knee and hock is essential to high-class action. In connection with good action the head and neck should be carried high, with style and body action. 94 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE The head should be lean, not out of j^roportion with the body, hav^e plenty of breadth between the eyes, which should be reason- ably prominent and bright. The nose and muzzle should be broad yet not coarse, with nostrils of ample size for easy breathing. Nicely matched lips and strong cheeks and lower jaws help to make a strong head with character. The head should be crowned with fine ears of medium size gracefully placed and carried. The iicck of the draft horse is strong and muscular, supporting the head cleanly and gracefully, and being joined smoothly and deeply at the body. Some arch to the neck is desirable ; this should appear in a very small degree with mares and geldings, yet enough to suggest power. The shoulders should not be as long and sloping as with a light driver, but more upright, being well set into the back, a happy medium between the straight and sloping shoulder giving the best power and movement for the draft horse. Too straight a shoulder promotes excessive concussion and bone trouble of the limbs and feet. Smoothness of shoulder is essential, for roughness and prominence will be sure to involve soreness and trouble from fit of collar. The cJiest should be full and deep, indicating large capacity of the vital organs. Narrowness behind the shoulders is quite common, and indicates defective constitution. Too much thick- ness of chest, an unusual occurrence, may cause a swaying movement in action. The arm must be large and muscular, and placed so as to bring the legs in proper position under the body, not standing out at the corners. The fore arm should be comparati\'cly long, broadly and strongly muscled in its upper part, and gradually taper to the knee. A powerful fore arm on the draft horse is highly impor- tant and its value is not likely to be overestimated. The knee must be broad, as viewed from the front, be well carried back, and be amply supported from below. This part should be neat and cleanly jointed. The ca)mon bone is round, but has tendons extending down its back edge, more or less separated from the bone. As viewed from one side, the cannon and its attachment should be deep. THE DRAFl" TYPE 95 amply supporting the knee ; and viewed from rear or front, should be quite flat, thus representing the strongest conformation. Often the cannon is tied in beneath the knee, which indicates weakness. A long or rounded cannon shows faulty conforma- tion. Flatness and shortness below the knee are always asso- ciated with the best development. A fair girth at the smallest point is g^ inches. A large girth, however, does not always indi- cate proper development, as the leg may be coarse and out of proportion. The fetlock, or, as it is often called, the pastern joint, must be smooth and deep, with no roughness. The pastern is an important part of the leg. It should be fairly long, be perfectly smooth and free from extra flesh, and stand at an angle of about 45 degrees. At this slope concussion is received in perhaps the least degree, and with least injury to the foot and leg. There is some difference of opinion among horsemen on the length of pastern, some preferring one reason- ably long and others one of medium length. The slope is more important than the length, but no doubt better feet prevail where the pastern leans toward length rather than shortness. Side- bones, ringbones, and other foot troubles are most prevalent with short, straight-pasterned draft horses. As the horse natu- rally places the foot in action, the pressure first comes on the frog and is then distributed over the rest of the foot. If the pastern is straight, the toe and front of the foot strike first, and thus the concussion is greatest. The foot ought to be large, the hoof dense and preferably dark in color, the sole concave, and the frog large. There is an old saying, "No foot, no horse." Sound feet are absolutely essential to comfort and efficiency of work. The interior of the foot contains very sensitive nerves and membranes. If the foot is too small and contracted, if the frog is too narrow and low, inflammation of the membranes will frequently follow. The ample foot, wide on top and behind, well suj^ported at the heel, and carried true in movement, turning neither in nor out at the toe, is least likely to be troubled with disease. The body should be short on top, long below, broad along the back, with the ribs strongly arched and of great depth. A long 96 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE back indicates weakness of both constitution and draft power, while a short, deeply muscled back means strength. If the ribs are well sprung and deep, it shows capacity of the internal organs, indicates a good feeder, and materially adds to the weight necessary in the drafter. Usually satisfactory rib devel- opment provides a proper body conformation. Often immature horses appear to lack depth of body to some degree, but age and feeding establish the proper proportions. The horse that lacks depth of body will also lack such essentials as capacity and the power of endurance. The loin should be broad and thickly muscled. Narrow, thin loins indicate weakness of a serious character. Often the loin is depressed directly in front of the space between the hips, a dis- tinctly undesirable conformation. Animals with a sway back as a rule show this weakness of loin. The cj-onp should be broad, wide, fairly level, and heavily muscled. A steep croup is very objectionable, and affects both the beauty and power of the horse. A short, steep croup is less strongly muscled than one that is long. The Belgian and French draft breeds seem most subject to steepness of rump and low setting of tail. The tJiigh should be strongly muscled, and the quarters should be thick and full. A horse split up high behind, with a thin, sharply tapering thigh, lacks good draft form at this place. The gaskin, or lower thigh, when properly made, is deep from front to rear and heavily covered with muscle. The Jiock is a part which requires careful study. As viewed from one side, it should show considerable depth, while from the rear it should possess a certain degree of thinness, though broad in front, the entire joint being free from extra flesh. Thick hocks are very common with draft horses, due to various reasons. The joint may be fleshy, pufifiness may occur from lack of exercise, or a form of spavin may exist. The hock should be smooth and its various natural curves well defined. As the horse stands in a natural position on his feet, the hocks should be straight and true as viewed from behind, showing no evidence of weakness. Where the hock holds a true position the hind feet also stand true, neither toeing in nor out. When toeing THE DRAFT TYPE 97 out the points of the hock come too close together, while if toeing in notably the points may be wide apart and the hocks appear springy and weak when in action. The hock should be supported by a wide, thin, clean-boned cannon which may be about 1 1 inches in girth at its smallest point. A true position of the hind leg may be ascertained by the use of the plumb line which, dropped from the point of the buttock or croup, viewed from behind, should pass the center of point of hock, cannon, pastern, and foot. From one side it should pass parallel to the entire edge of the cannon, and when suspended from the point of the hip, should pass the gaskin at the center and drop to the center of the foot. Draft-horse measurements of special interest were made by Mr. A. H. Snyder of the Ohio State University, College of Agriculture, under the direction of Professor T. F. Hunt. The following table shows the average result from this study. Kind of Measurements Number horses measured Weight Height at withers Height at croup From point shoulder to point buttock From lowest point chest to ground Circumference of body at girth . . Circumference of front cannon at center Length of head Length of shoulder From dorsal angle of scapula to hip . From point of hock to ground . . . Width of chest Width of hips Length of croup Class of Draft Horse Extra Medium Goou Good 55 17 1613 lb. 1579 lb. 16I hd. l6| hd. 16I " 17 ' 67.8 in. 68.85 n. 33-5 " 34-12 90 87.8. 9.66 " 975 26.66 " 26.8 27.25 " 27 30.4 " 31 25-5 " 25-9 20 19-5 25.2 " 25.12 22.5 " 22.75 CHAPTER XV THE PERCHERON The original home of the Percheron horse is La Perche, France. For many centuries draft horses haxe been bred in France. The Percheron, however, has developed within certain Hmited French territory. In northwestern France, bounded on one side by the English Channel, is a district known as Normandy. It com- prises nearly seven million acres, and is divided into five depart- ments, — La Manche, Calvados, Orne, Eure et Loir, and Sarthe. In the southeastern part of Normandy, and extending beyond its borders, is what might be termed a county known as La Perche. All of this part of France referred to has from time immemorial been a famous horse-producing region, and many of the draft type of French horses and French Coachers that are imported to America come from this section. The region of La Perche is about fifty by sixty miles in area, and is rather broken of surface, having numerous valleys and small streams of water. The origin of the Percheron breed is most obscure. For many centuries horses of a draft type were bred in the vicinity of La Perche. In early times this stock was without doubt typical of the heavy draft horse generally existing in northern Europe, and it is assumed that here existed the foundation ;?tock from which the modern Percheron is developed. Foreign blood, however, has played an important part in the make-up of this breed. The improvement of the early Percheron type is generally cred- ited by French and other writers to the use of the 'horses of the Orient. This is accounted for by the existence of large numbers of Arab and Barb horses in France at the time of the Saracen invasion in the early part of the eighth century. These horses were brought from the T^ast, and no doubt were more or less crossed upon the horses of La Perche. Two government studs were established in the eighteenth century, one at Le Pin, on the 98 THE PERCHERON 99 borders of La Perchc, in 171 4, and the other at Pompadour in 1755. These were destroyed during the revolution, but were restored by Napoleon in 1806, and have ever since remained important breeding studs, where the Percheron has been greatly improved. About 1775 Madame du Barry, of Paris, received a gift of a pair of '^'•^r.'?iy- Fig. 35. A fine example of Percheron type and character. From photograph by John \V. Hills Danish horses. These became popular, and later others of the same sort were taken to Normandy. Then English stock was introduced, and horses also came in from adjoining districts and from Belgium. In 1 820 two Arabian stallions, Godolphin and Gal- lipoli, from the government stud at Le Pin, were used on F'rench marcs. These sires were gray, and no doubt had considerable influence in developing the gray color among the horses of La lOO THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE Perche. The general effect of this Arabian blood on the French horse has been to impart quality, as shown in superior bone, style, and finish. Gallipoli, in partic- ular, had a very beneficial in- fiuence. Jean Le Blanc (739), foaled in 1823, a grandson of Gallipoli, is regarded as hav- ing had a remarkable influence on the breed in his day. The early type of Percheron resulting from this amalgama- tion of races was not so large a horse as is known to-day. The farmer of La Perche re- quired a horse suited to gen- eral purposes, so the early type was smaller and more active of foot than the present- day Percheron. Either under saddle or before gig, Per- cherons trotted with consider- able speed. Records of Percherons show that not in- frequently they have trotted at a rate of about a mile in four minutes. Richardson gives interesting illustrations of the ability of this horse to travel long distances with considerable speed : A gray mare six years old which took a heavy gig 56 miles over a heavy road in 4 hours and 24 minutes ; and another, seven years old, drew an ordinary country gig 55 miles in 4 hours, i minute, 35 seconds, returning the next day over the same ground in 4 hours, i minute, 30 seconds, the last 14 miles being covered in i hour, and neither in going or returning was she touched with the whip. The characteristics of this early type showed less scale, a lighter weight, with a height ranging from 15 to 16 hands. It was a superior general-purpose horse of drafty conformation, yet lacking large size and heavy weight. This type met with such great favor that buyers from various parts of France, Fig. 36. Orangiste 29606. First-prize three- year-old Percheron in France in 1902 at the annual show at Paris and at the show of the Societc Ilippique Percheronne at Nogent-le-Rotrou. Also first prize in class at International Live Stock Expo- sition, Chicago, 1902. Imported by McLaughlin Bros. Photograph taken by James B. McLaughlin in France THE PERCHERON lOl Germany, and elsewhere began to draw upon La Perche for their horse stock. Percheron deterioration came in with the improvement of the breed. Toward the close of the first third of the nineteenth cen- tury the demand for these horses in La Perche became so great that the farmers sold their best brood mares and stallions to such an extent as to require their replacement. Not enough good Percherons were available, so that other French races were introduced. Large numbers of mares similar to Percherons in size and style were introduced from Brittany, Picardy, Boulogne, Caux, and elsewhere. These often lacked bone, substance, and quality. With the improvement of highways came a demand for heavier horses, and then buyers purchased large ones to meet the increased demand. For a time quality was sacrificed for quantity, the heaviest stallion being most in demand. Many of the best brood mares of lighter type were sacrificed, thus causing serious deterioration. This condition of affairs continued for some years, until breeders recognized the absolute necessity of superior type and quality with increased size. The type of Percheron about 1877 is thus described by Rich- ardson, an English writer who was familiar with these horses in their native home. The characteristics of the best horses are that they run from 15 to 16 hands in height; the head is handsome, though perhaps some- times heavy, but more frequently as fine as an Arab's ; the nostrils wide ; the eye large and expressive ; the forehead broad ; ears silky ; neck rather short, but with a good crest ; withers high ; shoulders long and sloping ; chest rather flat, but broad and deep ; body well ribbed ; loins rather long ; crupper level and muscular ; the buttocks often high, leaving a depression above the junction of the tail, which is set on high ; joints short and strong ; the tendons often weak ; legs clean and free from coarse hair; feet always good, though rather flat when reared upon moist pastures ; the skin fine, and mane silky and abundant ; the color Fig. 37. Pyrrhus,aprize-winning Percheron stallion in France at Nogent-le-Rotrou and Vendome. Photograph taken in France by James B. McLaughlin 102 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE is general!)' gray, but there are some grand black I'ercherons. . . . Docile, patient, honest workers, very hardy, the Pcrcherons are unexcitable, but active and cheerful, rarely showing bad temper, and very free from natural blemish, trotting away cheerfully with heavy loads. The French call tliem the best draught horses in the world. Yet even when Richardson penned this (1877) he stated that these quahties were rarely found combined in any of the Per- cheron horses, on account of the deteriorating influences already referred to. The more approved type of Percheron to-day calls for all the best features in the model draft horse. In weight mature stal- lions usually average from 1700 to 2000 pounds, and mares from 1500 to 1800 pounds. Exceptions, however, very natu- rally occur. Univers 33977 P.R., the celebrated show stallion, weighed in show form about 2300 pounds, while Chichi 40072 P.R., as a two-year-old in show form, weighed 2150 pounds. A most a{)proved weight of mature mare is 1650 pounds. The height of stallions ranges from 15^ to 17 hands, and mares from 15}, to i6|. Tall Percherons are not regarded with favor, a lower set form being preferable. The color is usually a gray or black, but bays and browns occasionally occur. Fashion has caused some changes in color production, there having been periods when grays were most common, while later blacks were much in favor. It is said that at the fair at Chartres, France, in Feb- ruary, I Syy, one dealer had eighteen blacks, for which he asked about the equivalent of $10,000 for the lot, "and they were well worth it." Grays have been most popular in the United States and France, and dark gray may be regarded as a typical Percheron color. Howev^er, in spite of the criticism of black as a horse color, the opening years of the twentieth century have seen a great demand for black Percherons or dark iron grays, and most of the horses recently imported have been of these colors. The body of the Percheron is characteristically compact and blocky of form, full in the chest, and broad of back. Horses of the breed, however, often have steep, rather short rumps, with the tail set too low, and even with the best specimens the type of rump tends to unnecessary slope. In depth and fullness of body there is also a lack. The legs and feet are quite distinctive of THE PERCHERON 103 the breed. No more shapely and well-developed feet are found on any draft horse than on the Percheron. The bone of the leg is usually superior, but the cannons are not infrequently lacking in breadth and flatness, while the hocks may be fuller than is desir- able. The clean limbs, free of long hair, account for much of the popularity of the Percheron in America. Percheron actioji at a walk is reasonably true and snappy. The trot, with good repre- sentatives of the breed, is carried with vim and life, the knees Fig. 38. Monaco 11. A capital stamp of a I'eiclieron stallion, first in a ring of 29 at the International Live Stock Exposition, Chicago, 1905. Imported by McLaughlin Bros. Photograph by the author being moved strong and the hocks well flexed. The Percheron may be regarded as one of the very best actors among the draft breeds, being surpassed only by the Clydesdale. The Percheron head and neck are typical of the most attractive draft-horse character. The eye is usually full and prominent, the forehead broad and reasonably full, the face straight or slightly dished above the nose, the jaw strong, the ears refined and attractively set and carried with animation. The graceful neck is usually I04 'I'HE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE smoothly blended with the body and cleanly attached to the head, being crowned with profuse mane and foretop. Those things which give special distinction to the Percheron breed are the head and neck suggesting the Arabian, the blocky body and droopy tendency of rumj), the short smooth legs, the charac- teristic color, and the superior action. As a draft beast the pure-bred or high-grade Percheron ranks in P" ranee and America at the very front, with no superior. The improvement of the Percheron in France is due to both public and private methcxis. The government for over a century has maintained studs in which select animals have been kept for breeding purposes. The best horses in France have been in the past and are at present reserved by the government for home improvement. In addition to this, subsidies are paid private indi- viduals to keep horses of merit in the stud. Animals are crit- ically inspected by government veterinarians, and if up to a certain standard, they are designated as subsidized, and a cash bonus is paid for keeping them in the country on the farm of the owner, available to the owners of mares. This bonus ranges from 300 to 500 francs ($60 to $100) per year, according to the breeding and excellence of the stallion. Horses of not quite so good a grade are authorized after passing inspection, and the owners are given a card which is a government recommendation of the sires to farmers. A third class, known as approved, of which there are but few, are permitted to be in service, but neither bonus nor special certificate is given for them. Since 1885 a government decree has excluded from public service all stallions not coming within these classes. The Percheron horse society of France (Societe Hippique Per- cheronne) was organized in 1883, and its purpose has been to promote the purity of the breed. In 1890 this society passed a rule that all colts must be entered for registry between the ages of three and six months. At the time of registration a veteri- narian appointed by the society is required to brand its official mark on the colt's neck. American Percheron horse associations date back to 1876. At this time, owing to the common usage of the word Norman, it was planned to organize the Norman Horse Association. French THE PERCHERON 1 05 horses, known as Normans, had been used in the West some years, for as far back as 1854 Dillon & Company, of Normal, Illinois, showed what they termed Normans. The word Per- cheron was also in use. Mr. J. H. Sanders had been made sec- retary of the new association, and he added the word Percheron to the title, so that it read Percheron-Norman Horse Associa- tion, and his action was approved. This was followed by some members withdrawing and organizing the National Register of Norman Horses, which was later changed to the National Regis- ter of French Draft Horses. With the organization in France of a Percheron society the word Norman was dropped from the American title, in order to correspond with that of the French association. The career of the American Percheron Horse Breeders' Association proved rather unsatisfactory to many of its members, due to too much one-man power vested in its secretary. This resulted in the organization, in 1902, of the American Percheron Horse Breeders' and Importers' Associa- tion, with headquarters later established at Chicago, Illinois. In 1905 the name of this was changed to the Percheron Society of America. There was also organized in 1902, at Columbus, Ohio, the Percheron Registry Company. More recently, in October, 1905, another association, known as the American Breeders' and Importers' Percheron Registry, was in- corporated, with headquarters at Plainfield, Ohio. Each of these associations was organized to promote the breed in America, to register animals, and to publish studbooks. The old association is now defunct, but the other three are actively promoting the breed. Percheron studbooks are published both in France and America. Volume I of the French book {Stud-Book Percheron public par la Societe Hippiqiic PcrcJicronnc) first appeared in 1883, since which numerous volumes have been issued. The old Per- cheron-Norman Horse Association published two volumes, the first appearing in 1877. Later, with the change of name to Percheron Horse Association of America, three more volumes were issued under the name of the Percheron Sttidbook of America. In 1906 this association published Volume VI. In 1905 the Percheron Registry Company published Volume I. io6 rilK HORSE, ASS, AND MULE The introduction of the Percheron to the United States dates back many years. French horses were brought to America as long ago as 1816, when a stalHon was taken to Quebec and later sold to go to Washington County, New York. It has been as- sumed that this was a Norman horse. In 1839 ^^^ ^^st "genu- ine " Percheron importation to America was brought over by Edward Harris to Moorcstown, New Jersey. This importation consisted of one stallion and two mares. The stallion died at sea, and the mares were unfortunate, one landing in poor health, while the other injured herself in car shipment, necessi- tating killing. Mr. Harris at once returned to France and imported the stallions Dili- gence and Bonaparte, with several mares. These were the smaller type of Percheron, standing about 15 hands high and weighing 1200 to 1500 pounds. Diligence, who died in i860, was regarded as a fine specimen of the breed. An important half century of Percheron history in the United States began in 185 i. At this time F'ullington and Martin, of Milford Center, Ohio, brought to that state the first importation to the West, the gray colt Louis Napoleon. He was 15^ hands high and weighed 1600 pounds. In 1856 A. P. Cush- man of Illinois purchased him. Louis Napoleon proved to be a great breeder, and was no doubt one of the very best draft horses ever brought to America. It has been estimated that over 400 of his sons were successful stallions. In 185 i another importa- tion was also brought to Ohio by Dr. Marcus Brown of Circle- ville. He imported a stallion named Normandy, often referred to as "Pleasant Valley Bill," "Old Bill," or "The Valley Horse." He stood 15^ hands high and weighed about i 500 pounds, and it is said that for eighteen years he averaged about sixty colts a year. Also the same year Captain Samuel Holmes, of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, brought two stallions from France, and following Fig. 39. Tenchiiusr. A I'rrc heron mare owned in France. Photograph by James B. McLaughlin, Columbus, Ohio THE PERCHERON 107 these two, others were brought over for John J. Parker of West Chester and Edward Shippen of Meadville. In 1856 Jordan and Martin, of Woodstock, Ohio, imported a stalHon named Rollin, which was not long after sold to go to Illinois. Numerous importations followed the above. In 1866 W. T. Walters, of Baltimore, Maryland, brought over several mares and stallions, he being the first person to establish an important breeding stud in America. Mr. Walters had lived in France and had studied the breed there, and so was able to buy to advan- tage. In 1870 M. W. Dunham, of Wayne, Illinois, and in 1874 William Singmaster, of Keota, Iowa, began breeding and import- ing. They both became famous Percheron authorities, and the studs founded by them are still in existence. Besides these the Stubblefields of Bloomington, Ellis Dillon of Normal, and Ezra Stetson of Neponset, Illinois, and the Fullingtons of Ohio were early breeders and importers. The distribution of the Percheron in America is widespread. Weld estimates that in 1866 there were fully five thousand Per- cherons in this country, but no doubt many of these were French drafts of other breeds. The leading breeders and im- porters have seemed to center about Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, and Michigan, with small studs scattered all over the country, but notably in the Mississippi Valley. Between 185 1 and 1883 nearly four thousand Percherons were imported or bred in the United States of which a more or less correct record is kept. These were widely distributed, Illinois having 1834 ; Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan 577 ; Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota 424 ; New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey 280 ; and Mis- souri, Kansas, and Nebraska 186. In the early eighties many were brought over, 2600 being reported as imported or home- bred in 188 I, 1882, and 1883. In 1884 more than two thousand of all ages were brought to America from France. At the pres- ent time (1906) importations are quite active, and considerable shipments of stallions are being made to states in the Northwest and on the Pacific slope. In Canada horses of this breed are in use, but not on so extensive a scale as the British draft breeds. Cross-bred or grade Percherons are very common in America. In fact the numl:>cr of pure-bred registered mares is comparatively loS THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE small. Pure-bred stallions mated to the larger type of grade mares, of drafty conformation, furnish most of our best draft teams. Prepotent Percheron stallions mated to mares of other draft breeds also usually give satisfactory results, and this is a favorite combination in some localities where legs with feather hairs are found on mares of Clyde or Shire ancestry. The result- ing offspring are usually smooth-legged and more easily satisfy the common market demands. In the South, Curtis has not re- ported so favorably on the mating of Percherons on native mares, finding that the " half-blood colts " were somewhat prone to bone and leg diseases. This, however, is not a general difficulty with Percherons, for if it were the popularity of the breed would long ago have suffered severely. The most prominent buyers in the Chicago horse market have testified in the highest terms to the demand for Percheron grades and crosses, and repeatedly grade geldings of show-ring form have sold for $500 per head and over. Famous Percheron sires. Naturally during the history of the breed there have been many sires of excellence in America. Among these the following ten stallions may be regarded as of special importance, mainly on account of their influence as breeders, although some of them were famous show horses. Louis Napoleon 281 : foaled, 1848; imported, 1851. Normandy 351 (also known as Pleasant Valley Bill): foaled, 1849; im- ported, 1 85 1. Success 452 : foaled, 1864 ; imported, 186S. Vidocq 483 (732): foaled, 1869; imported, 1874; sire, Coco II (714); dam, by Cheri. Brilliant 1271 (755): foaled, 1876; imported, 1881 ; sire, Brilliant 1899 (756) ; dam. Ragout, by Favori I (711). French Monarch 205 (734): foaled, March, 1865; imported, 1874; sire, Ilderim (5302) ; dam, by Vieux Pierre (894). Fenelon 2682 (38): foaled, 1880; imported, 1883: sire, Brilliant 1271; dam, Ernestine, by Duke of Perche 173 (740). La Ferte 5144 (452): foaled, 1881 ; imported, 1886; sire, Philibert (760); dam, Julie (7594), by Brilliant 1899 (756). Gilbert 5154 (461): foaled, 1882; imported, 1886; sire. Brilliant 1271 (755); dam, Sophie (7694). Seditcteur d,^^o {yo^j) : foaled, 1884; imported, 1888: sire, Fenelon 2682 (38); dam, Rosalie (5688) by Brilliant 1899 (756). THE PERCHERON 109 Of the above horses Louis Napoleon and Brilliant were prob- ably most famous, each proving remarkable breeders, although all of the horses in question stand out as famous sires. The leading Percheron shows in France are held under different conditions. Each year a great central show is held at Paris. For years the annual Percheron show of France has been held in a migratory way, coming back to the same locality every twelve years. In 1905 it was held at Rouen. The Percheron Society show is held once each year in La Perche district, at either La Ferte, Mortagne, or Nogent-le-Rotrou. The American Percheron shows of most importance are held at the International Live Stock Exposition, Chicago, the Kansas City Horse Show, and the state fairs of Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Min- nesota, and Wisconsin. Very high prices for Per- cherons have been paid. Mr. Dillon, of Illinois, was the first importer to pay as much as ;^i6oo for a stallion in France, paying this price in 1882. The late M. \V. Dunham years ago made one sale of three mares and a stallion for $10,000. In 1903 McLaughlin Bros., of Ohio, sold the stallion Orangiste 29606 for $5500, and a month later sold Pour-Ouoi-Pas 27248 for $7000. In December, 1905, this same firm sold the stallion Rosenberg, grand champion Percheron at the International Live Stock E.xposition, for $8000, the highest price paid for a draft stallion in America. McLaughlin Bros, also sold Fronton 34289, the champion stallion of the breed at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, for $6500. These represent the highest prices associated with this breed. Percheron geldings are great favorites in the horse market and many very high-class ones are sold. At the 1905 International Exposition the six-horse teams of geldings exhibited by Armour & Company and Pabst Brewing Company caused universal Fig. 40. Adrian. A Percheron stallion showing excellent breed type. Photo- graph from James B. McLaughlin no THE HORSi:, ASS, AND MULE admiration. George, owned by Pabst, the first-prize gelding of the 1904 exposition, weighed when shown 2140 pounds. In 1905 the Pabst Brewing Company purchased a pair of geldings on the Chicago horse market, paying ^1300 for them, the highest price thus far paid for such a team. The present popularity of the Percheron is very great. While it is true that any high-class draft horse is looked on with favor in the market and readily commands a good price this breed is an American favorite. No other draft breed is raised pure on so large a scale as this. Percheron studs, containing pure-bred mares, are becoming more common than ever before in the United States. The large number of horses of this breed seen at the shows, attests its general favor in the Mississippi Valley. In the horse market Percheron blood predominates. This popu- larity is largely due to docility, intelligence, activity, heavy weight, excellent feet, and reliability in heavy draft work. This prestige bids fair to remain for years to come. CHAPTER XVI THE FRENCH DRAFT A brief consideration of the French Draft horse is essential, although no recognized breed of this name exists. In America it has been customary for many years to refer to draft horses brought from France as French Draft horses. Not only this, but we now have in the United States an organization which registers draft horses from France in a French Draft studbook. Distinct breeds of French Draft horses, however, are well known, and in France are clearly recognized. Years ago there was some confusion among importers on this point, but at the present time we have more definite knowledge on the subject. All heavy horses in France are not of the same breed, even if brought to America as French Draft. It is quite customary to name certain European breeds after the localities in which they receiv^ed their chief development, and this applies to the horses of France. It is extremely doubtful if any draft horses come to this country from France that cannot be properly listed as belong- ing to one of the following breeds, which essentially represent the characteristic draft breeds of that country. 1. Percheron. This is the best-known and most highly devel- oped of the French Draft breeds. For an extended consideration of the breed, see Chapter XV. 2. Boidonnais. This breed is largely found in the district of Boulogne in northern France and in adjoining Belgium, deriving its name from the former. The breed is somewhat larger and coarser than the Percheron, is coarser of neck, steeper and squarer of croup, and while not deficient in action, shows less than the Percheron. The color is variable, though frequently gray or white. It is claimed by the French that there is no interchange between the horses of Boulogne and La Perche, and that the Boulonnais has mainly been improved by selection and care, 112 TIIH HORSE, ASS, AND iMULE though it is suggested that some improvement may have come from Percheron blood. The breed has an excellent reputation in France, where a studbook kept in its interest is widely used, and the Boulonnais is regarded as second only in importance to the Percheron. Prominent importers have stated that Boulonnais horses have not been extensively brought to America, although no doubt they are well represented in the United States under the names of Norman or French Draft. 3. Breton. This breed belongs to Brittany in extreme west- ern France, in a section opposite southwest England, from which it is parated by the English Channel. This is quite a prominent orse section, but in its past history rather mis- cellaneous brt ^ding has been resorted to. English, Arabian, and cross-brc' stallions have been used, and more recently Percheron. Richardson, in discussing these horses thirty years ago, says : Thoufjh larger than the horses of the center, those in the north only run from 14 hands to 15.1, having improved up to the latter point, which the best horses now commonly reach. They are of much the same character as the Percheron ; indeed, there has been a continual interchange between the two districts, and the color is chiefly the same — gray ; but the Breton horse has a heavier head, more hair about the heels, broader feet, a heavier frame, he is shorter below the knee, and the pasterns are shorter, in fact, he shows less blood. In the past large numbers of weaned foals have been sold to go out of Brittany. " Nor," says Richardson, " are they known again as Breton horses. The grays become Perchcrons and the bays Normans." Leading Percheron importers claim that none of the Bretons are brought to America, but that they are largely used for omni- bus horses in Paris. 4. Nivernais. This breed is mainly found in the department of Nievre in central France. It is a somewhat modern black breed, largely the result of using black Percheron stallions on the mares of the region, which are hardly as large as Percherons. This breed has not been imported to any important degree, as it does not exist in large numbers in its native home, this region being most celebrated for its cattle. THE FRENCH DRAFT 113 5. Ardiunais. This is a native of Ardennes on the Belgian frontier in northern France. It has been described as a small type of Belgian, and is probably not much imported. 6. Picardy. French authorities rather class this as the Flem- ish horse, very large and generally bay in color. It is bred in northern France and Belgium, and is in fact the Belgian breed, though M. La Motte Rouge, who was for many years employed in the government studs of France, claims that the Picardy is in fact a variety of Boulonnais. Of the above breeds the first three are the -only ones of importance as possibly affecting American tradi - The National French Draft Horse Association O;' America pub- lishes a studbook in which may be registered an^ of the above- named draft horses, irrespective of breed. This r-^^sociation was first organized as the National Norman Horse Association in 1876, but in 1885 its title was changed to the National French Draft Horse Association. This was entirely correct, as there is no such breed of horses in France as Norman, notwithstanding the current use of this word in America for over half a century. Thus far this association has published eight studbooks. CHAPTER XVII THE CLYDESDALE The Clydesdale is the recognized draft breed of Scotland and stands to-day in great degree as the product of Scotch breeders. The early history of the Clydesdale is veiled in more or less obscurity. Scotch writers on the horse state that in the seven- teenth and early part of the eighteenth century there was doubtless an interchange of draft-horse blood between Scotland and England. Scotch cattle dealers driving herds into England returned north with English mares which were bred to stallions in the northland. This was prior to the use of the word Clydesdale. Claims have been made that the Duke of Hamil- ton brought black stallions from Flanders in Belgium to Scot- land about the middle of the seventeenth century, and bred them to the native Scotch mares. This, however, is traditional. Undoubtedly very mixed blood was in the early breedmg. The origin of the modern Clydesdale seems to trace back to about 17 1 5 or 1720. John Paterson was a tenant farmer of Lochlyoch in Carmichael parish in the county of Lanark. This county is in southern Scotland, and through its center flows the river Clyde, from which the name Clydesdale is derived. Written testimony of the family shows that at about the above-referred- to period Paterson brought a Flemish stallion from England to Lochlyoch, which was bred to the mares in the region there- abouts. The result of this union created a superior strain of draft horses for that time, and they met with special favor during the latter part of the eighteenth and the early part of the nine- teenth century. Breeders valued the influence of the Lochlyoch blood, and this is now regarded as essentially Clydesdale founda- tion stock. The mares descended from this Flemish stallion are described as " generally browns and blacks, with white faces and a little white on their legs ; they had gray hairs in their 114 THE CLYDESDALE 115 tails, along with occasional gray hairs over their bodies, and invariably a white spot on their belly, this latter being regarded as a mark of distinct purity of blood." The use of English blood on the Clydesdale, following the days of Paterson up to comparatively recent times, is admitted by Professor Wallace, a leading Scotch authority. Tintock, a Shire stallion, along about i860 was used in Scotland on Clydesdale tn;. 41. Ills Royal llighiiL'ss. Junior champion (_ I) tlL-stlale stallion at Louisi- ana Purchase Exposition, 1904. Bred and owned by McLay Bros., Janes- ville, Wisconsin. Photograph from owners mares, producing very excellent breeding females. The grandams of the Prince of Wales were both Shires of Knglish blood. In 1842 Professor Low commented on the distribution of the breed, and stated that they " have been mixed in blood with all the other varieties." During recent years, however, the Clydesdale has been maintained as a pure breed. Important Clydesdale sires, other than the Flemish stallion of Paterson, date back to early in the nineteenth century. The first Il6 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE of distincticm was (jlanccr (335), alias I'homjjson's Black Horse. The Scotch studbook states that he was foaled about 18 10, but this date is questioned. The story is that Glancer was sired by a black stallion named Blaze, bought in Ayrshire about 1780 and taken to Lanark for service. He was a stallion 161 hands high, perhaps had some coach blood, and possessed both style and action. Blaze in service to a mare known as the Lampits mare, on the Lampits farm in Lanark, sired Glancer. The result of this union became more than locally famous, for from him " nearly all the best animals of the present day are descended," says the Anicricati Clydesdale Studbook. dan- cer's dam, which died in 1827, was a famous brood mare, having produced other superior foals. Broom field Chavtpioji {95) was a notable stallion following Glancer (335). He sired Clyde alias Glancer (153), Glancer (338), Bowman's Colt (1078), and a number of great brood mares. Some of his offspring were successful in the show ring, but his chief distinction comes from being the sire of Glancer (153). Broomfield Champion was brown with white hind pasterns and a narrow white streak on the face. His name is most frequent in early Clydesdale pedigrees. Clyde, alias Glancer ( 1 5 3), was owned by William Fulton of Ren- frew County, a noted breeder, and was bred by Mr. Forest of Lanark County. Though not a show animal himself, from 1844 to 1850 the leading honors of Scotch exhibitions went to the produce of Clyde. He was dark brown in color and, having been ruptured, was known as "The Ruptured Horse." Seven sons and one daughter of his are recorded in the first volume of the Scotch Clydesdale Studbook. Most of these sons proved later to be sires of great merit, and were used in various localities in improving the breed. Prince of Wales (673), foaled in 1866, bred by James N. Fleming of the county of Ayr, and later owned by several dif- ferent persons, was one of the two greatest Clydesdales in recent history. He was sired by General (322), whose sire was Sir Walter Scott (797), a great show horse and breeder, while his dam was Darling, a mare of unknown breeding beyond one generation. Prince of Wales was a dark brown horse with a white stripe on THE CLYDESDALE 117 his face and more or less white on three legs. He was some- what straight in his hocks and a bit Roman-nosed, but in general was of good form and a remarkable mover at walk or trot. He was not only a great show horse, but was regarded as one of the greatest breeders of sires that the Clydesdale breed has pro- duced. Prince of Wales was last owned by Dav'id Riddell, of Paisley, who purchased him at auction when eighteen years old Fig. 42. Baron Alister. Clydesdale stallion, champion in 1904 at the Royal Agricultural Society Show of England. Exhibited by A. & W. Mont- gomer)', Scotland. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephew.s, Berkhamsted, England for $4725, and in whose possession he died in 1888. Prominent among his sons are Prince of Albion, sold for $15,000; his full brother, Prince of Kyle, sold for $8000 ; Prince Alexander, sold for $6000 as a yearling ; and Prince Robert. Darnlcy (222), foaled in 1872, a bay, was bred by Sir William Sterling-Maxwell and was purchased when three years old by David Riddell, the owner of Prince of Wales. His sire was Conqueror (199); and his dam, Keir Peggy (187), had a fine ii8 rill-: IK) RSI-:, ass, and mule show-yard record, and as a dam of ten foals is regarded as one of the greatest mares of the breed. Her sons, Darnley, Pollock, and Newstead, all won first prizes at the Highland and Agricultural Society shows. She died in 1888. Darnley himself had a most distinguished career in the show ring up to twelve years of age. If Prince of Wales was a great stallion sire, so Darnley was a famous sire of mares. The descendants of these two animals mated unusually well, and from their union has resulted much that is best in recent Clydesdale blood. Three of Darnley's best sons were MacGregor (1487), Flashwood (3604), and Topgallant (1850). These were all great horses, but especially so was Mac- Gregor, whose sons gained fame in the show rings of Canada and the United States. As a breeder this animal is regarded as second only to his sire and Prince of Wales. Baron" s Pride (9122), sired by Sir Everard (5353), a son of Topgallant (1850), represents the most distinguished of recent Clydesdale sires. He proved a fine show horse, while his get have been most successful. His son Benedict (103 15) 9300 was a successful show horse in Scotland, and was imported to the United States in 1900 by Brookside Farm, Fort Wayne, Indi- ana, where he stood at the head of that famous Clydesdale stud till December, 1904, when he was sold to Scotch buyers and returned to Scotland. Other Clydesdale sires that have performed an important part in the history of the breed in Scotland during the latter part of the nineteenth century make a considerable list. Those worthy of special mention are Lord Erskine (144), by Boydston Boy, foaled in 1879; Farmer (286), by Merry Tom (536), foaled in 1869; Merry Tom (536), by Rob Roy (714), foaled in i860; Lo7'd Lyon (489), by Hercules (378), foaled in 1867; Old Times (579)> by Lord Clyde (478), foaled in 1869; Lochfergus Cham- pion (449), by Glancer (338), foaled in 1861 ; Topsman (886), by Wonderful (915), foaled in 1869. Clydesdale characteristics. This breed of draft horses possesses certain features of a distinctive kind, on which loyal Scotchmen lay great emphasis. The feet and bone and action are cardinal points with Clydesdale breeders. The/rr/ must be large, round, and open, with an elastic frog and well-spread, clearly expressed THE CLYDESDALE 119 heel ; the coronet wide ; the pasterns fairly long and rather slop- ing ; the cannons short, flat, hard, and cordy; and the fore arms, arms, thighs, and quarters notably muscled and strong. From the back side of the leg at the cannons should grow an abun- dance of long, fine hair, a striking feature in the best specimens of Clydesdales, indicative of quality. White feet, though com- mon, are objectionable, since they lack the density and wearing power of dark feet, and there is a distinct objection to them in the Argentine and elsewhere. Emphasis is laid on the full- ness of the feet, the obliqueness of the pas- tern, and the flatness and cleanness of bone of lower leg. The dodj' of the Clydesdale has been most subject to criticism in the past, lacking in depth and circumference when it should have fullness as showing both feeding capacity and weight to draw loads. Good horse critics still insist that this deficiency of form is still too prev- alent with this breed. The sJiouldcr is rather oblique, with high withers, being superior in this respect among the draft breeds. The cJiest is narrower than with other drafters, a very wide chest being regarded as objectionable, giving less action and more of a paddling gait than is consistent with smooth, true movement. The action of the Clydesdale is notable, not being surpassed by any breed. Says Alexander Galbraith, an acknowledged Scotch-American authority on this breed : Great attention has been paid by the Scottish breeders during the last twenty or thirty years to the matter of action. No other draft breed has received one half the attention that the Clydesdale has in this respect, and Fig. 43. Kent-diet 9300, a Clydesdale stallion im- ported to America by Brookside Farm, Ft. Wayne, Indiana. In 1904 bought by Montgomery Bros., of Scotland, and returned to that country. One of the greatest sires among modern Clydesdales. Photograph by the author I20 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE for that reason they far surpass all others in length of stride, in straightness and sprightliness of movement, in their ability to keep their hocks together, with mechanical accuracy of motion, whether walking or trotting. The head of this breed docs not differ essentially in its require- ments from a C(jrrect conformation. The writer discussing the Clydesdale in Heavy Horses (1894) notes some peculiarities of the head worth recording here : A tendency to " dish face" may be observed in some tribes, and this is generally accompanied by a small ear and what, in the main, is characterized as a " pony head." Wherever this style predominates there is probably a strain of Highland or old Galloway in the blood. On the other hand, the hard, narrow face and Roman nose are regarded as equally if not more objectionable. Such features are usually indicative of a strain of Shire blood and, indeed, they are not otherwise to be accounted for in the Clydes- dale. An open, level countenance, vigorous eye, and large ear are greatly valued, and are not readily sacrificed. The height of the fully developed stallion is about i6h hands, with the mares from one to two inches less. Prince of Albion (6178) and Flashwood (3604), two nearly model specimens of the breed, stood i6| and 17 hands respectively. Weights of 2000 pounds for the stallion and 1800 for the mare represent good standards, though somewhat above the average. The standard color markings are bay or brown, with a white star or blaze on the forehead or face, and with all or part of the legs, up to the knees and hocks, white. There are also occasional blacks, grays, or chestnuts. Gray is unpopular and chestnut indicates Shire blood. The first Clydesdales brought to America were probably taken to Canada, doubtless on account of the love of Scotch settlers there for their favorite breed. The following represent the earlier importations, the first occurring in 1842 : Gray Clyde 78, importer, Archibald Ward, Markham, Ontario, 1842 ; Sovereign 181, importer, R. Johnson, Scarborough, Ontario, 1845 ! Cuniber- latid 106, importer, David Roundtree, -Jr.,' Weston, Ontario, 1850; George Buehanan 182, importer, John Wilson, Oshawa,* Ontario, 185 1; Bay Wallace 5, importer, William Cochrane, Claremont, Ontario, 1854. Along in the seventies Clydesdales were brought to the United States in a small way, both through Canada and by direct IHE CLYDESDALE 121 importation. In the early eighties they were brought over in larger numbers, especially in 1881, and between then and 1892 the trade increased greatly and several thousand stallions and mares were brought across the water and distributed over the country. Clydesdales of merit in America date back to their early impor- tation. Of these the following may be mentioned as of special Fig. 44. Princess Handsome. One of the notable American-bred Clydesdale mares. First-prize winner at International Live Stock Exposition, Chi- cago, in 1 901, 1902, and 1903. Bred and owned by McLay Bros., Janes- ville, Wisconsin. Photograph from owners distinction : Donald Dinnie 273, by Glancer (339) ; Johnny Cope (416), by Justice (420); Glencoe 158, by Prince of Wales 487 {673) ; MacQiieeni^i 3, by MacGregor (1487) ; Cedric 929 (1087), by Prince of Wales 487 (673) ; Lord Lyndoch 41 13 (4530), by Lord Blantyne (2243) ; Lyndoch Chief 5642, by Lord Lyndoch 41 13 (4530); Young MacQueen 8033, by MacOueen 3513 (5200) ; Laminated Steel ^yoo, by Cedric 929 (1087) ; Benedict 9300 (103 1 5), by Baron's Pride (9122). 122 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE Some prominent early introducers of the Clydesdale to the United States were Powell Bros., Springboro, Pennsylvania ; Robert Holloway, Alexis, Illinois; Galbraith Bros., Janesville, Wisconsin ; N. P. Clarke, St. Cloud, Minnesota ; Brookside farm, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The American Clydesdale Horse Association was organized in 1877, and up to January i, 1905, had i)ublished twelve volumes of studbooks, covering about 12,000 registrations. The Scotch Clydesdale Horse Society was organized in 1878 and had published twenty-eight studbooks up to and including 1905. Fig. 45. Clydesdale foals bred and owned by McLay Bros., Janesville, Wisconsin. Photograph from the owners This society has registered within this period over 13,000 stallions and over 17,000 mares. The distribution of the Clydesdale as a breed is very wide- spread, but it has found most favor in P^nglish-spcaking coun- tries, notably Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, though it is also used in Germany, Russia, Sweden, Cape Colony, and Argen- tine Republic. In the United States it has found the most favor in the upper Mississippi Valley, between Indiana and Nebraska. THE CLYDESDALE 123 As might be supposed, this breed finds its -greatest champions among the Scotch-Americans. Half-bred or grade Clydesdales are not uncommon in some sec- tions of the country. Pure-bred stallions on native mares of draft character produce excellent horses for farm or city work. They are usually of medium draft weight, are active on foot, and are quiet and docile of temperament. They frequently lack weight for the heaviest work, which emphasizes the necessity of using only such stallions for sires as have plenty of middle, as well as quality and bone. High prices for Clydesdales are more common in Scotland than in America. Prince of Albion (6178) is said to have sold for jCt,ooo ($15,000), Prince of Kyle for $8000, and Prince Alexan- der (8899) for $6000. The highest price ever paid for a two- year-old filly was 1000 guineas ($5000) for Montrave Rosea by Prince of Albion. Criticisms of the Clydesdale are not uncommon among horse- men. The hairy legs are objected to by farmers who find it necessary to. use them on dirt roads or under conditions in which mud or dampness are prevalent in the cooler months of the year. The Scotchman argues that the hair protects the skin of the leg, and is an evidence of superior bone. In spite of this assertion the average buyer prefers a horse with a leg free from superfluous hair. On a city pavement or on the hard macadam- ized roads of Europe the hair is not so objectionable. The shortness of rib of this breed, with a tendency to rangi- ness of body, has also counted against it in the past. A short coupling and broad, deep body must be a part of the best draft type, to give the necessary weight for hauling heavy loads. The more recent show horses are distinctly deeper of rib and meet with a more favorable reception by horsemen generally. CHAPTER XVIII THE SHIRE The very early history of the Shire horse traces back into the days of Roman conquest and almost prehistoric times. Abun- dant evidence, as set forth in British history by the earliest writers, makes it clear that a heavy type of work horse existed in those days. During the period when armor was worn it was necessary that a horse be of good size and be able easily to bear heavy weight in the saddle. In the sixteenth century in Eng- land, when armor was used, according to Tower of London officials a man's armor weighed 99.V pounds, the horse's 8 i pounds, and the spear 20, a total of 200 pounds approximately. Adding to this the weight of a man, the horse had to support nearly 400 pounds. Various early paintings show the draft type of horse in use. Albert Diirer, in 1505, made a painting of "The Great Horse," as it was termed. Vandyke, about 1620, painted a picture show- ing the Duke of Arenburg on a great horse. A famous painting by Paul Potter shows the great horse about 1652. The special region of Shire horse breeding in England has been in the east central part, especially in the counties of Lincoln, Cambridge, Huntingdon, Northampton, Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, and Norwich. However, the breed has been extensively produced on the low-lying lands outside this area. During its past history it has been known in P^ngland as the " Great Horse," the "War Horse," the "Cart Horse," "Old English Black Horse," "Giant Lincolnshire," and the "Shire." The name " Large Black Old English Horse " was in use from the time of Oliver Cronnvcll to modern times. The real origin of the Shire is fairly speculative. It is known that horses of this large draft type existed in England from very early times. We are told that a large draft type of horse existed in Flanders, Holland, and in Germany, in the valley 124 THE SHIRE 125 of the Elbe, and that one hundred stallions were brought to England from these countries as early as the twelfth century. These were used on the English horses of large type. Referring to the great paintings of cattle and sheep made by Paul Potter, who died in Amsterdam, Holland, in 1654, Sir Walter Gilbey says : " It is only reasonable to suppose that he exercised equal care in painting horses. The strain of North German and Flanders blood was at this period so strongly represented in our English Great Horses of the best stamp that we need not inquire whether this horse was of German, Flemish, or English origin, the character of all being practically the same." Thus no doubt the early Shire was of very mixed breeding. Robert Bakewell improved the Shire during the latter part of the eighteenth century, though it was then known as the Leices- tershire Cart Horse. Bakewell was one of the earliest important improvers of the English Shire horse. He went to Holland and imported mares, using them in systematic crossing with Eng- lish stallions. He pursued a careful course of selection and added to the value of the breed. It was during this century that this class of horses came into use for draft and farming purposes, the coat of armor having become obsolete. With the improve- ment of roads and the use of coaches the draft horse came into special demand. Gilbey, in his interesting historical work on The Great Horse, gives copies of pictures of Shire horses : one, the horse Elephant, by an unknown artist about 1792 ; another, a gelding in use by a brewery in 1792, painted by Garrard ; and a third, of two horses, Pirate and Outlaw, painted in 18 10 by Zeitter. These horses are all of draft character, with hairy legs, mane, and tail. The old-fashioned type of Shire was large, coarse, and slow. They had big heads, coarse ears, and their thick lips had long hairs on them. The shoulders were heavy, the legs hairy, and the pasterns straight. Their action was sluggish, but their tem- perament was mild. Excess of hair seemed a characteristic, as based on some of the pictures extant. In 1842 Low wrote : The modern English black horse retains the general characteristics of the preexisting race, but greatly modified. His color is usually a sooty black, with frequently a white lozenge-shaped mark on the forehead ; and 126 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE he has very generally one or more of the feet and part of the legs, and not unfrequently the muzzle, white. His body is massive, compact, and round ; his limbs are stout, his chest is enormously broad, and his neck and back are short. His mane is thick and somewhat frizzled, and his legs below the knee and hock are hairy down to the heels. His whole aspect conveys the idea of great physical power without corresponding action. The main defects of this conformation and temperament are his too great bulk of body and want of action and mettle. For a pull with a heavy weight he is admirable. Different varieties of the Shire formerly existed in England ; some have said two, others three. In the first Shire Studbook Dr. Reynolds groups the breed into three varieties, viz. : ( 1 ) Those havingthe upper lip garnished with a long, thick moustache, con- sidered at one time a distinguishing characteristic of the Lincolnshire horse. (2) Horses having the lips, muzzle, and eyelids destitute of the hair. The skin in these places is either entirely bald or covered with exceedingly fine down, is almost invariably flesh colored, and is sometimes marked with small dark spots and blotches. These are termed bald horses or bald faced. (3) Those having a long tuft of hair growing from tlie front of each knee, and rarer examples having also a similar growth from the hind part of the hock, just below its point. This is quite different from the ordinary hair on the back of the cannons. It is also to be noted that in the past the horses in some counties of England have differed from those of other coun- ties. However, modern effort on the part of breeders has resulted in producing a more uniform type. Within very recent years Alexander Galbraith, an excellent authority, has said that the type that won at the London show twenty years ago would have no chance now. Greater refinement, better bone, more action, and perhaps less hair arc demanded. The modern Shire horse is an improvement over the horse of fifty years ago. The features of large size, hairy legs, and draft type have been maintained, but the modern Shire has more action and life, possesses more quality and finish, and has more uniformity of type than had his ancestors. The English breeders recognized the need of improvement of their draft horse, empha- sizing quality, action, flat bone, and uniformity. In recent times this improvement has been greatly aided by the Shire Horse Society and the comparisons possible through the exhibitions of this society at Islington. Sir Walter Gilbey, a i)rominent breeder and horse student, has been a leader in this work. THE SHIRE 127 Important Shire stallions of breeding fame in England seem to date back to about 1755. Packitigton Blind Horse, said to have been foaled about r 760, is recognized as a prepotent force in early days in the counties of Leicester and Derby. Honest Tom (1062), foaled in 1806 in Lincolnshire, was a prominent sire in his day and his descendants proved his merit. Fig. 46. Blythwood Conqueror (14997), a Shire stallion of great merit, representative of the best type. Famous in England as a sire and show horse. Owned by Sir Walter Gilbey, Bart. Photograph from the owner This horse at five years of age sold for 300 guineas (^i 500). He was also known as Old Tom, alias Little David, alias Old David. Jo/in Bull (1 169), for a time owned by gypsies, also proved a valuable sire in early days. LincolnsJiirc Lad H (1365), foaled in 1872, a gray in color, is one of the best known modern sires of show-ring winners. He stood 17 hands high, had an excess of hair, was somewhat lack- ing in depth of body, but had much ambition and courage and proved a great breeder. 128 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE Honest Tom (1105), foaled in 1865, a bay, was owned for many years by Mr. T. H. Miller, of Lancashire, England, He won first prize each year from 1867 to 1872 at the Royal Agri- cultural Society of England shows, as well as at numerous others. Some of his progeny also proved noteworthy show animals. William the Conqueror (2343) was foaled in 1 862 in Nottingham County.- He was a brown in color, a winner of some prizes in the show ring, and was the sire of Prince William (3956), Esquire (2774), and Staunton Hero (2918), all noted stallions. Bar None (2388), a bay, foaled in 1877, was bred by Thomas Holmes of Yorkshire. He won the Shire Society championship in 1882. He attained great success in the stud, transmitting superb quality and high-class legs. Premier {26^6), a bay, foaled in 1880, was bred by John Fisher of Lancashire. His sire, What's Wanted (2332), was a well- known show and breeding animal. Premier proved a quite suc- cessful sire of prize-winning animals at the Shire Society Show. Harold {3703), a brown, foaled in 188 1, bred in Derbyshire, won numerous important prizes in the show ring. He was very meritorious as a sire, transmitting to his offspring size, excellent bone, and plenty of energy. He was sired by Lincolnshire Lad H (1365), previously referred to. BlytJnvood Conqueror (14997), foaled in 1893, was bred by Sir James Blyth. He was sired by Hitchin Conqueror (4458) and had for dam Blythwood Bountiful (i 1607). Blythwood Con- queror is a fine representative of the modern Shire. He has attained considerable distinction as a sire of prize winners, nota- bly in the stud of Sir Walter Gilbey. Buiy Chief Victor (i 1 105), a black with white markings, was foaled in 1889. He was a horse of very superior conformation, was a great show animal and prize winner and a superior sire. In 1 89 1 he was sold to Mr. Wainwright for 2500 guineas ($12, 500), the highest price for a Shire up to that time. Prince William (3956), by WMlliam the Conqueror (2343), had for dam Lockington Beauty, by Champion (457). He was foaled in 1883 and died in 1905, aged twenty-two years. For twenty years he stood at the head of the stud of Lord Wantage. In 1894 fifty-two animals sired by him sold at an average of $600. THE SHIRE 129 Hitchin Conqueror (4458) was foaled in 1883, being sired by William the Conqueror (2343). His dam was Flower, by Honest Prince (1058). Hitchin Conqueror sired many fine prizewinners and superior breeding animals. Shire characteristics of distinctive importance are as follows. In size this is the largest of the British draft breeds, and is Fig. 47. Souldem Scylax. Champion Shire stallion at the Royal Agricultural Society Show of England, 1904. Photograph from A^ational Stockman and Farmer excelled in zveight only by the Belgian. Stallions weighing from 1800 to 2000 pounds are comparativ^ely common, massiveness having long been sought for by Shire breeders. In height the Shire stallion should stand close to 17 hands, although the aver- age is about two inches less. The eolor of this breed is some- what variable, though in recent years bays and browns have been most common, white markings on the face or forehead 130 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE and on the legs below the knee or hock being characteristic. Gray, black, sorrel, chestnut, and shades of roan also prevail in a minor degree. The barrel of the Shire is larger and deeper than that of the Clydesdale, thus giving more weight. The legs are large and powerful and the bone fairly flat. British critics in the past have objected to frequency of round cannons, and flatter, stronger legs have become more common in recent years. The back of the cannon bones, knees, and hocks have long, flow- ing, fine hair in the best specimens of the breed. Excessive leg hair and heavy bone are objected to as indicating sluggishness and lack of quality, as compared with less hair and finer bone. The pasterns have been subject to criticism as being too short and not sloping enough, though modern types show improve- ment here. The/rr/ are large and inclined to be flat at the heel. The ]icad\\?i'?< a tendency to a Roman profile, while lack of breadth between the eyes is perhaps too common. The croup is long, broad, but not so level as with the Clydesdale, though the differ- ence is not great. The action is greatly improved over early days, nevertheless the Shire is more deficient in this feature than the other draft breeds, still preserving more or less of its early inherited sluggishness. Critics of the Shire in America have charged the breed with lack of action, with too hairy a leg, which will probably never be popular in this country, and with too flat a foot. This accounts for the limited number of Shires imported during recent years. Importation of Shires to America began many years ago, but just when the first of this sort came over cannot be absolutely stated. A horse named Tam worth, possibly of this breed, was brought from England to London, Ontario, Canada, in 1836. In 1847 another horse named King Alfred was imported. In 1853 a Mr. Strickland brought a stallion known as John Bull from England to Aurora, Illinois, where he became well known. Several others were imported into northern Illinois not long after. George \\. Brown, long a prominent Shire breeder at Aurora, states that as far as he has been able to learn, the earliest advertisement of .Shires by any importer in Western agricultural papers was in ICS75. Along in the eighties many stallions were THE SHIRE 131 brought to America from England. Since then the number has greatly decreased. The use of the Shire in crossing on large mares is to be com- mended, if the stallion used presents quality of a proper sort, with a typical Shire conformation. In such crossing the chief objection will rest against the probable transmission of the hairy leg. The distribution of the Shire is general in English-speaking countries. In England it is the really great draft breed. In America the breed has been best known in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and the states of the upper Mississippi Valley, especially in the so-called corn belt. Shires have been exported from England to the continent of Europe, especially Germany, and to the Argentine Re- jniblic in South Am- erica and to Australia. Organizations to promote the Shire breed are not old. The English Cart Horse Society was organ- ized in 1878, essen- tially to promote this breed, but in 1884 it changed its title to that of the Shire Horse Society. Up to January i, 1905, this society has published over twenty volumes of studbooks, has registered many thousand animals, and has a very large and influential membership. The American Shire Association was organized in 1885 and has a comparatively small membership; and up to January i, 1905, has published four volumes of studbooks. The demand for the Shire in the city horse market is always good. The heavy weight of this breed, or of good grade progeny, makes it in active demand at all times for the heavy draft trade of cities. Very high prices have been paid for drafters of Shire breeding. In 1904 a grade Shire gelding of remarkable size and quality was sold on the Chicago horse market for $865, up to that time the highest price on record in this market for a draft gelding. Fig. 48. Placing awards mi ^^illl^- .n the Royal Show, England. Photograph by author 132 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE The Shire in the show ring has not thus far received great attention in America. The shows of the Shire Horse Society in England, however, are very notable events. The twenty-sixth annual show of that society, in 1905, was the largest ever held, seven hundred stallions and mares having been entered. No such remarkable breed exhibition of horses has ever been held in America. All the horses shown are required to undergo a careful veterinary examination. Importers of Shires of prominence are not large in number. Alexander Galbraith of Wisconsin, George E. Brown, Burgess Brothers, and the Truman Pioneer Stud Farm of Illinois, and Bell Brothers of Ohio were prime and influential promoters of the breed years ago, and are more or less engaged in importing and breeding Shires to-day. CHAPTER XIX THE BELGIAN Belgium as a horse-breeding country has a reputation extend- ing back to remote times. Remains of the horse have been found in the cave dwellings of the Lesse and Meuse, showing the relationship of man to this valuable animal in that country in prehistoric times. Since the days of historical record the horse of Belgium has been famous. Diodorus Siculus, a Greek historical writer of the first century b.c, mentions that the Belgians were great judges of horses, and Caesar states that they were willing to pay high prices for a superior class of foreign horses. Tacitus, the historian and well-known writer of the first century a.d., commented on the extensive buying of horses from Belgium and the inability of the people to furnish as many as were desired. It has even been assumed that perhaps the greater part of the Roman cavalry consisted of Belgian horses. Up to about the sixteenth century horse breeding was an important industry in Belgium, but with the general introduction of gun- powder it is said that the use of the horse was largely relegated to agricultural pursuits, and Belgium lost her prestige as a horse- producing section. Modern horse breeding in Belgium is comparatively recent in its activity. The country suffered from revolution in 1830, and from then on for ten years the industry was seriously neglected. Government officials, however, had their attention directed to the loss to Belgian interests occasioned by this neglect, and in 18 50 the government established a stud for stallions at Tervueren. Since that period much attention has been paid to the improve- ment of the draft horse in Belgium. The official draft horse society of Belgium (Le Cheval de trait Beige) was founded in 1886. The draft horse is the only race in Belgium officially promoted by the government, and this 133 134 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE society was organized to (i) encourage the breeding of native horses by the organization of annual national shows ; and (2) maintain a studbook of Belgian Draft horses. The studbook is published by a special commission appointed by the society. Up to 1904 there had been issued eleven volumes recording 12,630 stallions and 2 1,767 mares. The large numbers of mares recorded, compared with stallions, is to be noted, a condition quite the reverse with draft-horse studbook registrations in the United h ic. 49. A typical IJelgian siaiiion. I'hotogniph inmi .\. \ an .-^ciieiie, Special Commissioner of Agriculture from Belgium to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition States. To promote the work of this society the government makes an annual grant of 30,000 francs ($5000). Besides this, since 1890 national premiums have been offered for the best stallions. This society has some eleven hundred members. The methods employed by the Belgian government to encourage horse breeding arc of special interest. Certain state regulations concerning the breeding of draft horses are subject to constant supervision. The sum of about 350,000 francs ($70,000) is annually expended in behalf of this work. This money is used THE BELGIAN 135 to meet the expense of shows of foals and mares, which are fixed by provincial regulations and which occur in some forty- four different places. Stallions are also submitted for examina- tion at this time. At each of these shows two classes of prizes are awarded : (i) a first prize of 400 francs ($80) and a second of 300 francs for the first and second prize three-year-old stal- lions ; (2) a first prize of 550 francs ($110) and a second of 400 francs for the first and second prize four-year-old or older stal- lions. Other smaller extra prizes may be awarded on stallions of rank subordinate to the first and second. To promote home horse improvement the examining com- mittee may award a maintenance bounty of 700 francs to the owner of each stallion not under four years old that has won a first prize at a previous annual show. A similar prize of 500 francs is awarded the owner of the stallion which has won for two years the second place in the class of stallions four years old or over. If the committee regards as of exceptional value a stallion that has won a maintenance prize, it may nominate him to compete for a bounty of 6000 francs ($1200) payable annually by fifths, so long as the horse remains approved by the committee and retains its value. At the end of five years the owner of such a stallion, if it remains approved, may continue to enjoy an annual maintenance of from 600 to 800 francs. In case a stallion that has received the 6000 francs bounty is sold to leave Belgium, the fifths already received by the owner must be returned to the treasury of the state. There is an annual competition in each province for stallions four years old or over that have won the above special prizes, at which they may compete for a first prize of 900 francs and a second of 700 francs. The examination of stallions usually occurs the sixth year, with a show of foals, and fillies of two and three years, and brood mares, when considerable prize money is awarded. Main- tenance bounties may also be awarded owners of the best mares in order to retain them in Belgium. Draft-horse shows in Belgium are held each year at Brussels in June. These are notable events, for here is the largest show of one breed that is made in Europe. In 1904 at this show there were nearly 800 entries representing 264 stables. While the 136 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE exhibits come from all over Belgium, the most important ones in recent years have come from Brabant and Hainaut and the prov- inces of Liege and Namur. Numerous agricultural associations also hold exhibitions in Belgium, at which local horses are shown. The history of the Belgian Draft horse in America is compara- tively brief. Dr. A. G. Van iioorcbeke of Monmouth, Illinois, brought horses to this country from Belgium as early as 1866, Fig. 50. Babette. A typical Belgian mare. Fhotogiaph from A. Van Schelle, Special Commissioner of Agriculture from Belgium to the Louisiana Pur- chase E.xposition, 1904 when they were designated as Boulonnais. The incorrect use of this word, however, was recognized after a few years, when the correct title of Belgian was given. Massion & Son of Mintonk, Illinois, were also early importers. In 1858 Mr. E. Lefebure came to America from Belgium and settled in Iowa, and from 1888 till his death in 1905 he was one of the leading promoters of the breed in this country. Exhibitions of Belgians in the United States are comparatively recent. Small exhibits have attracted attention at the Chicago THE BELGIAN 137 horse show and at some of the central West fairs during the past twenty years, but it is only very lately that general interest has been taken in tiie breed. A small show of Belgians was made at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 at Chicago by A. B. Holbert, Van Volsen Bros, and Vanderschuerm, Lefebure & Sons of Iowa, and J. Crouch & Son of Indiana. During the past two or three years interest in the breed has greatly grown, and at the International Live Stock Exposition at Chicago in 1903 there were shown twenty aged stallions, while in 1905 a very large and creditable show was made. In all the exhibitions, how- ever, but very few mares are found ; in fact, there are but very few pure-bred Belgian mares in America. The American Association of Importers and Breeders of Belgian Draft Horses was organized in 1877, and works in harmony with the Belgian society. Thus far it has published but one studbook, issued in 1905. Characteristics of the Belgian Draft horse. The general con- formation is of the most compact form, this breed having a maximum of weight within a given space. The body is very full in the breast and unusually broad and deep of back, no breed in proportion to its size showing so much body girth. Symmetry of form is not as frequent as could be wished, owmg to a rather characteristic steepness and shortness of rump extremely com- mon with Belgians, with the tail set rather low. The Jiead shows considerable refinement, and is carried with spirit on a short, symmetrical neck. The head, neck, and rump rather suggest the French breeds in style and carriage. The legs of the Belgians are devoid of long hair and are notably short. Compared with an ordinary draft horse one is impressed by the closeness with which the body comes to the ground. W'hile the legs may not be open to objection, frequently there is a tendency to too much lightness of bone and lack of substance to support the body weight and withstand the severest of labor. Neither do the hocks show great depth and strength as frequently as is desir- able. An important criticism of the breed by Americans has been directed to \\\q feet. These tend to be small and lack in circum- ference at the crown, besides being high and narrow at the heel. Probably no class of draft horses brought to America has the ivs THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE feet so severely criticised as does the Belgian. If one may judge from the specimens exhibited in America, there is reason in this objection. In action the Belgian is somewhat slow, though some remarkable actors have been seen in our shows. Omer, the cham- pion of the International Live Stock Show of 1903, imported by McLaughlin Brothers, has a stride and style most unusual in a draft hor.se of any breed. In color the chestnut is the most Fig. 51. Omer 7269. A promineiU prize-winning Belgian stallion, imported and exhibited by McLaughlin Bros., Columbus, Ohio. First in class and grand champion of the breed in 1903 at International Live Stock Exposition. Photograph by author popular, although bays, bay browns, and roans are more or less frequent. Grays are not in favor either at home or abroad. The Jicight and weight vary. M. Albert Van Schelle, the special commissioner from Belgium in charge of the exhibit of Belgian Draft horses at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis in 1904, classes the horses of Belgium into three types accord- ing to the sections of the country to which they belong. Those THE BELGIAN 139 from Flanders range in height from 164 to 17 hands or more, and the stalHons weigh about 2000 pounds. Those from Brabant stand 154 to 164 hands, and the stalhons weigh about 1600, while those of the Ardennais stand from 15 to 15^ hands in height and weigh about 1200 pounds. In temperament the Belgian draft horse stands without a superior, due no doubt to being raised in a country having small farms, and in close con- tact with the everyday life of the people. As the author saw these horses at work on the streets of Antwerp and on the farms of Belgium he was impressed with their docility of temper and their great draft power. Certainly the typical draft horse of Belgium possesses the weight so essential to move great loads with the least exertion. The cross-bred Belgian has as yet been but little seen in the United States, but he has met with a favorable reception where produced. A few years ago a consignment of grade Belgian drafters, the product of pure-bred stallions on native mares, was sold at auction in Chicago market at from $200 to $335 per head, and received much favorable comment. The writer has seen numerous grade geldings shipped to Ohio feeders from the West, which have presented a most attractive individuality. Ohio shippers are looking with more and more favor on heavy Belgian geldings as quite satisfactory to the city trade. They seem to be reasonably sound of limb and possess the blocky form and weight so much in demand for heavy hauling. The distribution of Belgian Draft horses is very widespread. Germany is a prominent buyer, while England, Holland, Sweden, France, Denmark, Austria, and the United States have buyers in the Belgian market. In 1903 more than three hundred were shipped to the United States At the 1904 Brussels show an official representative of the Hungarian government purchased ten stallions, including six first-prize winners. In the United States the Belgian has been longest known in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Stallions and grades are, however, becoming distributed over the Mississippi Valley states north of the Ohio, wherever the heavy draft horse is needed. CHAPTER XX THE SUFFOLK The native home of the Suffolk, or Suffolk Punch horse, as it has been known, is in Suffolk County in the eastern part of Eng- land. This county is flat in character with clayey soil, is gen- erally cultivated, borders on the seashore, and comprises about fifteen hundred square miles. The breed is also more or less raised in P^ssex and other eastern counties, while specimens are found in other parts of England to a slight extent. The early career of the Suffolk horse traces clearly back to about 1700. While Normandy horse stock has been assumed by some as playing an early part in the formation of the breed, no positive information exists on this point. In purity of blood it is believed that the Suffolk surpasses any other breed in Great Britain. The general evidence, as given by various authorities, indicates that for several centuries this breed has been bred in Suffolk with much purity. The pure-bred Suffolk foundation really dates back to a horse of unknown sire, foaled in 1768, known as the " Crisp horse," being owned by a Mr. Crisp of Ufford, Sussex. To this horse are traced all pedigrees of the breed that may be registered in the studbook of either England or America. This history has been clearly and fully traced, and stands accepted by breeders universally. The Crisp horse was a bright chestnut in color, stood 15^ hands high, and proved a remarkable breeder. In the development of the Suffolk since his time four attempts have been made to introduce foreign blood and thus improve the stock. In no case, however, has this blood held its own, but has been completely absorbed and the breeding lost. The foreign blood used to improve the Suffolk was as follows : I. The Blake strain. This came from the use of a Lincoln- shire trotting horse with no Suffolk blood, known as Blake's 140 THE SUFFOLK 141 Farmer. This strain was in existence from 1780 to 1880, and at one time was very popular. 2. The Wright strain. This originated from a horse from Lincohishire known as Wright's Farmer's Glory, or the Attleboro horse. He was a chestnut, clean limbed, and may have been a half-bred Suffolk. This strain existed from 1800 to about 1880. 3. SJiadingfitId strain. This came from the produce of a trotting horse, the son of a Thoroughbred, and he also was a Fig. 52. A first-prize Suffolk stallion at the Royal Show, London, Eng- land, 1904. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephews, Berk- hamsted, England chestnut. This strain existed for about half a century, the last being foaled in 1846. 4. Martin s Boxer strain. This appeared to be a Suffolk, though he was not, being out of a "black blood mare." This strain never obtained any foothold beyond two mares of remote breeding. These strains were all started to improve the breed, but they presented deficiencies ; neither could they overcome the predom- inant Suffolk blood and character. The history of the modern Suffolk horse is essentially a most comjiact one. It deals with the development of the breed mainly in Suffolk and vicinity by the farmers generally, and is very well connected, largely due to the far-reaching investigations of 142 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE Herman Biddcll, the editor of the first Suffolk Studbook. Among the horses of the last century that had much influence on the development of the breed are Edward's Old Briton 490, Catlin's Duke 296, Crisp's Fairhead's Boxer 405, Julian Boxer 755, Crisp's Cupbearer 1416, Garrett's Cupbearer the third, and Foxhall. The latter was imported to America by Galbraith Bros. The history of the Suffolk horse in America is rather re- stricted, these horses being comparatively unknown in the United States in the early eighties. In 1882 the editor of the National Live Stock Journal \\ro\c: " If some of these Suffolk horses could be imported and bred alongside of the Shire and Clydesdale, it would give an opportunity to see what would prove the best for American purposes." In 1883 this same journal states that Suffolks arc finding great favor in Canada. However, Powell Brothers of Pennsylvania imported the first stallions to the United States in 1880. In 1888 Galbraith Brothers, of Janes- ville, Wisconsin, made their first importation of stallions, while the same year Peter Hopley & Company, of Lewis, Iowa, im- ported the first mares. At the present time Galbraith & Son and Peter Hopley & Son are the leading breeders and ex- hibitors of Suffolks in the United States. At the World's Columbian I^xposition at Chicago in 1893 a few Suffolks were exhibited, mainly by Peter Hopley & Company, although B. Ramsey of Iowa and Mossom Boyd & Company of Canada also exhibited. In 1903 forty-one head were imported to America. A few Suffolk horses are now being imported, but the breed as yet is but little known, and does not meet with rapidly growing favor. At the 1904 International Live Stock Exposition an exhibit of about a dozen Suffolk stallions and mares was made by Peter Hopley & Son, the firm name being changed. Characteristics of the Suffolk horse. This breed has long pos- sessed certain distinctive features, quite marked in contrast with other breeds. The following are worthy of special consideration. The Suffolk has a tendency to small ears, the forehead is broad, and the eyes are of medium size and only fairly prominent. The nose tends to Roman form, which has been rather char- acteristic of the breed. The jaws are rather strong and the cheeks deep and full. The nirk has something of an arch, — in THE SUFFOLK H3 fact with stallions this is very pronounced, — with not too much heav^iness at the crest. The neck sometimes joins the head a bit heavily, but at the shoulders, as a rule, it is well placed. The s/iou/t/er should be long but not extremely oblique. A race-horse placing of shoulder is not desired among Suffolk breeders, a straighter shoulder being better suited to draft work. The dody of this breed is one of its notable features. It has long been characterized by great depth and circumference, considering the size of the horse. The ribs have an unusual spring and depth, thus giving the body a very round, full form. Formerly this was unnecessarily deep and round, giving it a paunchiness from which the term "Punch" was evolved and given as a part of the breed name. Modern breeders object to heaviness of belly. For size the body girths unusually well. A girth of about eight feet back of the shoulders is recommended. The rump is full and well carried out, the tendency to steepness being slight. Strong quarters and hocks are a feature of the breed, but there has been some criticism of weak hocks. One family, Catlin's Boxer 299, has had this feature of bent hind legs and weak hocks, and Crisp's Conqueror 413 and Cupbearer 416, famous sires as they were, had a tendency to this trouble. The legs of the Suffolk are very free from superfluous hair, and while they have been criticised as lacking in bone, the breeders insist that this is not so. If fairly compared with the long-haired breeds, they maintain that plenty of bone will be manifest. Yet the bone is not large, but of supe- rior texture. A girth of \oh inches below the knee is given by Mr.Biddell as ample, more being thought unnecessary. The feet of this breed have been criticised much in the past. The middle of the last century it was claimed that the feet were flat and the hoofs brittle, and that side bones were common. Now for years, however, by rules of the Suffolk society, all horses shown must be submitted to a veterinarian's examination, which has resulted in a great improvement. In 1880 A. B. Allen wrote : The reason why they have not long since been imported and bred exten- sively in our country is undoubtedly owing to their possessing almost unu- sually too small legs for their bodies, their bad hoofs, and shelly feet. I examined this breed very attentively when I first visited England in 1841, . . . but finding them so deficient in the feet and legs, I made up my mind not to recommend their importation to this country. 144 '^'^^'^ HORSE, ASS, AND MULE In 1893 Professor Robert Wallace, the Scotch authority, stated that "at one time they were flat-footed and liable to become lame if worked regularly on the hard road or on stone pavements, but the care bestowed upon breeding has in recent years eliminated this defect among animals of the first rank." The quality and action of* the Suffolk rank well. The breed cannot be classed as coarse, while in action it stands next to the Clydesdale among the draft breeds. Wallace states that they twist their legs and feet when moving, but this does not apply to-day as much as it may have formerly. The JicigJit ranges from 16 to 17 hands, though 16 to 160 is more common. In fact this breed should be short of leg and close to the ground, though the Suffolks the author has seen in this country have shown considerable height and weight. The zvcigJit should not run high, 1 800 to 1900 pounds being ample. Greater weights than this are obtained, but they are not most typical ; for example, (ial- braith gives 1800 to 2200 pounds, but this brings him uj) to a horse of large size among the draft breeds, a thing never claimed by Suffolk breeders. The Suffolk should not be as large as Clydesdale or Shire, and is not bred for the heavy draft work of the city, but for farm purposes, where less weight is required. This is generally conceded by advocates of the breed. The colo7- is a Suffolk characteristic, for it is always a chestnut, varying from a bright to a dark shade. This has always been a breed feature, no other color being allowed. Biddell allows for seven shades, a bright one being considered most desirable, with mane and tail of same color. Some have favored the dark shade, but it is not generally recognized as desirable. A light, mealy chestnut is quite condemned, as indicating weak constitution, soft legs, and slow temperament. White hairs to a slight extent in the body color may be permitted, but are not desired. The Suffolk as a draft horse ranks high among the farmers of eastern England. It is considered capable of doing a ma.ximum amount of labor on a less amount of feed and for longer periods than other drafters. This is the opinion of the people of Suffolk, however. Its steadiness and persistence at pull has long made the breed famous, but this same characteristic is probably equally well established with other breeds. THE SUFFOLK H5 The distribution of Suffolk horses is extremely widespread, in fact more so than is commonly supposed. They have been ex- ported to the Argentine, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Russia, South Africa, and the Nile region of Africa. In Canada and the United States they have no great foothold, but are scattered over these countries in a small way. In this country up to this time they have been best- known in Iowa. In 1904 a small stud of these horses was pur- chased of Hopley & Son for the Mt. Hermon Boys' School in Massachusetts, and this same firm in 1905 made shipments to Washington and Oregon. They report an increasing interest in the breed. The value of the Suffolk horse crossed on common drafty mares has hardly been tried on an extensive scale. Alexander Galbraith states that the grades from native American mares have good size and bone, while they are particularly smooth-built and are almost invariably chestnut in color. They make high-class animals for heavy farming and express-wagon work. The fecundity and longevity of Suffolks is highly attested. Numerous cases are given to show that the breed is very pro- lific and tenacious of life. The dam of Webb's Rising Star 1266 was twenty-two years old when he was foaled, and the dam of Loft's Cupbearer 842 had sixteen foals in sixteen years. A mare and foal were shown at one of the early Suffolk Agricul- tural Association shows, the mare being thirty-seven years of age when the foal was dropped. The great stallion Julian Boxer 755 traveled at least twenty-five seasons and left a large num- ber of superior sons and daughters. The Suffolk Studbook is published by the Suffolk Studbook Society in England. Volume I was issued in 1880. Up to January, 1905, this association had published fourteen volumes. There is an American Suffolk Horse Association, but as yet no studbook has been published. CHAPTER XXI PONIES A standard height for a pony does not obtain, but the line between a true pony and a horse is drawn at 14^ hands, any- thing over this passing out of the pony class. The polo pony is not a breed, but represents a type and size suitable to be used in playing polo. For this purpose anything possessing the necessary speed, activity, endurance, and intelli- gence will do. The maximum height allowed by the American Polo Association is 14.J hands. Small Thoroughbreds, Western ponies, and cross or half breds are p()i)ular. The Welsh pony is a class that has long been bred in Wales and is now receiving more recognition than ever be- fore. They have been some- what improved by Arab and Thoroughbred blood in the past, and so often show the influence of superior breeding. These ponies, however, offer considerable variation, and even among the people of Whales are not altogether re- garded as a breed. In Wales and western England one will see these ponies in various sizes and types. In 1897, the writer visited one of the largest studs in W'ales, where many fine ponies were shown, but where considerable difference of tyj^e was to be seen. In Wales there is a Welsh Pony and Cob Society for promoting and registering 146 Fic. 53. A typical Welsh pony, bred by John Jones, Llandudno, Wales. From photograph by author PONIES 147 these smaller types of Welsh horses. This society divides these ponies or small horses into four groups as follows : 1. Welsh vwiintain pony. Height not to exceed I2i hands. Color of any sort. In type this resembles a small Arabian, pos- sessing much the same character and carriage of head, rump, and tail. It is found in the more hilly sections, and has great bone and superior muscle and en- durance. No doubt it was originally improved by Arab stallions. 2. Should range from \2\ to 131 hands, is of the cobby type, and is not as well adapted to mountain lands as the pre- ceding. In harness both classes i and 2 make a very sliowy appearance. 3. Should range from 13^ to 14.1 hands. This comes into the cob class, a blockier sort than i and 2. 4. Should range from over 14.V to not more than 15}, hands. Those in this class are suited to mounted infantry or cavalry service. Ponies of classes i and 2 are freely used in Wales, where, attached to really heavy carts, they trot across country at remarkable speed. Welsh ponies have been used in America for many years, but are now attracting more attention than ever. They possess more style, action, and size than the Shetland, and are suited to either saddle or harness. A good specimen of the breed should at least show plenty of speed and forcible knee and hock action. Owing to their general activity and endurance they find favor for polo playing. The Exmoor pony has long been known on the moors of southwestern England in Devonshire. Here on some twenty thousand acres, these ponies have been bred more or less wild for perhaps centuries. This breed has been classed as the highest type of pony, closely resembling the Arab in Fig. 54. Lady White, a Welsh pony mare. First at the Royal Show, Manchester, England, 1897. A winner of many prizes. Owned by John Jones. Photograph by the author 148 nil': HORSE, ASS, AND MULE conformation. Captain \V. C. Kerr describes the breed in part as follows : The true Exmoor pony is a strong, well-knit, i3-to-i4-hand animal of tlie dray-horse sort in miniature type . . ., sure-footed, docile, generally hay in color, and possessing an iron-clad constitution. ... His salient points are strength of loin, well-sprung ribs, great breadth of chest ; in fact, he is what your people would term a "chunky" little fellow. . . . All are natural fencers, and the way they surmount the tremendous banks is marvelous. I ought to mention that their heads are very neat and blood- like, in some cases very Arab-like ; they carry their tails gayly, have a little silky hair about the heels, but, like all our ponies, are often faulty about the shoulders. Exmoor ponies have been considerably improved by Arab and Thoroughbred blood. The improved form meets with favor for polo playing, for use with children in saddle, and as a harness pony for cart, phaeton, or other light vehicle. There are but few Exmoor ponies in America. New Forest and Dartmoor ponies have been known for centu- ries in south England. Dartmocjr is an extensive tract of land in Cornwall, embracing about three hundred and twenty-five square miles. Here ponies have been bred and have run wild for many generations. The New Forest embraces about one hundred and forty-five square miles of fields and forest in south-central Eng- land, where ponies also have run wild for centuries. These ponies belong to the same class as the Exmoor, and have been more or less improved by Arab and Thoroughbred blood. A New Forest Pony Association has existed in England for some years. The Arab pony is simply an Arab under I4:|^ hands high, and is discussed elsewhere as a separate breed. Indian ponies, mustangs, or bronchos are descendants of the horses brought to America by the early Spanish conquerors. They often possess much beauty of form and high-class heads and limbs. They have remarkable endurance and are capable of the severest work under the saddle. They vary somewhat in type, those owned by northern Indians not being the equal in quality and conformation of those of the south. Those of the Apache Indians are said to greatly resemble Exmoor ponies. Indian ponies are of all colors, usually solid, though piebalds PONIES 149 occur. They tend to be ewe-necked, are often deficient in quar- ter, and hav^e a remarkable spirit, which is frequently far from amiable. Many of these ponies, with all their other good quali- ties, are most uncertain of temper and may prove very irritating when least expected. Curtis makes the mustang and Indian pony of different breeding, though they range the same in height Fig. 55. Dilham Prime Minister (5174). The most famous Hackney pony in America, noted as a prize winner and a sire. Imported and owned by Eben D. Jordan, Boston, Massachusetts. From photograph from Mr. Jordan (12 to 14 hands), weigh much the same (600 to 850 pounds), and have much the same color. The Indian pony is given as more blocky than the mustang, the cannons are wider and the pasterns more upright. Hackney ponies are Hackneys 14] or less hands high, with the general characteristics of the Hackney horse. CHAPTER XXII SHETLAND I'ONY The native home of the Shetland pony is on a group of rocky islands about 200 miles north of Scotland. These lie between 59° and 61° north latitude, slightly to the east of north, and comprise a total of about 1 20 islands, with a total area of some 500 square miles. Only about fifteen of these islands are inhab- ited. The principal island is Mainland on which is located Lerwick, the largest town and port with about 3700 inhabitants. Other important islands are Fetlar, Bressay, Fair Isle, Yell, and Unst. These islands are rough and barren as a rule, and are situated in a turbulent sea, under unfavorable climatic conditions, where a comparatively low temperature prevails for much of the year. No trees or brush of significance grow on the islands, and what land is cultivated lies in the valleys. On the islands the ponies are fed grass and hay, not often receiving any grain, and it is said that sometimes they are even obliged to eat seaweed on account of shortage of hay. The ancestry of the Shetland pony is of course uncertain. The drawings of the prehistoric horse in the caves of France show considerable resemblance to the Shetland type, and it is sup- posed that they are descendants of this prehistoric form. How long they have been bred on the islands is not a matter of record, but they have been bred there for centuries. In their early his- tory they are doubtless more or less related to the ponies of Iceland and Scandinavia, and perhaps Wales and Ireland. The type of the Shetland pony is really that of a small draft horse, although many are seen that are fine of bone and slender of body, more after the trotting-horse type. However, the ponies on some of the Shetland Islands are of a different type from those on others. In fact, it is claimed that a different type is found on each of the following islands : South Mainland, Unst, Fetlar, 150 SHETLAND PONY 151 Fair Isle, and Bressay. For example, on Fetlar, Lady Nicholson, a Scotch breeder, has used Arab pony stallions on Shetland mares, producing a pony of considerable refinement about 46 to 48 inches high. These are known in the trade as Fetlar or Lady Nicholson ponies. On Bressay, Iceland ponies have been crossed on Shetlands. Visitors to the islands have there seen work horses weighing from 120c to 1500 pounds, some of which have been bred to Shetland stallions. Characteristics of the Shetland pony. The JicigJit ranges from 36 to 44 inches in choice specimens, but with variations outside Fig. 56. A pony mare in winter coat on one of the Shetland Islands. Photograph from John Anderson & Sons, Lerwick, Shetland of this. Fli Elliott of Iowa, who has bred and imported many from the islands, says : "I never saw in any country what I believed to be a 'right Shetland ' that was as much as 46 inches high. As a rule they are 40 to 43, and some as small as 36 to 38 inches, and the smaller the better." The smallest pony ever seen by Mr. Elliott was 34 inches high, weighing under 200 pounds. Feeding and care, however, will affect the height and weight. On the prairies of the American corn belt the pony tends to increase in size from generation to generation. In the American 152 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE Shetland Pony Stitdbook quite a number of ponies ranging from 30 to 16 inches have been registered. The American Shet- land Pony Club in its standard gives twenty-five out of a hundred points to height. Ponies over four years old should be 42 inches and under, and two points are deducted for every inch over this up to 46, above which height they are disqualified. Catherine Sinclair, in SJietlatid and its Inhabitants, says that when well fed the ponies will reach the size of a donkey, and in contrast notes that a Mr. Hayes raised a perfectly formed pony only 20 inches high. As the Shetland is used to a considerable e.vtcnt in coal mines in England for hauling coal cars, a small pony is preferable to a large one. The weight of a good specimen of the breed may be about 350 pounds for one 40 inches high. The head of the Shetland should not be too fine, the eye should be prominent, the neck incline to be short and strong with some crest in stallions, the shoulders should be strong and drafty, the breast prominent and full, the body short in coup- ling, wide on the back, with considerable spring and depth of rib, the croup broad, fairly level, and wide, with the tail set high, the quarters full and strong, the legs short and of superior bone, though perhaps appearing heavy, and the feet round, dark, and of excellent bone. A long heavy coat of hair occurs on the body in cold weather, while at all times a long, heavy foretop, mane, and tail are characteristic. No breed of horses carries so much hair naturally as does the Shetland. If the pony is leggy and lacks in body, this will be due to Icelandic or other blood. Nar- row chests and cow hocks are far too common with specimens of the breed seen in America. The color \% quite variable, black, bay, and brown being common, but there arc gray, roan, and chest- nut, with combinations of white with all these colors. In fact piebald or spotted ponies are quite common. The improvement of the Shetland pony was begun in 1873 by the Marquis of Londonderry of England, who owns extensive coal mines. He purchased the island of Noss and part of Bressay, and maintained studs there and at Seaham Harbor on the northeast coast of England. The work of the Marquis of Londonderry resulted in greatly improving the uniformity of type and color, reducing size, but increasing bone without detriment to quality. SHETLAND PONY 153 The use of the Shetland in America is nearly exclusively for children, they not being generally regarded as beasts of burden. However, about Colum- bus, Ohio, where large numbers of these ponies are common, they are frequently seen in pony carts, phaetons, or small surreys, hauling two or four persons over the pavements with com- parative ease. Ponies for this heavier work aj^proximate forty-five inches or more in height. No breed equals the Shetland for chil- dren. The very univer- sal gentleness of these ponies makes them safe for small children to use with the greatest freedom in any way. Even when but two years old Shetlands may be used in a moder- ate way in the saddle by little children. Recently the demand for Shetlands has greatly increased. In 1905 the largest importation ever made to America occurred in the bringing over from England of 201 head. The price paid for Shet- land ponies is naturally variable, but ranges from S75 upward. Choice stal- lions have sold at from $500 to $1000 each. Mr. C. E. Bunn states in his catalogue that he refused $1500 for his champion stallion Chestnut 3572. The price is in some degree Fig. 57. (Jman yj). First-prize Shetland pony stallion at the Highland Show, Scotland, in 1896 and 1897, and at the Royal Show in 1897. Also won the President's Medal for being the best specimen of the breed at the Highland Show. Bred by the Marquis of Londonderry. Photograph by the author l'i(i. 58. ilicUa. A Shcllaiul pony mare with foal, owned by the Marquis of London- derry, England. Photograph by the author 154 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE affected by size, other things being equal, the smaller ones fetching the most money. Shetland ponies of special interest in America in recent years are Prince of Wales 1190, Chestnut 3572, Trinket loi, Trinket Jr. 1 187, and Bunn's Trinket 2598. From 1893 to 1901 Prince of Wales was the greatest show stallion of the breed in Amer- ica, while he also proved a great breeder, siring Chestnut 3572, also a great show and breeding horse. The Trinket family is spotted and numbers many fine specimens of the breed. Shetland pony organization in the United States is promoted by the American Shetland Pony Club, organized in 1888. Six studbooks had been published up to January, 1906, including the registration of 5700 animals. CHAPTER XXIII THE ASS The ancestry of the ass may be traced to the wild ass of Africa and Asia. The males are usually termed jacks and the females jennets. The following are the important species of the wild ass. TJic African wild ass {Eq?ius asinus). This species is found wild in Abyssinia, Nubia, and northeastern Africa between the Nile and the Red Sea. It is very similar to the domestic ass in color and markings, but has a distinct shoulder stripe extending from the withers to the arm of the fore leg. The Asiatic zvild ass {Eqiiiis hemionus). It occurs in Asia on extensive plains, from Syria through Persia, Afghanistan, the Punjab, and Tibet to the Chinese frontier. The general color is reddish gray, varying to fawn or pale chestnut. A dark brown stripe, sometimes with a white edge, extends along the spine from the back of the head to the tail. The ears was large, the tail is covered with short hair which increases in length to form a black brush, and the mane is erect. There are callosities on the fore legs but none on the hind. The height varies from 1 1 to 12 hands. This ass is remarkable for speed and endurance. The voice is a shrieking bray. From the wild ass various breeds of the domestic ass have descended, ranging in size from those no larger than a New- foundland dog to the size of a draft horse. There are several breeds of importance, from which we in America secure the jackass, or jack, for mating to mares, and these will be discussed after first briefly referring to the domestic type. The characteristics of the domestic ass include several features not possessed by the horse. The female is pregnant fully twelve months, the horse eleven. The fore legs have callosities (chest- nuts) while the hind legs have none. The ears are very large and long, the foretop and mane is usually very scanty, and the 155 156 THi': horsp:, ass, and mule tail has no long hair excepting at its lower part, which has a brush of hair. The body is often covered with long hair, in some cases showing remarkable length, while in other cases it is fairly short. The body is very compact, the quarters lacking deep muscling, while the legs are very strong of bone, often heavy of joint, with small, narrow feet. The ass makes a peculiar noise called a bray. The standard color in America is black, with a light creamy or mealy shade about the muzzle and along the belly. Gray occurs in this country, but does not meet with favor, and is not approved by the American Breeders' Associ- ation of Jacks and Jennets. The Andalusian jack is native to Andalusia in south- ern Spain, where it is an ancient breed. The color is gray, with rare cases of black. This breed has con- siderable size and stands 14^ to 1 51^ hands high. The bone is excellent and the breed possesses much sub- stance. Sessions refers to one 155 hands high having a girth of 67 inches with the bone below the knee measuring 85 inches around. The head and neck are said to be very good. This breed and color have never been popular in America, although well scattered over the countr)-. The Maltese jack comes from the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. This breed is either black or brown in color, and is of the smaller type, rarely exceeding 14^ hands. The head is of excellent form, with sharp, upright ears. The Maltese possesses much life and vigor, but is objected to on account of too fmc a bone and too much refinement, with not enough sub.stance. A larger type is in demand in the American trade, which restricts the importation of this breed. Fig. 59. Antar jr. 2\~. lii-i [ni/r two-year- old jack at the World's Columbian Expo- sition, Chicago, in 1893, '^'■''O first in class in 1897 at Illinois State Fair. Photograph by the author THE ASS 157 The Catalonian jack is a Spanish breed from Catalonia in extreme northeastern Spain, bordering on France. This is a black or brown breed with light points, black largely prevailing. The coat of hair tends to be thick and short. This breed stands from 14.1 to 15 and occasionally 16 hands high. From the stand- point of critics of this class of animals the Catalonian possesses Fig. 60. Dr. Ilartman. The leading prize-winning jack at the principal fairs in the blue grass region of Kentucky, and first in yearling class at Loui- siana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis, 1904. Owned by J- F. Cook & Co., Lexington, Kentucky. Photograph from owners unusual style, beauty, and action. The head shows considerable character, and the ears are rarely droopy. While the bone is not so large as the Andalusian or Poitou, it is very superior in te.xture and free of fiesh, so that it is not objectionable. The Catalonian is also a wiry, tough type that matures early. This breed has been largely used as foundation stock for j^roduc- ing mules in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri, where it is 158 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE yet in great favor. H. W. Session states that the produce of these jacks from 16 to 17 hands high, as seen in Missouri, Kansas, and the eastern United States, have much weight and substance and make the best mules in the world. They are quick, active, and good sellers, and mature early. The Majorca jack is a breed of more recent introduction to America from Majorca, one of the Balearic islands in the Medi- terranean Sea off the coast of Spain. This is a large sort of drafty type with heavy bone, averaging i 5 h hands high, standing per- haps a hand higher than the Catalonian. The head and ears are said to be conspicuously large, the latter being longer than those of any other breed and poorly carried. There is a lack of style and action with the Majorca, the tendency being to sluggishness. The breed has not attained popularity in America, and but few have been brought here. It has, however, met with considerable favor in Spain for producing artillery mules, and many of the jacks have been exported to South America. In its native home it has long been bred with much purity. The Poitou jack is a native of France, where for many centu- ries he has been bred, especially in the province of Poitou, border- ing on the Bay of Biscay. Here, in the departments of Vendee and Deux-Sevres, the Poitou ass is bred in his greatest perfection. This is the most powerful of the several breeds of asses. In general, they may be described as having an unusually big head, with large, long ears ; small mouth and nostrils ; thick, short neck; broad chest ; good-sized, long body; quarters rather spare; fore arm long but not thick, but knees and joints large ; hocks as big as those of a heavy draft horse ; bone large, many meas- uring nine inches around below the knee, but legs very short and superior ; feet large. The prevailing color is black with light points. Grays occur occasionally, but are not regarded with favor and are not eligible to registry in the French jack studbook. Much is said about the hairy development of the Poitou jack. He is covered with a profuse growth of long, silky hair, which adorns the ears, neck, and legs. The tail, which is rather short, is quite devoid of hair excepting at its lower part. In his native home, when in service, the Poitou jack is said to be a very unat- tractive beast, for he is never groomed or trimmed. In Poitou THE ASS 159 these jacks are bred to a very large, drafty, powerful type of mare, native to that region, from which are produced big mules of the most valuable kind. As yet jacks of this breed have not been brought to America to much of an extent, but they are generally regarded with favor wherever introduced. The desirable height for a jack depends upon the use. If to be mated to a mare, about 15 hands meets approval, while if for jennet service, a larger type is sought, ranging nearer 16 hands. In an examination of heights of jacks in the American jack studbook 100 individ- uals averaged 15.2 hands high, practically 15] hands. Of the first 100 registered whose height was given the lowest was 14 and the high- est 1 61 hands, but nine per cent coming within the 16- hands measure. Twenty- five Catalonian jacks had an average height of 15, and seven Majorca 15.2 hands. Fifty jennets showed an average height of 14.48 or I4i hands. Tegetmeier and Sutherland give the height of the Poitou jack as 13^ to 15, and of the jennets as 13 to 14 hands. In 1877 Richardson described the Poitou ass as standing from 132 to I4t hands, while Sessions says they rarely exceed 14^ hands. The large jack of 16 hands or more is not desired, for he frequently breeds a leggy mule that does not weigh as well as those sired by a shorter-legged type of jack. The rules of the American Breeders' Association of Jacks and Jennets on the sub- ject of height are as follows : 2. Up to January i, 1892, all jacks 141 and all jennets 14 hands high, standard measure, shall be eligible to registration, if black with light points. 3. After January i, 1892, jacks and jennets of unrecorded sire or dam shall be eligible to registration only when black with light points, and of the following height, standard measure : Fig. 61. Lisa and foal. The first-prize Poitou jennet at Nantes, France, 1901. Notice the long, rough coat of hair. Photograph from James B. McLaughlin l6o THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE Imported jacks and jennets, the produce of unrecorded sire or dam, 15 hands. Native jacks, the produce of unrecorded sire or dam, 15.1 hands. The introduction of the ass to America is said to date back to colonial times, when, soon after the Revolutionary War, the King of Spain sent as a gift to General George Washington, a Span- ish jack and jennet. In Washington's time some early interest was shown in breeding mules, as a result of this gift. Henry Clay is said to have imported some very fine Spanish jacks to Kentucky. From the Clay stock Kentucky obtained the start which has resulted in such fame for that state in mule breeding. One of the first imported jacks taken to Tennessee was imported about 1840, and was taken to Maury County by a Mr. Thomas. About 1867 or 1868 Messrs. A. C. F'ranklin and Tul Craig of Sumner County, Tennessee, imported some Catalonian jacks. About 1882 Mr. Lyle of Kentucky imported some Andalusians from near Seville, and the same year Leonard Brothers of Missouri made a similar importation. Many importations from Spain, France, and the Balearic and Malta islands have been brought to America since 1884. High prices for jacks prevail to an extent not generally sup- posed. In France the Poitou ass brings a large figure, common ones selling close up to $1000 and the better class from $1500 to $2000. At a recent Paris exposition one is reported selling at $3200. Paragon 63, imported from Catalonia in 1886, was sold for $2000. This same year an importation of Catalonian jacks was made to Tennessee, from which Jumbo sold for $2000, Peacock for $1500, Boyd's Monarch for $1500, and the Douglas jack for $1 150. P"rom another importation the jack King James sold for $2000. The American Breeders' Association of Jacks and Jennets was organized as a stock company at Springfield, Illinois, in 188S. Five volumes of stud books have been issued to 1906. The headciuarters of the association are in Tennessee. In France an association for registering jacks and jennets also exists. CHAPTER XXIV THE MULE The mule is not a true breed, as ordinarily considered, but is a hybrid. Its imj^ortance is so great, however, in certain sections of America that it is worthy of consideration as an important draft animal. The mule is a hybrid, having for sire a jackass, commonly termed a jack, and a mare for dam. If, however, a stallion be bred to a female ass, the result is a h}'brid, known as a hinny. This last union produces an offspring inferior to the mule in size, and in those qualities desired in a draft animal. The mule is sterile and will not breed, although several cases are on record of mare mules getting in foal and producing to a stallion. The mule in history has been known many centuries. No doubt it has been used more or less in Europe since the days before Christ. In the days of ancient Rome and Greece mules served various purposes. Varro, who wrote in the first century B.C., refers to mules in Roman agriculture, as does also Columella, The geographical distribution of the mule is widespread. He is especially bred in great perfection in Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, and certain sections of the United States and South America. Great Britain has never looked with favor on the mule. Sessions has recently written in The Live Stock Journal : The mule line extends north from the equator, and includes Africa and Europe up to 45 degrees of latitude and Asia and North America as far as the 35 degrees. On the south side of the equator we can include most of Africa, the northern half of Australia, and South America as far south as the 35 degrees. Within this vast radius hundreds of thousands of mules are bred each year. Many of the mules are big, heavy animals, -.vith great power and bone and stand 16 and 17 hands high. Mule raising in the United States began in colonial times. About 1787 George Washington was presented by the King of 161 l62 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE Spain with a jack, which was used in stud at Mount Vernon and sired mules that sold for upwards of ^200 each. The value of the mule as a draft animal was soon recognized by intelligent Southerners. Henry Clay in 1832 imported a jack from Spain to Kentucky for use on mares, and others followed his example. To-day, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, and Texas are the most important producers of mules, Missouri leading, with St. Louis the most prominent mule market in the world. The characteristics of the mule partake of both sire and dam. There is the long ear, slender body, tufted or slightly haired tail, and small, slender foot, and braying voice of the ass. These features seem to attach a peculiar char- acter to this non-breeding farm animal. Mules vary greatly in size and quality, naturally due to their parentage. Other things being equal, a large mule brings a higher price in the market than does a small one. Mules are sorted and classed for various pur- poses. The larger, heavier mules are used in city drayage and heavy draft work, or in lum- ber camps. A medium size is used on farms and in military serv- ice, while the smaller grades find places in mines and elsewhere. The market classification of mules usually includes five groups, which are as follows. I. Plantation Jiiulcs. These are of two classes, viz. sugar mules and cotton mules. In general, plantation mules represent the larger, heavier, better type. In the Chicago market a sugar mule stands from 16 to 16^ hands high and weighs from 1 100 to 1400 pounds. On the Kansas City market the height is given at i 5 to 16 hands. Sugar mules are by some placed in the highest class as regards quality and value. They must be smooth of finish, show refinement of head and neck, and have superior !>.. 1)J, .VII 111K1>L1J1I\ LIIOILU pun Ul .snow mules of Plantation or Sugar class, first-prize winners at Illinois State Fair, 1897. Photo- graph by the author THE MULE 163 bone. Sugar mules bring the highest prices. Cotton mules on the Chicago market range from 14 to 15^ hands high and weigh from 900 to 1000 pounds. John Grant of the Kansas City yards is credited with stating that they range from 13 to 16 hands and that they are at the best age when from four to seven years old. In the Southwest cotton mules are very common. They arc not of so uniformly high quality as sugar mules, but must be smooth in finish. In bone they range from light to medium. 2. Lit))ibcr mules stand from i5i to 17 hands high and are the largest, heaviest-boned, and most rugged sort. Capacity for hard work is regarded as more important than quality, and weight is essential in its application to hard pulling of logs. Very high prices are paid for lumber mule.s. 3. Railroad vinlcs range from 15^^ to \6\ hands, and weigh from 1200 to 1500 pounds, as graded on the Chicago market. They must be of excellent quality and weigh somewhat less than lumber mules. They are used in grading and general hauling in railroad construction. 4. Mine mules — of two kinds, known as pitters and surface mules — vary from 11 to 15^ hands high, and must be chunky and hardy, with heavy bone. Prices vary according to height, quality, and weight. In commenting on this class, Mr. John Grant further says : The miners are the liardest cla.s.s to supply. They must be either dark bay or black in color. White and sorrel mules are never used. When the mines have long shafts, as in the Pennsylvania coal regions especially, they say a white mule resembles a ghost and frightens the other mules beyond control. The pitters must be long in body, heavy-boned, and have good weiglit. They range from 12 to 15^ hands and bring from $135 to $200, while for any other trade they would bring $50 less. Surface mules are used on the long hauls on top of ground. They are heavy but taller, and have not such large bones. 5. Levee mules are about the same as railroad mules, though of somewhat better quality. They are used near steamboats and docks for heavy work, especially in the South. They must be of a rugged sort, perfectly sound, and capable of hard work. The above classes vary somewhat in detail, according to the local markets, — St. Louis, Chicago, Kansas City, Louisville, or 1 64 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE New Orleans, — each having more or less variation from any proposed general classification. The best type of mule must show the general excellent con- formation of the horse in symmetry of form. The body tends to be more cylindrical and smaller than in the horse, but a capacious body is desirable rather than otherwise, though paunchiness is objectionable. The nearer the general body conformation ap- proaches that of the superior draft horse, the more completely will the mule suit the demands of the critical trade. In the show ring those mules which meet with greatest favor possess the horse form in greatest degree. Legs of superior quality are fine and hard, the bone very smooth and dense, the tendons prominent, and the muscles well developed. The feet of the mule are smaller and longer than those of the horse, and the arch of the f(^ot is greater. In general, the mule is distinguished for superior feet and legs. The temperament of the mule is quiet and patient, while for steadiness under the collar and hard pulling he has no equal in the equine world. However, the mule should show an active temperament, with sprightly carriage and style. It has been com- mon to regard the mule as given to kicking, but this is not based on fact, for mules arc no worse than horses in this respect. Horses are more nervous and uncertain in temi^erament than mules, and are more subject to fright and consequent runaway. The color of the mule is variable, though brown and bay are the most common colors. Besides these, various shades of gray, white, black, sorrel or chestnut, and buckskin-yellow occur more or less. The endurance of the mule is remarkable. It is worked under the severest conditions, and shows great power of resistance to fatigue. Tegetmeier quotes from a Texas correspondent: Six mules, the leaders no larger than ponies, will take 6000 to 7000 pounds anywhere, making fifteen to thirty miles a day according to the state of the roads, and I have known a team in summer driven fifty miles, with 1000 pounds a head of load, to reach water, and not appear to suffer. Mules usually live to a greater age than horses, and perform their work with regularity and on less feed, a most important point in THE MULE 165 their favor. Cases are recorded of mules living to seventy years of age, and Mr. J. L. Jones refers to one in Tennessee that at thirty years of age was doing effective service attached to a reaper. The resistance of the mule to disease has been a frequent sub- ject of discussion. It is commonly claimed that the mule is not so generally subject to disease as the horse. Pomeroy in an essay on the mule credits this animal with freedom from any kind of disorder or complaint. In an investigation of "blind staggers" among horses in Virginia and North Carolina, conducted under the direction of United States Secretary of Agriculture Coleman, mules were found quite exempt from this disease, although they are credited with other maladies. In regions in the lower Missis- sippi Valley infested with buffalo gnats. Professor F. M. Webster reports the mule as the animal most subject to fatality from attacks of this insect. Southern-bred mules, however, are far less susceptible to the bites of the gnats than those imported from more northern localities. While the mule is not so subject to leg and foot diseases as is the horse, cases of spavin, ringbone, sidebone, and other troubles do occur. Corns are rarely found on the feet of the mule. Even when affected with foot or leg disease, this animal, as a rule, without doubt, is less disabled from work than is the horse. The resistance of the mule to dis- ease, its activity, sureness of foot, docility, and easiness of keep, have resulted in its finding much favor in the army service. The mule as a carriage or saddle animal is important in certain sections. In the Southern states he is thus used very commonly by negroes and the poorer classes of whites. In the central West, in states bordering the Ohio river, one occasionally sees gentle- men driving mules, either singly or in pairs, in harness, attached to carriages, the animals trotting with commendable speed. The Poitou mule is a famous French mule, the result of using the Poitou ass on a large type of French mares. There are two types of these mules bred in the Poitou region, a large and a small, but the larger type is in greater demand. The finest and largest cart mares are used for this production, the P'rench farmers making a business of producing this grade of mule. Besides size, Poitou mules are celebrated for the shortness and stoutness of 1 66 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE their legs, with their superior bone and unusually large and finely formed feet. The sex of the mule has a bearing on its salability. Mare mules are preferred by buyers, feeders, and dealers generally, and sell more easily than horse mules. The females assume a matured form at an earlier age, and fatten best for the market. The horse or male mules have a more angular and leggy form, and cannot be fattened so early as the mares. One dealer in mules tells the author that horse mules in pasture with other stock will worry them, when the mares would not. The sexual organs of the mule are supposed to be incomplete, but several cases are on record where marc mules have become impregnated and produced young. Such cases, however, are remarkable and are not accepted as authentic by most scientists. The prices paid for mules vary, naturally, with the quality and character of the animals offered. However, the average farm price for mules is greater than for horses. On January i, 1905, the average farm price for horses in the United States was $yo.T,y, while for mules it was $87.18. In those markets where mules are important, very high prices rule, and a pair of heavy, matched mules of superior quality and conformation sell easily for $500 and upwards. The Poitou mule in France, rated the best in Europe, sells at $200 to $300 a head, and sometimes fetches $400. Large numbers of mules change hands at from $100 to $150 per head. In 1905 T/ie National Stockman and Farmer noted the sale in Kentucky of one pair weighing 3100 pounds at $5 50 and of another pair of 2600 pounds weight at $450. REFERENCE BOOKS 167 A FEW REFERENCE BOOKS ON THE HORSE Those marked with a * are especially recommended. *E. L. Anderson and Price Collier, Riding and Driving. New York, 1905. •Robert Black, Horse Racing in France. London, 1886. *\V. C. A. Blew and others. Light Horses: Breeds and Management, London 1S94. ♦Hamilton Busby, The Trotting and Pacing Horse in America. New York, 1904. Louis Henry Curzon, A Mirror of the Turf. London, 1892. Rich.\rd D.\rvill, a Treatise on the Care, Treatment and Training of the English Race Horse. 2 vols. London, 1846. E. Daumas, The Horses of the Sahara. London, 1863. Wu.ijAM Day, The Horse. London, 1890. William Day, The Race Horse in Training. London, 1892. John Dimon, American Horses and Horse Breeding. Hartford, 1895. William S. Dixon (The Druid), Post and Paddock. London, 1856. William S. Dixon (The Druid), Silk and Scarlet. London, 1859. *TiiEODORE A. Dodge, The Riders of Many Lands. New York, 1894. ♦Charles Du Huys, The Percheron Horse. New York, 1868. William Henry Flower, The Horse. London, 1891. *SiR Walter Gilbey, Ponies Past and Present. London, 1900. *SiR Walter Gilbey, Riding and Driving Horses. London, 1901. ♦Sir Walter Gilbey, The Great Horse: The Shire. London, 1S99. ♦Sir Walter Gilbey, The Harness Horse. London, 1898. ♦Sir Walter Gilbey, The Old English W' ar Horse. London, 1888. ♦M. Horace Hayes, Points of the Horse. London, 1897. ♦Heavy Horses : Breeds and Management. London, 1895. ♦H. T. Helm, American Roadsters and Trotting Horses. Chicago, 1S78. ♦H. W. Herbert, Frank Forester's Horse and Horsemanship of the United States. 2 vols. New York, 1871. ♦J. P. Hore, The History of Newmarket. 3 vols. London, 1886. F. H. Huth, Works on Horses and Equitation : A Bibliographical Record of Hippology. London, 1887. ♦D. C. Linsley, Morgan Horses. New York, 1857. ♦C. Bruce Lowe, Breeding Race Horses by the Figure System. New York, 189S. ♦Charles Marvin, Training the Trotting Horse. New York, 1892. Pierre Megnin, Le Cheval et ses Races. Vincennes, 1895. ♦H. C. Merwin, Road, Track and Stable. Boston, 1S93. Joseph Osborne, The Horse Breeders' Handbook. London, N.D. 1 68 THK HORSE, ASS, AND MULE J. H. Reeves, The Orange County Stud IJook. New \'ork, iSSo. *\Vii,LiAM RiDGEWAY, Origin and Influence of the Thoroughbred Horse. Cam- bridge, 1905. Isaac Phillips Roheuts, The Horse. New York, 1905. J. H. S.\NDERS, Horse Breeding. Chicago, 1893. *S. Sidney, The Book of the Horse. London and New York, N.D. C. H. Smith, Horses: The Equidae or Genus Equus. Naturalists' Library, Vol. XH. Edinburgh, 1841. John Gilmer Speed, The Horse in America. New York, IQ05. John Splan, Life with the Trotters. Chicago, 18S9. *CuARLES Trevathan, The American Thoroughbred. New York, 1905. J. H. Walsh (Stonehenge), The Horse in the Stable and the F"ield. London, 1871. James C. White, The History of the British Turf. 2 vols. London, 1840. *HiRAM Woodruff, The Trotting Horse of America. Philadelphia, 1868. * William Youatt, The Horse. London, 1S46, and Philadelphia, 1848. The Ass and Mtle *Harvey Riley, The Mule. New York, 1867. *W. B. Teoetmeikr and C. L. Sutherland, Horses, Asses, Zebras, Mules and Mule Breeding. London, 1895. • PART II — CATTLE CHAPTER XXV BEEF TYPE OF CATTLE The general appearance of the beef animal, when of correct type, shows a distinctly meat-producing form. The animal is com- pact and broad of back from shoulder points to hips ; has a wide, deep body ; short and somewhat thick neck ; wide, deep, full bosom; rather broad, thick, fleshy hind quarters ; and a generally deep, wide body. Viewed from one side the top and bottom lines of body run rather parallel, with the back quite level. From front or rear the outline should be rather full and broad. Cattle of this type are commonly referred to as "blocky," indicating com- pactness and squareness of form. If the body is inclined to be long it may be termed "rangy," while animals long of leg, show- ing too little depth and fullness of body, may be termed "leggy." The Jiead should have a broad, strong muzzle, indicating superior grazing and feeding capacity. The nostrils, when some- what prominent and large, with a wide nose, show ample nasal capacity to supply the lungs with air. A Roman nose sometimes occurs with cattle, but it is neither attractive nor desirable. The distance from the muzzle to a point immediately between the eyes is preferably short, with some curve, or "dish," as it is termed, just below the eyes, which should be wide apart, large, and indi- cate a gentle temperament. A quiet eye means an easy feeder, while a nervous, restless eye shows an animal unsatisfactory to handle and care for. The forcJicad, as indicating mental capac- ity, should be broad and reasonably full. The face and cheeks in a superior head arc full and deep, connected with a rather broad, strong lower jaw. If of the horned type, the honis should 169 1 70 CA'ITLE not be coarse at the head, but should show plenty of fine texture and quality, and be graceful and of harmonious proportions. An abundance of rather long hair should crown the poll, or top of the head. It is most desirable that the car should be neatly attached to the head, without coarseness, and that it should be of superior quality, and neatly pointed and covered with silky hair, with long hair at edges and tips. The neck of the beef animal tends to be short, thick, and mus- cular, of medium depth, and should be neatly attached to the head and smoothly blended with the shoulders. The bull at maturity shows a neck of more length, with heavier muscles, some arch, and a heavy coat of hair. The female will have a shorter, lighter neck, with less thickness and less depth. The steer should have a shorter, thicker, fuller, smoother fleshed neck than the cow. When in perfect pose, with head up, the top line of the neck should be but slightly raised above the height of the withers. The sJiouIdcrs should extend well into the back, lying smoothly covered with flesh, blending neatly with the body. A high type of shoulder is uniformly covered with flesh from shoulder point to top of withers. Rough, angular shoulders, unevenly covered, are among the most common defects of cattle. A prominent shoulder also emphasizes the development behind it. The breast and cJiest are most important. The former should be carried well forward and be broad and full in the bosom. As one stands and views a beef bull in show form a great breadth of breast and strength of brisket meets the eye. Sometimes the breast and chest have great depth, and the brisket comes within fifteen inches of the level of the foot. Viewed from one side it may curve forward like the prow of a ship. With the cow con- siderable bosom may show, but not in so great a degree, and with less breadth and more feminine outline. The cJicst, which lies between the shoulders and just back of them, should be full at the crops, showing much spring of rib, and also well filled out in the front flanks. The most beautiful front on the beef animal, no matter whether bull, cow, or steer, is a smoothly laid, well- fleshed shoulder, with a strong arch of rib behind, leaving little or no depression. Much depression behind the shoulders, or a narrow, contracted lower chest, indicates lack of constitution. b?:ef type of cattle 171 The front le^s should have a wide muscular attachment of arm at the shoulder, with plenty of room from armpit to armpit below the chest. Short, well-placed legs, coming straight down, viewed from front or side, are essential. The toes should point straight forward, this indicating a proper position. Closeness of knees indicates a narrow chest. Fine bone and smooth joints point to superior quality. The front shank bone of a mature animal of the beef class should show refinement at its narrowest point. Fig. 63. The Hereford bull March On VI and the heifer JJuuquLt. These show beef form in a pronounced degree, especially as viewed in front. Photograph from the A'ational Stockman and Farinej- The back of beef cattle carries an immense weight, supported at fore and hind quarters. It should thus be very strong and level to sustain this burden. As the highest-priced meats on the carcass are found on the back, it is important that the ribs be well arched, that a broad back be provided, to carry as much meat as possible, thus adding to the value of the animal. Great width is desirable from the point of the shoulders to the hips, and as viewed from front or rear along the back there should be much breadth, covered uniformly with mellow flesh. Dimples 172 CATTLE or tucks in the back, rough spots, and uneven patches of fat detract from the value of this pa^t. The ribs should not only be well sprung but be long and carried down to help make a capacious body. This goes with the strong feeder, and is also most essential with the breeding female. With bulls and steers a very close coupling between the hips and last ribs, or all the ribs in fact, is desired, but with cows for breeding purposes some greater length is approved of. The depth at front and hind flank, with a thick, full feel at the latter, are associated with superior form. The Jiips should be well placed, snugly laid, and with steers well covered with flesh. A wide hip in the bull is undesirable, for such a feature may be transmitted and be a source of dan- ger to the cow on birth of wide-hipped offspring. A greater width and more prominence of hip is allowable among the cows, although too frequently one sees the hip too prominent. The rump of a beef animal, no matter what the kind, should be long from hip to point of body, be of great width, and com- paratively level. This not only promotes a maximum of flesh production, but it givee a more beautiful form and offers a con- formation better suited to the breeding female thandoes any other. A droopy, peaked rump is a defective conformation, obstructs easy calving, may reduce flesh capacity, and certainly detracts from beauty of form. With beef cattle the rumps are sometimes rough about the tail head or at the ends of the rump on each side of the tail. Smoothness and fullness here indicate better fleshing qualities. The hind quarter, viewed from behind, should be quite thick, coming down perpendicularly on the outside to where the thigh naturally narrows. On the inside a thick, broad edge, with much depth from tail head to a full, well-turned twist should be appar- ent. From one side the hind cjuarter will appear long and broad, with considerable depth of flesh to the rear. The whole will appear thick, and smoothly covered with flesh. The Jiocks and legs indicate the capacity for fleshing at the hind end. If the hocks are strong, muscular, clean, and well placed, with no special tendency to come together, they will be generally associated with thicker-fleshed quarters than otherwise. BEEF TYPE OF CA'ITLE 173 The hocks should stand squarely under the animal, so that a plumb line dropped from the pin bones will bisect them and the shank bone of the leg below. Crooked hocks are bad, showing weak conformation and ugly form. When the hocks tend to come together at the points — a very common thing — the toes point out. Only very rarely do the toes point in. The necessity for a graceful and straight position of the hind leg, smooth- ness of joint, shortness of leg, and fineness of bone is apparent. Fig. 64. The grade Shorthorn steer Flashlight, shown at the 1904 Inter- national Live Stock Exposition by Purdue University. Winner of first honors in grade and crossbred classes. This picture shows a fine example of beef form as viewed from one side. Photograph from Professor J. H. Skinner The udder of the beef cow is too frequently ignored. It should be of good size and shape, extending well up behind and in front along under the body, with four well-placed teats. Every beef cow should be able to furnish ample milk for her calf for the first eight months of lactation. It is not creditable to a beef cow to have an ill-shaped udder or to produce but little milk. The quality of the beef animal is shown in bone, skin, hair, ears, and horn. A coarse bone, with large rough joints, long legs, and heavy horns, indicates lack of quality. If the ears are large and 1 74 CATTLE coarse, with heavy attachment, there is also lack of quality. The most signal indication of quality is in the hide, which should always be mellow and pliable, and in the hair, which should be silky and fine. In winter there are thick, fine hairs lying in great profusion next to the skin, with longer ones projecting beyond, thus providing great protection from rough weather. As one views an animal with very distinct evidence of quality in the skin, there will be a glisten and finish to the coat and a roll to the hide which only goes with good quality. Taken in the hands, along over the ribs, the skin seems mellow and pliable to the touch, being easily grasped and stretched. A very thin hide is undesirable, the better sort having a moderate thickness, exceeding that of a dairy animal. The fleshing of beef cattle is very important. There should be uniformity of flesh all over the body, even though it be not a fattened animal. On highly fed ones, especially steers, the flesh should increase in thickness, but not lose its uniform distribu- tion over the frame. The palm of the hand pressed along the back, shoulder, or side should find no evidence of irregular covering, with bare spots in one place and heavy fleshing near by. Such fleshing indicates an undesirable type for feeding and killino:. CHAPTER XXVI THE SHORTHORN The original home of the Shorthorn breed of cattle is in north- eastern l^^ngland, in the counties of York, Durham, and North- umberland. The North Sea borders this section on the east, with the Cheviot Hills of Scotland the boundary on the north. Winding its way through a beautiful grazing country, the river Tees forms the dividing line between Durham on the north and York, the largest county in England, on the south. Here in the valley of the Tees the Shorthorn received its early development and improvement, from which it spread out over the rest of Great Britain and the civilized world. This valley country has beautiful long stretches of rolling grass lands and fields of grain and roots, but farther north in Northumberland and south in York the land becomes rougher and more hilly. The origin of the Shorthorn is naturally veiled in obscurity. No doubt the early invaders of England — the Romans, Normans, and others — brought over cattle which crossed with the native English stock. It has been assumed that even prior to 1600 cattle of Shorthorn type were bred on the estates of the earls and dukes of Northumberland in Yorkshire.^ Black, horned cattle prevailed more or less in Yorkshire, while farther south, in Lin- coln and vicinity, white, red, and other colors prevailed. Early in the eighteenth century the Teeswater cattle represented one popular type, while in southeastern Yorkshire another sort, known as the Holderness, was developed. About the middle of this same century Michael Dobinson and Sir William St. Quin- tin brought over bulls from Holland, and used these in their herds, owned in Durham and Yorkshire respectively. In 1789 George Culley wrote : 1 The word "shire" in Great Britain signifies county, and is often used as a part of the county name, as " Yorkshire," for example. 175 1 76 CATTLE I remember a gentleman of the county of Durham (a Mr. Michael Dobinson), who went in the early part of his life into Holland, in order to buy bulls ; and those he brought over, I have been told, did much service in improving the breed ; and this Mr. Dobinson, and neighbors even in my day, were noted for having the best breeds of Shorthorned cattle. Following these importations of Dobinson and St. Ouintin, came others of more inferior stock, such as really injured the beef cattle of the country. By Culley's time, however, much of this evil effect, he writes, was overcome. Other improvers of the early Shorthorn were Sir James Pennyman, the Aislabies of Studley Royal, the Blacketts of Newby, Millbank of Barning- ham, James Brown, Stephenson, Wetherell, Maynard, Snowdon, Waistell, and Richard and William Barker. The more distinguished improvers of the Shorthorn rcall\' date from about 1780, and include Charles and Robert Colling, Thomas Bates, Thomas Booth and his sons John and Richard, and Amos Cruickshank. There were many other prominent and P'lo. 65. Ketton Hall, the home of Charles Colling, near Darlington, England. Photograph by the author successful breeders, but these men distinguished themselves as epoch makers, about whose careers clusters much of the best in Shorthorn history. The Colling brothers. These were Charles and Robert. Charles was born in 1750 and lived at Ketton, just north of Darlington THE SHORTHORN 1 77 in Durham, while Robert, born in 1749, lived at Barmpton, not far from Charles. They sought to make better feeders, have their cattle mature early, dress out with less offal, and have more con- stitution than the old sort. They gathered about them two very famous herds, which had a great influence in uplifting the breed. Fig. 66. A rear view of the house and part of the stable at Kirklevingtoii, near Yarm, England, the residence of Thomas Bates. Photograph by the author The herd of Charles, comprising 47 animals, was sold at auction in 18 10 for an average of about $750 a head. The herd of Robert was sold in two parts, 61 animals in 18 18 averaging about $650, and 46 animals in 1820 averaging about ^250 each. So great a work did the Colling brothers do that they have often been referred to as the founders of the Shorthorn breed. Robert died a bachelor, in 1820, and Charles died in 1836, leaving a widow but no children. The Colling brothers founded the Phoenix, Wildair, Princess, Red Rose, Bright Eyes, Daisy, and some other tribes. Thomas Bates was born in Northumberland in 1775 and died at his Kirklcvington estate, near Yarm, in Yorkshire, in 1849. He early became acquainted with the prominent breeders of his time, notably the Colling brothers, and began the systematic development of a class of cattle having superior dairy as well as beef qualities. He was a very careful investigator, keeping de- tailed records of the relationship of food consumed to beef and milk production. His cattle had much quality, were rather large for the breed, possessed great dairy capacity, but were somewhat 178 CAT11.E criticised for lack of constitution and breeding capacity. He de- veloped the Duchess, Oxford, Waterloo, Cambridge Rose, Wild Eyes, Foggathorpe, and other tribes. Bates died a bachelor, and with his death in 1850 came the dispersal of his herd of 68 animals at an average price of about ^335 per head. The Booth family became prominent in Shorthorn history with the establishment of a herd by Thomas Booth, at Killerby in north Yorkshire, prior to 1790. His herd was established with good Teeswater cattle and animals purchased from the Colling Fi(.. 117. )rnei- ot the stable at Killerby, the home of Thomas Booth in Yorkshire. Photograph by the author brothers. He also owned an estate named " Warlaby," on which he lived during the latter years of his life. Thomas had two sons, John and Richard, who took up the work where the father left off. John lived at Killerby and died in 1857, aged seventy years, while Richard lived at Studley adjoining Killerby, and later at Warlaby, where he died in 1864, aged seventy-six. These two men had a very great influence on Shorthorn history, and really developed the breed along lines adopted by the Colling brothers. The herd of John Booth was sold at auction in 1852, while that of Richard was inherited by his nephew, Thomas C. Booth, who died THE SHORTHORN 179 in 1878. A son of the latter, in the prime of life, now maintains the Booth reputation by breeding Shorthorns at Warlaby. Thus Shorthorns have been bred by the Booth family, along systematic lines, for over a century. The beef type was emphasized, easy- feeding, thick-fleshed animals with plenty of quality and strong heart girth being sought. Booth cattle were rougher and more robust appearing than Bates cattle and met with much favor. In Ireland in particular they have a strong hold. Important among the Booth tribes are the Anna, Isabella, Medora, Halnaby or White Strawberry, Bracelet, Moss Rose, Mantalini, Blossom or Fairholme, and Cherry Blossom. Amos Cruickshank was born in Aberdeen, in northeastern Scotland, in 1808, and died in 1895 at Sittyton, Aberdeen. In partnership with his brother Anthony, who was a merchant in the city of Aberdeen, Amos in 1837 took possession of a somewhat rolling farm, where roots, the small grains, and grass were produced. Here he began to select and buy Short- h o rn s from various sources, choosing animals that possessed plenty of vigor and rapid flesh- producing qualities. Gradually he developed a type of Short- horn known as Scotch, which is essentially broad and thick of back, deep and compact of body, short of leg, heavy in flesh- producing quality, and early maturing, — an easy-keeping sort of much vigor and superior killing quality. Cruickshank met with much success, and to-day Scotch cattle, tracing back in an impor- tant degree to his breeding, are meeting with great favor all over the world. Among the important tribes established by him are the Violet, Venus, Mimulus, Picotee, Broadhooks, Lady, Non- pareil, Orange Blossom, Brawith Bud, Lancaster, Victoria, Secret, Lavender, Spicy, and Lovely. Fic;. 68. The farmhouse of William Duthie at CoUynie, Tarves, Scotland. Photograph by the author 1 So CATTLE Other important Shorthorn breeders who assisted in establish- ing the breed were Christopher Mason of Chihon ; Jonas Whit- taker of Otley near Leeds; Wethercll of Aldborough ; Sir Charles Knightley of Fawsley Park, Daventry, and WilHam Torr of Riby and Aylesby, all of England ; these men, and more recently J. Deane Willis of Hapten Manor, Codford, had an important influ- ence during the past century. In Scotland, besides Cruickshank, Robertson of Ladykirk, the first Scotch breeder of Shorthorns ; John Rennie of Phantassie, Haddington ; Captain Barclay of Ury, Stonehaven ; John Hutcheson of Monyruy, Peterhead ; Grant Duff of Eden, Aberdeen ; William Hay of Shethin, Tarves ; Sylvester Campbell of Kinellar ; W. S. Marr of Uppermill ; and William Duthie of Collynie, Tarves, materially added to the fame of the Shorthorn breed. Individual foundation Shorthorns of interest date back early into the eighteenth century. In the establishment of the many families or tribes of Shorthorns during much over a century it is but natural that very many animals of great merit and influ- ence on the breed should have existed. Only a few of these can be referred to here, and these of very early days. The Studley Bull (626), dropped in 1737, is known as one of the very first important Shorthorn breeding bulls. James Brown's Red Bull (97), a descendant of the Studley Bull, met with much success as a breeder of foundation stock. The bull Hubback (319) is regarded by some as the founder of the Shorthorn breed. He was calved in 1777 and was a yellowish red with some white. He was sired by Snowdon's Bull (612) and was a direct descend- ant of the Studley Bull (626). His dam was a cow of Stephen- son's breeding of an old tribe. Hubback was owned by various persons, but his fame is chiefly due to his services when owned by Robert Colling and later by Charles, who paid about $40 for him. Charles Colling used him two vears and then sold him in 1785 to a Mr. Hubback in Northumberland, from whom he got his name. Hubback sired some very fine heifers at Ketton, one of which, Haughton, bred to Richard Barker's Bull (52), produced the bull calf Foljambe (263) which became a great breeder. A son of his, Bolingbroke (86), and a daughter. Phoenix, mated, produced the bull l^^ivorite (262), one of the most famous JHK SHORTHORN i8i Shorthorn bulls of early history. Favorite was dropped in 1793 and died in 1809. He was mated to his nearest relations in the herd by Charles Colling, and bred to his dam sired the heifer Young Phoenix, which he was in turn bred to, resulting in the bull Comet. This last bull was very beautiful, and reached such great public fa\'or that at the dispersion sale of Charles Colling in 1 8 10 he brought one thousand guineas ($5000), which was the highest price paid up to that time. Of Booth breeding, some of the most famous founders were White Strawberry, Anna, Isabella, Moss Rose, and Countess. The latter was grandam of the twins Necklace and Bracelet, two of the most famous show heifers of his- tory ; Bracelet became a remarkable breeder and founder of a tribe. Isabella as a show cow was "matchless," yet she also was a great breeder. The bulls Young Albion (15), Pilot (496), Julius Caesar (1143), Buck- ingham (3239), Crown Prince (10087), and Windsor (14013) were leading Booth sires. In the herd of Thomas Bates foundation stock of eminence began with Daisy Bull (186), obtained from Charles Colling. In 1804 Bates bought the cow Duchess by the above bull, from which in 1805 he secured the bull calf Ketton (709), sired by Favorite. A granddaughter of Duchess, named Young Duchess, sired by Comet, was the ancestress of the Duchess tribe of Bates, his favorite famil)-. The Matchem cow from which the Oxford tribe descends, the Princess cow by Favorite, and a cow known as Acklam Red Rose (Red Rose ist) from which descends the Cambridge Roses and American Rose of Sharons, were most important foundation dams in the Bates herd. Of the bulls which brought fame to Bates, the more conspicuous were 2d Hubback (1423) by The Earl (646), Belvedere (1706) by Fig. 69. Pride of Morning (120551), by Star of Morning (12 1243). Main stock bull in the herd of William Duthie, Scotland. Photograph by the author l82 CATILE Waterloo (2816), Short Tail (2621) by Belvedere, and Duke of Northumberland (1940) by Belvedere. The Duke bull, out of the famous show cow Duchess 34th, Bates regarded as the greatest result of his breeding career. Up in Scotland the Cruickshanks used with much success in their herd as early dams Moss Rose, Venus, Sunflower, Phan- tassie, Premium, P\ancy by Billy (3 151), Clipper (also by Billy), Victoria 19th by Lord John (11731), Pure Gold, Butterfly's Fig. 70. White Hall Sultan 163573, a prominent Shorthorn show bull in 1904 and 1905, winning the highest honors at the International Live Stock Exjjosition and elsewhere. In 1903 chief stock bull of E. S. Kelly, Yel- low Springs, Ohio ; later purchased by F. W. Harding, Waukesha, Wisconsin. Photograph by the author Pride by Royal Butterfly (16862), Spicy by Marmaduke (14897), and Lancaster i6th. Among the sires which contributed most to the success of the Cruickshanks were Fairfax Royal (6987), bought in 1845, Matadore (11800), Lord Raglan (13244), Lan- caster Comet (1 1633), Champion of P2ngland (17526), Royal Duke of Gloster (29864), and Roan Gauntlet (35284). There were other important foundation animals in the minor herds already referred to, which in a more extended considera- tion would receive proper notice. THE SHORTHORN 183 The first Shorthorns imported to America were brought to Virginia in 1783 by Gough and Miller, and though not called Shorthorns the evidence shows them to have been of this breed. These men also imported again about 1792. It is said that in 1 79 1 and also in 1796 a Mr. Heaton brought Shorthorns to New York State. A Mr. Cox also brought a bull and two cows to Rensselaer County, New York, after the close of the War of 18 12. In 18 17 the first pedigreed bulls, Marquis (408) and Moscow (9413), were brought to America, S. M. Hopkins im- porting them into the Genesee Valley in New York. What are known as "The Seventeens " were imported in 1817 by Colonel Lewis Sanders of Kentucky, including four bulls and four heifers. One of these heifers died before reaching Kentucky, but the others, Mrs. Motte, the Durham Cow, and the Tees- water Cow, were the first to be imported west of the Allegha- nies, and their de- scendants are known as "The Seven- teens." In 18 17 and 18 18 importations were made to Massa- chusetts ; in 182 I, 1822, and 1823 importations were brought to New York State, and from then on, into various sections of the eastern states. The Ohio Importing Company, organized at Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1833, with about fifty stockholders, became the most impor- tant factor in introducing Shorthorns to America up to this time. In 1834 Felix and Josiah Renick and E. J. Harness went to England, where they visited Bates, the Booths, Maynard, Clark, and other famous breeders, and purchased nineteen head and brought them to Ohio. In this shipment were the heifers Rose of Sharon by Belvedere, bred by Thomas Bates, and Young Mary Fig. 71. The Lad for Me 140618, a well-known Shorthorn show bull and sire, bred and owned by J. G. Robbins & Sons, Horace, Indiana. Photo- graph by the author I 84 CA ITLE by Jupiter, bred by J. Clark. The history of these cows is insep- arably associated with Shorthorn fame in America. Importations were also made in 1835 and 1836, and on October 29, 1836, occurred the most important Shorthorn auction sale held in America, when this importation was sold off and the herd closed up. Forty-three animals sold for ^34,540, an average of $803.25 . The formation of the Ohio Company was one of the notable steps in American Shorthorn history, although later numerous other comjianies were organized for the importation of the breed. Shorthorn characteristics. Having traced briefly the influences surrounding the development of the Shorthorn, a consideration of the characteristics of the breed is here appropriate. In gcji- eral conformation the Shorthorn adheres closely to the beef type, though certain tribes, notably Bates bred, tend strongly enough to milk production to be known as general purpose cattle. In size mature cows usually weigh about 1400 pounds, though they fre- quently exceed that and in rare cases reach 2000 pounds. The mature bull will easily attain 1800 to 2000 pounds ; many weigh from 2000 to 2200, and weights upward to 2500 pounds occur, though the latter is infrequent. This may be regarded as our largest breed of cattle, although the Hereford is a close second, and may be considered by many as its equal in weight and size. The following points especially apply to the cow. The horn is variable, but is always comparatively small and short, and prefer- ably curves forward, with the tips bending inward or upward. In color a waxy yellowish tint is preferred, though blackish tips are not debarred. The head should be lean and shapely, and short from between the eyes to the muzzle, which should be flesh color and broad, with large nostrils. A dark or blackish muzzle is distinctly objected to by most breeders. The neck should be short, and be neatly attached to the head, and blend smoothly into the shoulders. Shorthorn shoulders tend to be a bit promi- nent and bare. They should be well laid in and smoothly covered with flesh. Back of the shoulders the ci'ops and fore flanks are often deficient, and lack of heart girth is a frequent criticism of the breed. Superior animals show a body that is very broad of back, strong of loin, and so prominent of rib as to give a large girth and digestive capacity of the first order. The flanks before THE SHORTHORN 185 and behind are also low and full. A thick, deep body is usually associated with a low, full chest and prominent breast, — essentials with a proper constitutional development. The brisket should be broad and deep and carried forward as a part of a smooth, full, and attractive breast. The hind quarter of the Shorthorn is usually typical of the breed, — superior in its general development to that of any other beef breed. Regarding the hips, William Housman writes of the Shorthorn : " In fat or lean animals the Fig. 73. Missie's Diamond 221080, the junior <.haiiii_)iuii .SlKuthorn bull at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis, 1904. Bred and owned by D. K. Hanna, Ravenna, Ohio. This picture shows the bull as a short yearling. Photograph by J. Y. Robertson hip bone must be liberally covered, not bare, hard, or sharp ; each hip ' cleft,' and the hollow filled with elastic fiesh. This is an important test of the quality of the animal, especially in the lean state." The rump is usually long, level, and broad, and well covered with meat, while the thighs and quarters are long, thick, and deep from front to rear, showing a maximum amount of meat for this quarter. Animals of naturally heavy fleshing quali- ties frequently get " patchy " about the root of the tail at the rump, and also roll some on the sides, thus detracting from the 1 86 CAITLE smoothness of finish ; but these are characteristics of easily fat- tened animals only. The udder of the Short horn averages decidedly greater capacity than does that of the other beef breeds, and is a noteworthy feature. No beef breed is better able to nourish the calf than the Shorthorn. It is due to emphasizing the impor- tance of milk production on the part of some of the best breeders in history that has resulted in the American farmer regarding the Shorthorn as better suited to general farm purposes than any other breed. In limb animals of this breed should show shortness of leg, small, clean bone, and strong yet not coarse joints. A criticism often made of Shorthorns, and not without some justice, is that they have a tendency to be too long of leg. This has been especially said in the past of cattle of Bates's breeding, and this criticism has been materially weakened by the influence of Scotch blood. The Shorthorn bull should possess in the main the desirable features of the female, without her feminine qualities. His head, horns, and neck naturally should be stronger and larger, the latter being thick and arched, the whole front showing character and breeding power. The horns of the bull are less bent than those of the cow, and should be prominent yet not coarse. Over the forehead and neck should be a covering of thick, fine, and moderately long hair. In general form the bull should also be broad in front, with full deep bosom, broad powerful arms, a com- paratively shorter and more blocky body than that possessed by the cow and with greater relative size. The color of the Shorthorn is in i)art distinctive of the breed. This may be pure red, red and white, pure white, or roan, the latter being a commingling of red and white hairs without form- ing solid color. The shades vary, the red ranging from light to dark and the roan from light or white roan to dark or red roan. No other breed claims the roan color. Black is not a Shorthorn color, and should not occur in i)ure-bred animals. The impor- tance of the color varies in the estimation of different persons, but color has never indicated the best animals, and wise breeders select on the basis of intrinsic merit rather than color. The relative prevalence of the different Shorthorn colors has been brought out by the author through researches made in the THE SHORTHORN 187 American Shorthorn herdbooks. The colors of 10,000 head registered between 1859 and 1903, distributed over the entire period, shows the following distribution : red, 4943, red and white, 2748 ; roan, 2034 ; and white, 275. This record involved 7000 bulls and 3000 cows. During the period of forty-four years the percentage of red increased, while the other colors relatively decreased. In the past some sections have been con- sidered as favoring certain colors, as for example, Kentucky the red. In the stock yards the roan has been long regarded with favor as a prime feeder and killer. In quality the Shorthorn ranks very high. The mellowness and elasticity of skin and fineness of hair and bone are character- istics indelibly stamped on the breed. The Shorthorn as a butcher's beast ranks in the first class. All of the really great British breed- ers had in mind the im- portance of the Shorthorn as a beef producer, and Cruickshank gave this feature special distinction. In the leading fat stock shows of Great Britain and America, Shorthorn steers far out- number any other breed, while in the stock yards Shorthorn grades largely predominate. The Shorthorn produces a high- class beef, and has the strong loin and hind-quarter development associated with profitable production. If compared with the Aberdeen Angus, the Shorthorn will not dress out quite as high a percentage of meat to offal, though the difference is not large ; also the dressed carcass of the Shorthorn will show somewhat more tallow and external patches of fat than will the Angus. In the records of feeding experiments with different breeds given by Professor W. A. Henry, twenty-six Shorthorns fed at five different experiment stations averaged 15 10 pounds at ion days, gained a daily average of 1.50 pounds from birth, and showed an average dressed weight of 64.4 per cent. At the 1905 International Live **! Fig. 73. A Shorthorn cow in the herd of Queen Victoria at Windsor in 1900. Photo- graph by the author i88 CATITE Stock Exposition the best record of a Shorthorn in the two-year carcass test was to dress out 62 per cent. In the car lots the best record was 64.2 per cent. The Shorthorn steer in the show ring has not in recent years been maintaining his reputation as a grand champion, the pure- bred or grade Aberdeen Angus or Hereford surpassing him repeatedly. The following are the Shorthorn grand champions at the American Fat Stock Show at Chicago from 1878 to 1892 : Year Name of Steer Weight Owner and Location 1878 John Sherman 2195 lb. J. D. Gillett, Illinois 1879 Nichols 2060 " J. H. Graves, Kentucky 1880 Nichols 2465 " J. H. Graves, Kentucky 1 88 1 McMullen 2095 " J. D. Gillett, Illinois 1882 McMullen 2565 " J. I). Gillett, Illinois 1884 Clarence Kirklevington 2400 " Bow Park Farm, Canada 1887 Doctor Click 1855 " D. M. Moninger, Iowa 1889 Rigclon 1950 " Elbert & Fall, Iowa 1890 Nonesuch 2090 " \V. H. Renick, Kentucky Shorthorn steers at the International Live Stock Exposition have not yet won a grand championship since the establishment of that show in 1900. The following are the breed champion pure-bred Shorthorn steers at this show : 1900 Cumberland Chunk, shown by T. J. Ryan & Son, Iowa, igoi Prince of Quality, shown by Iowa Agricultural College. 1902 Prince of Quality, shown by Iowa Agricultural College. 1903 Silver Crown, shown by Iowa Agricultural College. 1904 Auditor, shown by Abram Renick, Kentucky. 1905 Trout Creek Wanderer, shown by Purdue University, Indiana. Among grades and crosses the Shorthorns have only rarely held a prominent place in the six last shows, as may be seen : 1900 Got no nearer than fifth place in any class. 1901 Right Sort secured tliird place. Shown by \Vm. Smiley, Iowa. 1902 In the entire list of five classes, of the first five in each class, or twenty. five in all, were only three Shorthorn grades, each being third in class. THE SHORTHORN 189 1903 In five classes, of five highest-ranking animals in each, only five ewer- Shorthorn grades or crosses, three being in junior calf class. 1904 flashlight, shown by Purdue University, Indiana, was champion of all grades and crosses. 1905 In five classes third place was highest, this being secured in two- year-old, junior yearling, and senior calves. The importance of the Shorthorn in grading or crossing, in spite of what is brought out in the show-ring steer test, is most important. No brred thus far has done so much to improve Flo. 74. Golden Thistle (imp.) by Roan Gauntlet (352S4). A very beautiful example of the Scotch type m the former herd of Colonel W. A. Harris, Linwood, Kansas. Photograph from Colonel Harris beef stock as this. Shorthorn bulls mated to grade cows have revolutionized the character of the meat stock of the world. All over America to-day herds of excellence may be found, — animals graded up by Shorthorn bulls. In the principal stock yards of America the blood of this breed predominates, and well-finished, high-grade Shorthorn steers are always at a premium with the butcher. In Scotland and England white Shorthorn bulls bred on Galloway or Angus cows produce what is termed " blue grays," which as steers meet with the highest market favor, being steel gray in color and showing much quality and superior IQO CATTLE killing value. Animals of this brcecling shown at the Interna- tional Exposition by the Iowa Agricultural College have met with much favorable comment. Along with the Hereford and Aberdeen Angus the Shorthorn has been a power in improving the blood of the cattle on the ranges of the far West. The dis- appearance of the old Texas type of steer is largely due to the influence of Shorthorn bulls on the range. The Shorthorn from the dairy point of view ranks high. In England a great percentage of the dairy herds are of Shorthorn Fig. 75. A choice example of a dairy Shorthorn. A grade cow, first in Dairy Cow class at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show at York in 1900. In 1899 this cow was shown thirteen times, winning first place in each case. Photograph by the author blood. As one crosses the midland and southern counties he may sec large numbers of Shorthorns with udders indicating great milking capacity. Much of the milk shipped into London comes from Shorthorn herds. The author visited one farm in Berkshire where some five hundred cows of this breed were milked daily and the product shipped to London. In the United States many farmers, notably in the central West, rely upon Shorthorn cows for their milk supply. THE SHORTHORN 191 As has been already indicated, as a result of hereditary trans- mission, and the early breeding of Bates and others, the Short- hc^rn produces an abundance of milk. No beef breed equals it. Shorthorns generally may be in a measure grouped into two classes, the beefy type and the general purpose sort. As a rule, it is true, the latter class will not fatten as easily and does not present the beef conformation in as high a degree as does the former. P2\cn then the beefy class of Shorthorn surpasses the Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, and Galloway in furnishing milk for its offspring. Shorthorn dairy records have been repeatedly made in public and private tests. The most important public dairy record of the breed made in America up to this time occurred in 1893 at the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago, when cattle of this breed competed against herds of Jersey and Guernsey. In the cheese-making test of 14 days, the Shorthorn ranked third, pro- ducing 12,186.9 pounds of milk, from which was made 1077. 6 pounds of cheese. The Shorthorn cow Nora stood second to a Jersey, producing 60.56 pounds cheese at a net profit of $6.27. In the butter-making test for 90 days, in which gain in live weight was credited, the following results were secured : Breed Number Cows Milk lb. Butter lb. Gain Live Weight Net Profit Jersey .... Shorthorn . . . Guernsey . . . -5 23 25 73,478.8 66,263.2 61,781.7 4573-95 2890.86 3360.43 776 2826 466 51323-81 911. 13 997.63 This was a very creditable showing, especially in view of the fact that the Shorthorns were not selected with the great pains and expense that the Jerseys were, and did not represent as many high-class dairy specimens as did the other breeds. Professor Jas. Long of England, who inspected the cows, reported on his return home that in England they would not rank high as dairy Shorthorns. In this test the cow Nora made 3679.8 pounds of milk, }'ielding 160. 5 7 pounds butter, and gained 1 15 pounds; while the Jersey cow Brown Bessie, which led this breed, made 3634 192 CATTLE pounds milk, yielding 2 16.66 pounds butter, and gained 8 1 pounds live weight. In a 30 da)s' butter test at the Columbian 24 vShort- horns made 15,618.3 pounds milk, yielding 662.66 pounds butter, at a net profit of ^i 19.13. Both Jersey and Guernsey made less milk but more butter and a greater net profit. In this test the best Shorthorn cow was Kitty Clay 4th. She produced 1592.8 pounds milk, yielding 62.24 pounds butter, showing a net profit of ^19.57. In a fourth test of one week six Shorthorn heifers under three years old competed with si.\ Jersey heifers, the Shorthorns producing 2581 pounds milk, yielding 122.36 pounds butter, at a net profit of $47.42 ; the Jerseys gave 3356.6 pounds milk, yielding 194.22 pounds butter and a net profit of ;^56.27. The dairy test of Short- horns at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904 yielded more satis- factory returns than has any previous public test of the breed. In a test of 1 20 days, in which 20 Shorthorns were carried entirely through, the cows made an average of 442 1.6 pounds milk, 165.3 pounds butter fat, 382.7 pounds solids not fat, and an average gain in weight during 1 14 days of 105.3 pounds. Numerous public dairy tests of Shorthorns have demonstrated the ample capacity of the breed at the pail. In 1901, at the Pan-American Exposition, between May i and October 31, five Shorthorn cows produced a total of 1307.55 pounds churned butter, yielding a net profit of $164.77. At the London Dairy Show in 1904 a fine showing of Shorthorns was made, one cow producing 58 pounds milk in a day, and 14 averaging 46.6 pounds milk per day. Many state-fair records show the Short- horn to yield a liberal milk flow. An interesting record of a grade is the cow Rose, that at the Wisconsin Kxi:)eriment Station in 326 days produced 10,163 pounds milk, containing 433.82 l-h.. yu. l''au- (^)ueen, the chiuupiuii vShuiilnjin cow at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904. Owned by E. W. Bowen, Delphi, Indiana. Photograph by the author THE SHORTHORN 193 pounds butter fat, equivalent to 506.12 pounds butter. Deduct- ing cost of feed, there was a net profit from Rose of $79.86. One of the very best private dairy records for an entire herd of grade Shorthorns comes from John Kingsbury of South Dakota, who in 1898 reports 16 cows averaging 6000 pounds miltc, from which was made an average of 301 pounds 5 ounces butter, while in 1899 the same number of cows yielded an average of 6342 pounds milk and 317 pounds 5 ounces butter. Fig. 77. Whitu 1 leather, tirst prize and champion Slioilhorn cow at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show of 1904. One of the most beautiful specimens of the breed seen in England in recent years. Bred by J. Deane Willis. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephews, Berkhamsted, England The prices received for Shorthorns range up to higher figures than for any other breed of cattle. For over a century high prices have been obtained at both private and public sales. Many bulls have changed hands at $5000 each since the time of Charles Ceiling's sale in i8 1 1 when Comet was the first to bring this figure. The sale of Walcott and Campbell, held Septem- ber 10, 1873, at New York Mills, New York, is the record- breaking Shorthorn sale of history. At this time 109 animals sold for $381,990, an average of $3504. The cow Eighth Duchess of Geneva brought $40,600, the highest price ever I 94 CATTLE paid for cither cow or bull, while i8 other animals ranged from ^5000 up to $35,000 each, the latter being the price paid for Tenth Duchess of Geneva. The bull Second Duke of Oneida brought $12,000. In 1869 Daniel McMillan sold at Xenia, Ohio, at auction 71 head which averaged $864.61 each, while in 1874 Colonel W. S. King of Minnesota sold in Chicago 79 head at an average of $1628 each, the bull Second Duke of Hillhurst selling at $14,000. Between 1870 and 1880 there were sold 26,151 Shorthorns at auction in the United States at an average price of $294 per head. Between 1891 and 1900 inclusive the Kansas Board of Agriculture reports 15,741 head sold at auction at an average price of $138.41. One of the most important high-priced sales of recent years was the dispersal sale of the Uppermill Herd of W. S. Marr in Scotland in 1904, when 113 animals brought about $780 each, the bull Bapton Favorite heading the list at ;^I200, or $6000. At this same time William Duthie of Collynie, Tarves, near by, sold 18 bull calves at an average of about $1 130 each. The geographical distribution of the Shorthorn is most wide- spread, no other breed equaling it in this respect. It is so well suited to a wide range of conditions, and has been so extensively distributed, that it has been termed "the universal intruder." It is generally found in North America ; in South America, more particularly in Argentina ; in Europe, being the most promi- nent breed on the British Isles, although bred to some extent on the Continent ; in Australasia, where it has long met with favor ; and to some extent in South Africa and Asia. In the United States the Shorthorn is the most popular breed of cattle, as attendance at the great shows, especially in the states of the Mississippi Valley north of the Ohio, will demonstrate. The CA'i- dence of its wide distribution speaks for the adaptability of the breed. However, on the western range, under severe winter conditions, and where " roughing it " is required, the Shorthorn will not thrive quite e(|ual to the Hereford or Galloway. Organizations for the promotion of Shorthorn cattle precede all other breeding associations. The first live-stock registry was the Shorthorn herdbook, published by George Coates of York- shire, England, in 1822. This forms the foundation of the EnHish THE SHORTHORN 195 S/iorthorn Ilcrdbook, known as Coatcss Hcrdbook, which in 1904 attained its fiftieth vokimc. Mr. Coates edited the first five volumes when, owing to his death in 1846, he was succeeded by Mr. H. Strafford, who served as editor of the next fifteen voKunes. The Shorthorn Society of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1876 assumed control of the pub- lication of the herdbook, and through its editing committee has ever since maintained supervision of the records of the Society. The first volume of the American SJiortJiorn Herdbook appeared in 1846, being published by Lewis F. Allen of New York. In 1869 the American ShortJiorn Reco7-d first appeared, being pub- lished by A. J. Alexander of Kentucky, and ten volumes were issued. In 1878 the Ohio Shorthorn Breeders' Association pub- lished a record and followed it with two others. In 1882 the American Shorthorn Breeders' Association absorbed these and continued the publication of the old herdbook established by Allen. The Canadian Shorthorn Herdbook first appeared in 1867, the British American Short J torn Herdbook appeared in 1881, and the Z>^;«z;/wz Shorthorn Herdbook in 1887, the latter absorbing the other two. The American Shorthorn Herdbook now numbers sixty-five volumes, and new volumes are appearing yearly. Already over 600,000 Shorthorns have been registered in the United States, and many thousands in Canada. This breed is also promoted by several state Shorthorn breeders' associations. 1 -^ — - m 4 W\^^^ "^ 7f- '^TtV 'W'^-.-^v- Fig. 78. Shorthorns of the Royal lloii.se on ihc i)a>uiic at \\ iiiJ.-^or, England. Photograph by the author 1 96 CAITLE Men who have done much to promote the Shorthorn in America since early days are many. In the United States the breeders number thousands. Among those who rendered signal service in promoting the breed during the latter part of the last century are the following : Lewis F. Allen, J. O. Sheldon, and Samuel Thorne of New York ; R. A. Alexander, B. F. and A. Van Meter, B. B. Groom & Son, the Renicks, T. S. Moberly, and William Warfield of Kentucky ; A. C. Stevenson, General Solomon Mere- dith, Thomas Wilhoit, S. F. Lockridge, and Robbins & Sons of Indiana ; J. H. Potts, J. H. Pickrell, and C. B. Dustin of Illinois ; Luther Adams, Robert Miller, John Myers, and C. C. Norton of Iowa ; W. A. Harris of Kansas ; George Harding of Wisconsin ; and T. C. Jones, Daniel McMillan, and C. L. Gerlaugh of Ohio. In Canada M. II. Cochrane and George Brown had very famous herds. In connection with this subject Mr. A. H. Sanders, manag- ing editor of the Breeders Gazette, should be mentioned as one who with his able pen has done more to promote the interests of the Shorthorn than any other author of recent years. CHAPTER XXVII THE POLLED DURHAM The origin of the Polled Durham. In consideration of the fact that Polled Durham cattle are either pure-bred Shorthorns or nearly so, the author does not regard it as necessary to devote much space to them other than historical, for otherwise what applies to the Shorthorn applies to the Polled Durham, excepting in the head variation. This so-called breed is divided into two groups, and the origin of each may be discussed separately. The << single standard" Polled Durham was the first type of hornless Shorthorn to attract attention in America. This is the result of uniting native mulley cows with pure-bred Shorthorn bulls. Cattle of such blood lines are quite commonly designated as "single standard," because of being eligible to registration only in the Polled Durham Herdbook. When the movement for dehorning got well started nearly twenty years ago, men here and there began to seek combinations by which the horns might be bred off. Some men who were breeders of Shorthorns, or who believed in the Shorthorn type, sought to breed hornless cattle. Among the pioneers in this work were W. S. Miller, Dr. W. W. Crane, R. Clawson, and Peter Shafer of Ohio, J. F. Burleigh of Illinois, J. H. Miller of Indiana, and T. Dunham of Iowa. These men used pure Shorthorn bulls on mulley cows of Shorthorn type, and so finally developed what they termed the Polled Durham breed. Cattle of this breeding were quite like Shorthorns, tending toward the dual-purpose type, were inclined to be leggy, and hardly met the demands of the Shorthorn critics for thickness of flesh. Those that had true polled heads were used for breeding, and thus gradually was developed, mainly in western Ohio, herds of Polled Durham cattle. The "double standard" Polled Durham represents the demand of Shorthorn breeders and others for a pure hornless class of 197 I 98 CATTLE Shorthorn cattle. These are often termed "double standard" because of being eligible to registration in both the Amcricati Shorthorn Hcrdbook and the Polled Durham Hcrdbook. Very naturally, with the development of the " single standard " class, breeders began to watch for pure-bred Shorthorns free of horns. This branch has its origin in several Shorthorn families, notably the White Rose, Young Phyllis, and Gwynne. The cow Oakwood Gwynne 4th, registered in Volume XV of the American Shorthorn Herdbook, was bred by W. S. King Fig. 79. Golden Hero 2847-150363, the leading Polled Durham bull on the show circuit in 1903 and 1904. Grand champion male of the breed at the Louisiana Purchase E,\])osition, 1904. Owned and exhibited by A. C. Woods & Sons, Pendleton, Indiana. Photograph from owners of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was calved May 12, 1873. She had but very slight horns, or scurs, being almost polled. Bred to Seventh Duke of Hillhurst 34221, she produced twin female calves, Mollie Gwynne and Nellie Gwynne (Vol. XXIII, p. 728), that developed true polled heads. When later bred to Bright Eyes Duke 3 1 894, she produced as a result a red bull calf that was a true polled animal, which is recorded as King of Kine 87412. In 1888 W. S. Miller of Elmore, Ohio, purchased these three offspring of Oakwood Gwynne 4th, and with them developed a herd of pure polled Shorthorns. King of Kine was used in the herd three years and proved a very prepotent breeder, THE POLLED DURHAM 199 some 90 per cent of his calves from horned cows being polled. He was used on cows of the Rose of Sharon, Young Mary, and Phyllis tribes with much success. Then a son of his, Ottawa Duke 109292, out of Nellie Gwynne, was used in the herd, and all his offspring proved hornless. Later he came into the posses- sion of Dr. W. W. Crane, in whose herd he rendered valuable service. Ottawa Duke sired Miami Boy 1 165 17, and Tippecanoe 4th 12 1 365, well-known sires in the Crane herd. Mr. J. H. Fig. 80. Ruby of Buttonwood, grand champion Polled Durham cow at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904. Owned by Fletcher S. Hines, Indianapolis, Indiana. Photograph by the author Miller of Indiana early became a celebrated breeder of Polled Durhams, and in 1893, with some others, made at the World's Columbian Exposition the first notable exhibit of this breed. Mr. Miller's bull Young Hamilton 114 169, a pure Shorthorn, and the Columbian Exposition Polled Durham Sweepstakes male, rendered valuable ])ioneer ser\ice in his herd. The important requirements for registering Polled Durham cattle, as originally adopted by the American Polled Durham Association, were as follows: (i) they must have true polled heads ; (2) the cattle must have the color and characteristic 200 CATTLE markings of the Shorthorn ; (3) they must have not less than 87 i per cent of Shorthorn blood in 1893, at least 93^ per cent after 1896, and fully 96^ per cent after 1899. Volume III of the American Polled Durham Ilenlbook, published in 1905, con- tains the by-laws of the American Polled Durham Association as adopted April 29, 1902. Section X, which qualifies registra- tion and covers the old rule, is as follows : Animals to be eligible to entry in the American Polled Durliatn Herdbook must be at least six months old ; must be naturally hornless ; must have both parents recorded therein or have one parent recorded in the book and the other parent recorded in the American Shorthorn Herdbook or other gen- erally accepted shorthorn herdbook ; and further, must have an ancestry, that are eligible, recorded in the American Polled Durham Herdbook. The promotion of Polled Durham interests is officially super- vised by the American Polled Durham Breeders' Association, organized at Chicago in 1889. Three volumes of the herdbook have since been published up to 1906. It is to be noted in this connection that breeders are seeking to produce mainly Polled Durhams eligible to registration in the Avicriean Shorthorn Herd- book. The greater the percentage of " double standard " Polled Durhams produced the less the necessity of maintaining an inde- pendent herdbook for the polled cattle of the breed. The distribution of Polled Durhams is fairly widespread in the United States, but Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and other Mississippi Valley states lead in their development. In 1894 Mr. J. H. Miller of Indiana exported several head to the Argentine in South America, and since then has from time to time made other shipments to the same country. The popularity of the Polled Durham is undoubtedly growing, and good specimens of this type are to-day essentially equal in merit with other Shorthorns, either as beef producers or as dual- purpose cattle. The prepotency of the Polled Durham is well established, the polled bulls used in Shorthorn herds, as a rule, siring offspring free from horns. CHAPTER XXVIII THE HEREFORD The native home of the Hereford breed of cattle is the county of Hereford, located in the upper part of the lower third of England, with Wales for its w^estern boundary. The county is gently rolling in places, while in other sections it is quite hilly, and superior grazing generally prevails. In this county Herefords are exten- sively bred, almost to the exclusion of all other kinds of cattle. The origin of the Hereford, like that of other English breeds, is clouded in obscurity. Some have regarded this breed as descended from the aboriginal cattle. This opinion has been expressed by Youatt and by T. Duckham, the latter once promi- nent as editor of the Hereford Herdbook. In 1788 William Marshall, a well-known English judge of cattle, gave it as his belief that the Hereford might be regarded as the first breed on the island. This was written when the Longhorn and Devon were popular and the Shorthorn was coming into favor rapidly. Some have accounted for Hereford color and type as due to the importation into Hereford by Lord Scudamore, prior to 167 1, of some white-faced cattle from Holland or Flanders. Some emphasis has been laid on the fact that an ancestor of Tully, a Hereford breeder, used a white-faced bull in his herd that had come from Yorkshire. Perhaps the wisest argument is the influ- ence of the white cattle of Wales whose blood naturally must have mingled with the darker-colored animals of the adjoining region. Hereford color, however, has varied during the history of the breed. Marshall in 1788 wrote that the prevailing color was red with a bald face. In time a wider range of color crept in, so that in 1845, when Eyton published the first herdbook, he grouped Herefords into four classes, viz. mottled-faced, light gray, dark gray, and red with white face. Twenty-five years later, however, all of the colors but the last were practically extinct. 202 CATTLE Early Hereford breeders date back well into the eii^hteenth century. Among the earliest of prominence were the Messrs. Haywood of Clifton-on-Teme, William Galliers of Wigmore Grange and his sons William and John, Richard Tomkins of New House, King's Pyon, and his son "Benjamin the Elder," and the latter's son "Benjamin the Younger." Besides these the Tullys of Huntington, Haywood, and Clyro, and the Skyrmes of Strettt)n and Dewsall, were prominently identified with early Hereford improvement. The Tomkins family has the greatest fame among early Here- ford improvers. Richard Tomkins, of whose history little is known, who died in 1723, left to his son Benjamin of Court House, Canon Pyon, some cattle above the average, including the cow Silver and her calf. This son, Benjamin the Elder, was born in 17 14 and died in 1789 at Wellington Court, where he had lived since 1758. He was a most successful breeder and possessed a noted herd of cattle. A son of his, also named Ben- jamin, and designated "the Younger," was born in 1745 and died in 18 15. He farmed at Blackball, King's Pyon, and later at Wellington Court and Brook House, King's Pyon. This latter member of the family was the great improver. He bred closely in-and-in, using only bulls of his own breeding, one of which. Silver Bull (41), was a famous sire and perhaps his best, being a noted improver of stock. The bull Wellington (4) was also an almost equally famous sire. Through Tomkins's efforts Here- fords gradually matured earlier, produced less offal, became shorter of leg and more refined, and better covered over the back. He also gave the breed more character. His cattle presented some range of Hereford color. In 18 19 his herd of fifty-two animals was sold at auction, 28 head of breeding stock bring- ing over $20,000, averaging nearly $750 (^149) each, the bull Phoenix (55) bringing $2800. William Galliers of W^igmore Grange, was born in 171 3 and died in 1779. He was intimate with Benjamin Tomkins the Polder and they used much of the .same blood in develoj^ing their herds. His cattle passed into the hands of his son, John Galliers of Frog- don, who was born in 1 75 5 and died in 1 828. Another son, William, Jr., a celebrated breeder, was born in 1744 and died in 1832. 'IHK HEREFORD 203 Early nineteenth-century Hereford breeders of note arc John Price, John Hewer, and Thomas Jeffries. John Price of Ryall was born in 1776 and died in 1843. He was a close friend and disciple of Tomkins the Younger, from whom he obtained some of his best stock. He practiced in-and- in breeding and developed a famous herd. One of his cows, Toby Pigeon by Toby (5), was a remarkable cow, dropping him 19 calves. Nearly his entire herd, sold in 1841, descended from her. This cow herself, when 22 years old, brought $70. Price much Fic. 81. Earl of Shadeland 22d 27147, by Garfield 7015. The champion Hereford bull of 1888, known as " The Record Breaker." This bull, one of the famous ones of his day, is held by Mr. John Lewis, long the successful manager of the great Shadeland herd at La Fayette, Indiana, now dispersed. Photograph by the author improved the breed, securing great scale and constitution. He had auction sales in 18 13, 18 16, and 1841, realizing over $83,000 total proceeds. John Hewer (1787- 1873) was a son of William Hewer, also in his day a Hereford breeder of eminence. He did much to improve the breed and laid great emphasis on scale and quality and uniformity of color. He had four favorite strains. Countess, Lofty, Red Rose, and Fanny, from which his cattle mainly de- scend. He let out bulls to service for large sums, and bred and owned many of the most eminent Herefords of the century. The following bulls bred by him are among the notable ones in the history of this breed : Sovereign (404), Lottery (410), Byron 204 CAllLI': (440), Hope (411), Chance (355), Defiance (416), Prince Dan- gerous (362), Lot (364), Lottery 2d (408), Young Favorite (413), Wonder (420), Fitzfavorite (441), Hamlet (512), Original ist (455), Young Waxy (451), Purslow (446) and Conqueror (412). There is scarcely a line of Hereford breeding to-day that is not traceable to the Hewer stock. Thomas Jeffries, of The Grove, Pembridge, and other estates, was born in 1796 and died in 1843. He was a son of Thomas Jeffries, and came from a family of well-known Hereford breeders. He first began with the Hereford stock developed by the family, but later infused the blood of cattle bred by John Hewer, hiring from him Sovereign, Lottery, Byron, and Fitz- favorite. This blending of blood brought about remarkable suc- cess, and Jeffries produced numerous famous animals. Cotmore (376), by Sovereign, which he bred, has been classed as one of the finest Hereford bulls of history. Foundation Herefords of importance are the following : Silver Cow of Richard Tomkins ; Pigeon and Mottle of Benjamin Tom- kins the Elder ; Welling- ton (4), Silver Bull (41), Slit Teat Cow, Storrell, Old Rose, and Old Lovely of Benjamin Tomkins the Younger ; Toby Pigeon, by Toby (5), of John Price. These were really fundamental stock in the early establishment of the breed. Among other very important Hereford males that had a great influence on the breed in England in the last century may be mentioned Sovereign (404), Old Wellington (507), Old Silver (540), Waxy (403). Cotmore (376), Lottery (410). Chance (348), Sir David (349), Walford (871), Sir Benjamin (1387), Sir Thomas (2228), Horace (3877), Winter De Cote (4253), and Lord Wilton (4740). These bulls are insep- arably associated with the develoi^ment of the breed in luigland. Ii'.. • . I i.ilr III i |M . Ii\ ( 'oluml)u.s 51S75. One of the greatest Hereford bulls in the history of the breed, both as sire and show bull. Bred by Clem Graves, Bunker Hill. Indiana. Photograph by the author THE HEREFORD 205 The introduction of the Hereford to America first occurred, so far as records show, in 18 17, when Henry Clay brought four head to his home at Lexington, Kentucky, one bull dying in transit. About 1825 Admiral Coffin of the British navy sent the bull Sir Isaac and a cow as a gift to the Massachusetts Society Fig. 83. Fire King (22135), first-prize and champion Hereford bull at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1904. Exhibited by King Edward. Photograph from the A^ational Stockman and Farmer for Promoting Agriculture. Later other importations followed in a small way. In 1840 W. H. Sotham, a native of Herefordshire, England, who had previously emigrated to America, imported to Albany, New York, in partnership with Erastus Corning, Jr., twenty-one cows and heifers and a two-year-old bull. This importation was followed by others in 1840, 1843, 18 5 2-1 85 3, and 1861-1862. Sotham worked hard to promote the breed, but nei- ther the Kentucky, Massachusetts, nor New York importations awoke enthusiasm. Burleigh and Bodwell of Maine also imported some about 1840, and in 185 1 John Humphries and Thomas Aston of Ohio did the same. In i860 F. W. Stone of Guelph, 2o6 CATTLE Ontario, Canada, ])cgan importing", and became a most important factor in promoting the breed in that country. Later, about 1 875, T. L. Miller of Beecher, Illinois, became interested. He was a man of wealth and ability and did much to introduce Herefords into the West, and insist on the public recognizing the merits of the breed for the range country. Miller exhibited at fairs, and in i Zyj his cattle attracted the attention of C. M. Culbertson of Illinois and Adams Earl, Moses Fowler, and W. S. Van Natta of Indiana, all of whom became noted breeders and importers. Culbertson, in 1879, imported thirteen head, and in 1880 over one hundred of the choicest quality and breeding. Besides the above breeders, high place in the development of the Hereford in America must be accorded Thomas Clark, George W. Henry, George F. Morgan, and George Leigh of Illinois ; T. F. B. Sotham, son of William H., Gudgell & Simpson, O. Harris, and J. A. P^unkhouser of Missouri ; C. A. Stannard of Kansas ; John Hooker of Ohio ; C. B. Stuart, F. A. Nave, and Clem Graves, of Indiana ; W. H. Curtice and Giltner Brothers of Kentucky ; and H. C. Burleigh of Maine, who was the leading breeder in New England. Hereford cattle of note in America date back in an important sense only to the time of T. L. Miller. From about 1880 many animals of much merit were imported. Among these history ac- cords high place to Success 2, Sir Richard 2d 970a, The Grove 3d 2490, Sir Bartle Frere 6419, Garfield 701 5, Anxiety 2238, and Tregehan 6203. Among American-bred Herefords the following in particular are of distinction: Fowler 12899 by Tregehan, Anxiety 4th 9904 by Anxiety, Corrector 48975 by Harold 21 141, Peerless Wilton 12774 by Garfield, Dale 66481 by Columbus 51875, Earl of Shadeland 22d 27147, and Earl of Shadeland 41st 33478, both by Garfield, and Beau Donald 58996. Dale and Earl of Shadeland 2 2d were without doubt two of the finest show specimens of the breed ever produced in this country, and each gave eminently satisfactory service in the herd. Hereford characteristics. This breed has undergone more of an evolution and made more improvement than any other beef breed in America, unless it be the Galloway. In 1788 Marshall gave the following description of the breed, which sixty years later Youatt stated was tolerably correct. THE HERKKORI) 207 The countenance pleasant, cheerful, open ; the forehead broad ; eye full and lively ; horns bright, taper, and spreading ; head small ; chap lean ; neck long and tapering ; chest deep ; bosom broad and projecting forward ; shoulder bone thin, flat, no way protuberant in bone (?), but full and mellow in flesh ; chest full ; loin broad ; hips standing wide and level with the chine ; quarters long and.wide at the neck ; rump even with the level of the back and not drooping nor standing high and sharp above the quarters ; tail slender and neatly haired ; barrel round and roomy ; the carcass throughout deep and well spread ; ribs broad, standing flat and close on the outer sur- face, forming a small even barrel, the hindmost large and full of length ; round bone small, snug, and not prominent ; thigh clean and regularly taper- ing ; legs upright and short : bone below the knee and hock small ; feet ■M J^^— ^ Fig. 84. Shadeland Cora 36693, by Earl of Shadeland zzd 27147. A very high-class Hereford cow in field condition in pasture at Shadeland Stock Farm, La Fayette, Indiana. Photograph by the author of middle size ; flank large ; flesh everywhere mellow, soft, and yielding pleasantly to the touch, especially on the chine, the shoulder, and the ribs ; hide mellow, supple, of a middle thickness, and loose on the neck and huckle ; coat neatly haired, bright, and silky ; color a middle red with a bald face, characteristic of the true Herefordshire breed. While this description has an important application to the Hereford of to-day, in certain respects the breed has been materially improved over what it was twenty-five years ago. Two features which have subjected the breed to much criticism have been excess of throat iness and dewlap, and lack of development of rump and hind ciuarter. The r//;/// has lacked in levelness and 2o8 CATTLE fullness, while the thighs have been thin and pared off, being deficient in thickness and depth. These deficiencies, however, have been materially bred out in many herds, so that the criticisms do not have the weight they formerly did. The color markings have also become more uniform, and the white face, breast, top of neck, and legs from knee and hock down, and per- haps belly, with the balance of body red, are characteristics to- day that are well established. The shade of red varies, but that of a medium hue is most prevalent. The slioiildcr is most beauti- fully laid and covered with flesh, this being a Hereford character- istic scarcely equaled by any other breed. The spring and depth of rib and consequent expansion of body is striking, and a wide, long loin and thickness and depth of chest clearly account for the vigor and constitution so universally acknowledged for this breed. The Jicad of the bull is different in type from that of other breeds, being rather short and broad both in forehead and muzzle, and often slightly dished of face, crowned with white or waxy yellow horns which spring forward and down with graceful curve. The neck is usually very smoothly blended into the shoulder, furnishing a most attractive front. In fact, even to-day the fore part of the Hereford usually delights the critics, while the hind part often meets with unfavorable comment. In meat pt'oductioa high rank is accorded, with a general distribution of thick well-marbled flesh over the body and especially the back. The coat of hair \n winter is usually thicker and more curly than that of any breed excepting the Galloway and West Highland, furnishing an abundant protection. In constitutional vigor Here- fords are of the first rank. As milk produces the cows average below medium and are specially open to criticism in this particu- lar. No class of breeders carry so many nurse cows on the show circuit as do the Hereford men. In si:::e this is one of the largest breeds, the males often weighing 2200 and the females 1500 or more. From very early times great scale was sought, and it is said that in 18 15 the bull Wellington weighed 2912 pounds and in 1820 the cow Silk 2000 pounds. The Hewers emphasized size and quality, and their bull The General (125 i) is reported to have weighed 3640 pounds when six years old. It may also be said that Herefords weigh heavy for their size. In quality the JHE HEREFORD 209 breed is usually distinctly superior, showing fine hair, a mellow, elastic skin of medium thickness, and fine bone. In tcmper- avicjit Herefords are less docile than Shorthorns under similar conditions, and do not so readily accustom themselves to the confinement of limited cjuarters where grazing is not abundant. The Herefords as meat producers have always ranked high. For many years their meat held the highest place at the Smithfield market in London. At the first fifty-two annual meetings of the Smithfield Club, with various breeds in competition, 185 prizes Fig. 85. Lorna Doone 94479, by Christopher 69072. Grand champion Here- ford cow at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904, and at various other leading exhibitions, and noted as a great speciitren of the breed. Bred and owned by W. S. Van Natta & Son. Photograph by the author went to Hereford steers or oxen and only 190 to all other breeds or crosses combined. In recent years the Hereford has not been so uniformly successful, owing to the influence of Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn, but even to-day it may be classed in the first rank. At the 1905 International Live Stock Exposition at Chicago a car load of grade Hereford steers exhibited by D. W. Black of Ohio, champions in their class, dressed out 65.1 per cent, the record of yearling steers. In early maturity no breed excels the Hereford, and for producing " baby beef " it is of the best. 2IO CAI'll-l': Hereford steers in American fat stock shows have done exceed- ingly well. At the Chicago Fat Stock Show the following Here- ford grand championships were awarded between 1878 and 1892 : in 1883 Roan Boy, a grade sired by a Hereford bull out of a Shorthorn cow; 1885, the grade Regulus ; 1886, Rudolph J., a pure-bred; 1891, Hickory Nut, a pure-bred. At the Inter- national Live Stock Exposition but one grand championship has been secured by a pure-bred Hereford, this by The Woods Principal in 1902. In 1903 the grand champion was Challenger, a grade sired by a Hereford and shown by Nebraska University. In the pure-bred and grade classes large shows of Herefords are made each year at the Kansas City Fat Stock Show and at the International. In car-load exhibits Mr. D. W. Black of Ohio has attained a national reputation for showing high-grade Here- fords, winning the grand championship at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Show in 1904 and at the International Live Stock Exposition on two occasions. In 1903 W. J. Herrin of Illinois won the grand championship on car-load lot at the International. It may be said that, in the killing, Herefords dress out a high percentage of carcass compared with other breeds. The geographical distribution of the Herefo rd is very wide. In Great Britain it is chiefly bred in Herefordshire and vicinity, though herds are kept with success in Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. The Hereford, however, is best adapted to agrazing region of a fair degree of level surface, and its introduction to the plains of Australia, New Zealand, Argentine Republic, Canada, and the United States has met with very great success. No breed equals the Hereford for withstanding the vicissitudes of the great ranges, where winter's cold and scarcity of feed frequently obtain. The thick coat of hair, the robust constitu- tion, and easy keeping quality of the breed make it unusually suited to such conditions. Hereford bulls have accomplished remarkably fine results on the native cattle on the western range in the United States, and many herds, particularly in the South- west, are graded up to very superior character. For the restricted surroundings of the eastern farm, where grazing is not so abun- dant, the Hereford is not so well suited. Yet in New England, and especially in Maine, Herefords have long been jiopular. The THE HEREFORD 21 I oxen of this breed ha\e for many years met with favor in the hills of New England. In the United States, however, the Here- ford is chiefly found west of the Mississippi, though herds are found in all the northern states. Prices for Herefords have never passed through such extreme variations as have the Shorthorns, though some very high ones have been paid. Lord Wilton (4740) was sold at auction in 1884 Fig. S6. Black's Ohio Champion. A grade yearling Hereford range steer, held by the noted feeder, D. W. Black, Lyndon, Ohio. Bred by Swenson Bros, of Te.\as. One of the grand champion car lot of feeder calves at the 1904 show of the International Live Stock Exposition. Also one of the first- prize car lot of yearlings fed by Mr. Black for the 1905 show. Purchased by the Ohio State University. Photograph by the author for $19,000, but the buyer could not cash his bid, so the bull was later sold to William Tudge and Thomas Fenn for $5000. The highest price paid for a Hereford in America was for Crusader 86596, at the sale of Clem Graves of Indiana, on September 16, 1902, which brought ;^ 10,000, and the cow Dolly 2d 61799 which brought $7000, both being purchased by Edward Haw- kins of Indiana. The bull Perfection 92891, by Dale, on Jan- uary 7, 1902, was purchased at the sale of Thomas Clark in 212 cattlp: Chicago by G. H. Hoxic of Illinois for $9000. Among some of the other high-priced Herefords may be mentioned the imported bulls The Grove 3d 2490, purchased by Adams Earl for $7000 ; Sir Bartle Frere 6419, by the same, for $3500; and Protector, by F. A. Nave, for $6000. A summary of sales of 5647 head as sold at auction from 1891 to 1900 inclusive, published by the Kansas Board of Agriculture, shows an average price of $236.92. The organization of Hereford cattle interests is well established in England and the United States. The Hereford Herdbook was first published in 1846 by T. C. Eyton, and in 1884 the Hereford Cattle Breeders' Association of England was organized, and took over the publication of the herdbook, of which about thirty volumes have been published. T. L. Miller of Illinois pub- lished in 1 88 1 the first Aincriam Hereford Herdbook, and the same year the American Hereford Breeders' Association was organized. Up to January i, 1906, there had been published twenty-seven volumes, showing a registration of 205,000 animals. Fig. 87. A pasture view in Herefordshire. I'liolograph by the author CHAPTER XXIX THE ABERDEEN ANGUS The native home of the Aberdeen Angus breed of cattle is in northeastern Scotland, especially in the counties of Aberdeen, Kincardine, and Forfar. In southern Aberdeen, in the Buchan district, the breed was long known as "Buchan humlies," while in the section of Forfar known as Angus these cattle were called " Angus Doddies." The words "humle " and " dodded " are the Scotch terms for polled or hornless. This section of Scotland is north of 56° and lies about a thousand miles north of the latitude of Chicago. The climate is rather damp and cold much of the time. The land is hilly or mountainous in the main, much of it being better suited to grazing than anything else, though roots, oats, and hay are quite extensively produced. The origin of the Aberdeen Angus is purely speculative. Among the wild white cattle of Britain were polled animals, and the Aberdeen Angus may have descended from these. Some of the Scotch writers incline to the belief that this breed is a sport from a black breed with horns, which formerly existed in Scot- land. Hornless cattle have been known in Scotland for long over a century. In an account book kept by a Mr. Graham record is made June 9, 1752, of purchasing a two-year-old heifer " doded." The first printed reference to hornless cattle in Angus is dated 1797 in the Old Statistical Account of the parish of Bendochy, where it is said of 1229 cattle in the parish " many of them are dodded, wanting horns." Youatt, about 1835, wTotc "that there have always been polled cattle in Angus," and states that attention was first directed to them by enterprising farmers about 1775. Mr. William Forbes of Aberdeenshire, writing Macdonald and Sinclair over thirty years ago, mentions two sorts of polled cattle common in Buchan about the beginning of the last century. One of these was a rather small, puny type, thin-fleshed, such as the 214 CATTLE crofters (small farm renters) kept ; the other a larger kind, some black, some brindled, which more readily submitted to Shorthorn blood than did the former, and lacked its power of reproduction of polled character. The earliest improvers of Aberdeen Angus cattle include the Watson family, William McCombie, Lord Panmure, Lord South- esk, William Fiillerton, Mr. I^owie at Mains of Kelly, Sir George Macpherson Grant, and Mr. Robert Walker. Numerous other breeders materially assisted in the improvement during the first third of the nineteenth century, though none of these accom- plished as much as the first two named. Hugh Watson of Keillor, Meigle, Forfar, was the first really great Aberdeen Angus improver, the Colling of this breed. He was born in 1789, became a tenant at Keillor in 1808, and remained there 56 years, dying in 1865. His father and grand- father were lovers of good cattle, and when Hugh went to Keil- lor he took six cows and a bull, all black, with him. He also bought the same year at Brechin ten of the best heifers of various colors that he could find, and a black bull named Tarnty Jock. Most writers assume that Watson began his work of improvement on settling at Keillor, but his daughter states that this did not begin until about 181 5 or 18 16, his ambition being aroused by a visit to the English Shorthorn country. Watson in-and-in bred and produced a more early-maturing, heavier-fleshed, blockier type that dressed out better than ever before. He also emphasized family lines and bred each family rather within itself. His bull Old Jock (i), calved in 1842, a great-grandson of Tarnty Jock, was his most valuable sire, possessing remarkable quality and constitution, and was a famous show animal. Watson's most famous cow. Old Grannie (i), was one of the wonders of the bovine race. She lived to be 36 years old and had 25 calves, the last, a bull of merit, Hugh (130), being dropped in her twenty- ninth year. Watson won hundreds of prizes at the shows and did much to imi)r(>\e and popularize the breed. William McCombie was born at Tillyfour, Aberdeen, in 1805 and died in 1880, a few months before the dispersal of his herd. In 1830 he began a polled herd and purchased from the best breeders of his county. He was a great believer in the importance THE ABERDEEN ANGUS 215 of individual merit coupled with superior pedigree, and em- phasized the value of the sire. At William Fullerton's sale he bought Queen Mother (348) from which he developed the famous Queen tribe. McCombie bred Pride of Aberdeen (581), the founder of the Pride family and one of the most famous show cows of the breed. McCombie improved on the work of Watson and became his worthy successor. His success in the show ring was marvelous. He not only exhibited at the leading Scotch Fig. 88. Lucy's Prince 4'-'iSj, by Ringmaster. Grand champion Aberdeen Angus bull at the International Live Stock Exposition in 1903 and 1904. A well-known prize winner at leading shows elsewhere. Owned by D. Bradfute & Son, Xenia, Ohio. Photograph by the author shows but also in France on four different occasions, always with eminent success. In 1878 his herd at the Paris Interna- tional Exposition won the grand championship against all breeds and attracted international attention. Many regard McCombie as the most distinguished improver and promoter of the breed. Sir George Macpherson Grant of Ballindalloch is considered the most important of modern Aberdeen Angus breeders. Cattle of this kind had been bred on his estate for very many years and were long of high repute, but since the dispersal of the McCombie herd in 1880, the Ballindalloch herd has been regarded as the 2i6 CATILK premier one of Scotland. Here some of the best bulls of the breed produced in the past twenty-five years have been bred, including Juryman (421), Ermine Bearer 1749, King of Trumps 2690, Bushranger (732), Justice 854, Judge 473, Prince Ito (50006), Bion 36986, Emulus 20417, Eblito 50098, and Eques- trian 34216. The cows Erica 184, Jilt 422, and Coquette 2538 are among the famous founders of families at Ballindalloch. William Fullerton founded a herd at Ardovie in 1834 and added much to the prestige of the breed through the use of the bull Panmure (51), bought at Lord Panmure's sale in 1841. Fullerton bred Queen Mother by Panmure, the cow McCombie later purchased, the founder of the Ouccn tribe. The Aberdeen Angus tribes in special favor to-day are the fol- lowing : Queen descended from Queen Mother (41), Erica from Erica 184, Pride from Pride of Aberdeen 38, Blackbird from Lady Ida 686, Heather B/oojh from Heather Blossom 306, N'osc- gay from Nosegay 2251, and Coquette from Coquette 2538. Of these the Blackbird at present is in most favor. There are numer- ous other families of merit in addition to the above, but these are most popular. The introduction of Aberdeen Angus cattle to America was com- paratively recent. In 1873 George Grant of Victoria, Kansas, brought the first to America, the importation being three bulls, two of which were shown at the Kansas State Fair. These bulls were imported to use on western range cows. In 1876 the Ontario Agricultural College at Guelph brought to Canada two bulls and a cow. In 1878 Anderson & Findlay of Lake Poorest, Illinois, imported five cows and a bull, this being the first firm to exhibit prominently in the Central West. In 1879 F. B. Red- field of Batavia, New York, and in 1880 George Whitfield of Rougemont, Quebec, made importations. In 1881 and 1882 a number of importations were made, including a very superior lot by Gudgell & Simpson of Missouri. In 1882 Mr. T. W. Harvey established at Turlington, Nebraska, in charge of William Watson, a son of the famous Hugh, a herd of Aberdeen Angus that for ten years, until its dispersion, was a wonderful factor in advertis- ing the breed, containing as it did some of the most noted cattle of the time. Others who have been most important contributors to THE ABERDEEN ANGUS 17 the success of the breed in the United States are J. S. Goodwin, L. McWhorter, Evans & Son, Palmer & Palmer, J. J. Rodgers, and B. R. Pierce & Son of Illinois ; Leslie & Burwell of Wisconsin ; W. A. McHenry and A. C. Binnie of Iowa ; M. A. Judy of Indiana ; Wallace Estill and Hugh Elliott of Missouri; J. J. Hill of Min- nesota ; D. Bradfute & Son and J. S. Hine of Ohio, and Dr. Craik, Mossom Boyd & Co., and M. H. Cochrane of Canada. Characteristics of the Aberdeen Angus. In general conforma- tion this breed differs somewhat from the Shorthorn and Here- ford, the head being polled and the body more cylindrical in Fig. S9. Juba of Morlich 62233 (imp.), by Rover of Craibstone 55014. A promi- nent Aberdeen Angu.s prize-winning bull. Sold in 1904 by C. H. Gardner of Illinois, in public sale for $1200. Photograph by the author form, w^hile compactness is a strong feature. The Jiead tapers at the poll and is somewhat prominent in the forehead, while the distance between the prominent eyes is considerable and the length of nose only medium. The head as a whole impresses one as belonging to a good feeder type, showing a strong, full muzzle and nostril. The iicck is usually smoothly attached to head and shoulder, showing excellent finish, but the shoulder sometimes tends to be a bit prominent instead of nicely laid. The typical body has a rounded rather than sciuarc turn of rib, thus not 2l8 cwri'i,!-: showing the broad flat loin so cc^mtnon with Shorthorn or Here- ford though heavily and thickly fleshed. The ribs show consider- able depth, and arc usually very smoothly fleshed over. The back tends to dip some at the withers, though with the best speci- mens this is not so. The body has a great relative depth, I'lii.wu. I.advnt Me.ulowhiDi.k J I 41 III, by Zaire 5th 13067. A noiccl Aberdeen Angus show cow, winning the highest awards in 1898, 1899, and 1900 at the leading fairs. Owned by D. Bradfute & Son, Xenia, Ohio. Photograph from the A'atioiial Stockman and Fanner with a corresponding shortness of leg. The hips of the Aberdeen Angus are usually nicely covered and well laid in. The rump frequently slopes considerably to each side of the tail head, which may set level or be a bit high, but is usually long and heavily fleshed. The thigh and twist carry as great a relative proportion of meat to bone as any breed of beef cattle, though it often lacks the squareness of the Shorthorn at theback thigh, being rounder in outline and very deep in the twist. The leg is usually rather short and fine in quality of bone and joint. The almost universal color is black, though red occurs at rare intervals. Originally brindles, browns, striped, and reds were common, but these colors are in great disfavor and all but black are practically of interest only historically. According to the by-laws of the American Aberdeen Angus Association, " Males red in color, or with a THK ABERDEEN ANGUS 219 noticeable amount of pure white above the underUne, or on leg- or legs, or with scurs, shall not be eligible to entry for breeding purposes." A black cod is preferred in the bull, but white udders with cows, with some white between navel and udder on females, are not objectionable. Red cows may be registered, however, and also black ones with small white spots on head, body, or legs. In quality this breed is of the first rank, as shown by the mellow, elastic, medium thick skin, the fine coat of hair, and moderate joints and small bone. Compared with the Galloway, the Aberdeen Angus has a smoother, shorter coat of hair, and generally a shorter, blockier type of body, with more spring and depth of rib. The temperament in general is somewhat more Fig. 91. niackbird 26th 54457, by Black Monarch of Emerson 30331. Grand champion Aberdeen Angus female at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904. Owned by W. J. Martin, Churdon, Iowa. Photograph by the author nervous than that of the Shorthorn. In iveigJit this breed ranks high, and is most deceptive in this respect, bulls easily attaining 2200 pounds and cows 1400. Some very large specimens of the breed are recorded, the famous bull Judge weighing as much as 2800 pounds and his brother Justice in full flesh exceeding 3000 2 20 CAl TLE pounds. Probably no breed weighs heavier for its size than this, though as a whole it may perhaps be ranked second in weight to Shorthorn and Hereford. The quality of its flesh is unsurpassed, the grain of the meat being fine, dressing out a large per cent of carcass, often up to 65 per cent. The Aberdeen Angus in crossing or grading ranks as unsur- passed. Bulls of this breed on common cows produce superior market cattle. In Scotland a favorite cross is using white Short- horn bulls on black polled cattle, thus producing blue-gray cattle Fig. 92. \ .lLl ;,;:!. by lunulus of Keillor I'aik zUzSo. The leading first- prize and champion Aberdeen Angus cow of 1902 and 1903. Sold by C. H. Gardner of Illinois, at auction in 1904, for $750. Photograph from the A\i/!oiic7l Sioclaiian and Farmer that meet the most discriminating market requirement. On the western range the Aberdeen Angus has not secured so strong a foothold as the Hereford, but his grade progeny is thick fleshed, short of leg, fast maturing, a good feeder, and kills the equal of anything in the market. It will be fortunate for our beef-cattle interests when more Aberdeen Angus males are used to grade up common herds. The Aberdeen Angus as a dairy cow ranks very fair, though not high. Many excellent milkers exist among them, but the breed THE ABERDEEN ANGUS 22 1 is not the equal of the Shorthorn in this respect. The higher class beef type tends away from dairy production in any breed. The Aberdeen Angus steer in the show ring has made a remark- able record, lor almost since the day of Hugh Watson this breed has been at the front as a meat producer. In 1829 Watson showed a pair of oxen that attracted much notice, one of which was slaughtered and its carcass said to be of rare quality. McCombie showed a steer, Black Prince, which at four years of age, in 1867, won the highest honors at Birmingham and Fig. 93. Clear Lake Jute 2d. A purebred Aberdeen Angus steer. Grand champion at the International Live Stock Exposition, Chicago, 1904. Fed and shown by the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture. Photograph from the A'ational Stockman and Far?ncr Smithfield. This steer was sent to Windsor for inspection by Queen Victoria, at her request, so great was his fame, and later he sold for $600 for slaughter. For years either pure-bred or grade Aberdeen Angus steers have held the highest places of honor at the leading English fat stock shows, at the Chicago and Kansas City fat stock shows, and at the International Live Stock Exposi- tion. The following are some of the more important prizes won by Aberdeen Angus pure-bred or grade steers in American show rings. The first pure steer of the breed shown was Black Prince, imported by Geary Brothers of Canada in 1883, and exhibited 2 2 2 CATTLE that year at the Kansas City and American fat stock shows, weighing 2300 pounds as a three-year-old. He was not made grand champion, but at Chicago was awarded sweepstakes as the best three-year-old beast passed on by butchers. In 1885 the steer Sandy, shown by Gudgell & Simpson, won the yearling championship of the Kansas City and Chicago shows, and also the medal offered by the Polled Cattle Society of Scotland. In 1886 Sandy was champion steer of the Kansas City show, winning numerous prizes for being the best steer shown. At 939 days he weighed 1885 pounds. In 1887, at the same show. Black Prince of Turlington, a famous bullock exhibited by T. W. Har- vey, won the sweepstakes over the steer Dot shown by Messrs. Estill of Missouri, though the next year at the American P^at Stock Show at Chicago Dot was grand champion over all breeds. For some years on, the exhibit of Angus steers did not attract much attention, the cattle market being very quiet. The Aberdeen Angus steer at the International Live Stock Exposition secured premier place from the first. The first Inter- national was held in 1900, and since then the steer show there has been large and the competition keen. The show in classes has been notable, but the breed record in grand championship has been equally so, it being as follows : Name of Steer OWiNER Year Champion Price Sold Per Pound Advance (pure-bred) . . Shamrock (grade) . . . Clear Lake Jute 2d (pure- bred) Black Rock (grade) . . B. R. Pierce, Illinois . . Iowa Agricultural College . Minnesota Agricultural College Iowa Agricultural College . 1900 1902 1904 1905 .56 ■36 ■25 No other breed has made so fine a record in winning this high honor. In car-load lots the Aberdeen Angus also won champion- ship at Chicago as follows : 1900, by L. H. Kerrick of Illinois ; 1902, Charles Eschcr, Iowa; 1904, Claus Krambeck of Iowa; 1905, Claus KramlK'ck. The prices brought by Aberdeen Angus cattle have not ranged as high as those brought by Shorthorn or Hereford, but have made THE ABERDEEN ANGUS 223 a very good showing. Figures compiled by the Kansas Board of Agriculture of sales from 189210 1901 inclusive, including 3269 head, give an average price realized per head of $213.24, the bulls averaging 3190.09 and the cows $232.07. The highest prices of interest areas follows : Prince Ito 50006, by Eltham (9120), sold by M. A. Judy, February 4, 1902, at Chicago to B. R. Pierce & Son for $9100, the record price to date for a bull of the breed. The female. Blackcap Judy 40226, by Black Monarch of Emer- son 30331, at the same sale, offered by Mr. Judy, brought $6300 from C. H. Gardner of Illinois, the record price for a cow of the breed. Other animals that have brought high prices are Gay Lad 19538 (bull), $3050; Black Knight of Estill 9th (bull), $2100; Blackbird Wellington 2d (bull), $3010; Lucia Estill (cow), $2800; Waterside Blackcap 155 1 (cow), $2050; Blackbird of Corskie 2d 1235 (cow), $2050. Many cattle of this breed have sold for from Siooo to $2000 per head. The prices brought by Aberdeen Angus steers represent the highest of the market. Advance, the grand champion of the International of 1900, sold at auction the week of the show for $1.50 a pound. He weighed 1430 pounds, bringing $2145, the highest ])rice per pound for a steer on record. Mr. W. C. McGavock has shown that from 1889 to 1902 inclusive Aber- deen Angus cattle have topped the Christmas beef market, the prices per hundred ranging from $5.50 to S21.50 in 1901, the latter being for the Escher champion car load of steers. Famous Aberdeen Angus cattle in America number many ani- mals, but the following may be appropriately named. Bulls : Ermine Bearer 1749, Black Knight 4751, Heather Lad 2d 7965, Moon Eclipser 8635, Abbotsford 2702, Black Monarch of Emerson 30331, Prince Ito 50006, Gay Lad 19538, Zaire 5th 13067, Black Abbot 10423, Knight of St. Patrick 354, Bushranger 732 and Heather Lad of Emerson 2d 19049; cows: Blackbird of Corskie 685, Blackbird of Corskie 4th 7931, Rosa Bonheur of Turlington 4718, Lady of Meadowbrook 21466, Lucia Windsor 2775, Heather Blossom 306, Blackcap 1552, Blackcap Judy 40226, Barbara P. 3d 19801, Progress of Turlington 71 16, Heather Bloom of TurHngton 71 17, Abbess of Turlington 9327, Zarilda 2d 7057, and Rose of Emerson 3d 22463. 2 24 CATTLE Aberdeen Angus organizations are represented by the Polled Cattle Society of Scotland, organized in 1879, and the American Aberdeen Angus Breeders' Association, organized in 1883. The first Polled Cattle Herdbook was issued in Scotland in 1862, and Galloways were registered in the first four volumes of the Scotch society. The first volume of the American association was published in 1886. Up to January i, 1905, the Scotch society had published twenty-nine volumes and the American fourteen. About 76,000 Aberdeen Angus cattle had been regis- tered in the American herdbooks up to this time. The geographical distribution of the Aberdeen Angus is very widespread. It is generally found in northern Scotland, in various parts of England, Ireland, France, Denmark, Germany, South America, New Zealand, Sandwich Islands, Canada, and the United States. In America the breed has met with the most favor in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri, and on the ranges westward of the Mississippi, both north and south. The Aberdeen Angus, according to some, is hardly the equal of the Hereford on the range, although it holds high rank and is in favor there. CHAPTER XXX THE GALLOWAY The native home of Galloway cattle is in southwestern Scot- land adjacent to the sea. Here exists a district, comprising the counties of Wigton and Kirkcudbright and parts of Ayr and Dumfries, that formed the ancient province or kingdom of Galloway, and from this the breed takes its name. This region is generally rough, excepting near the seashore, and the soil is thin and gravelly. In the southern part the land is better suited for cultivation ; in the north, in Dumfries and parts of Ayr, it is mountainous. Here the climate is frequently damp and cloudy and often cold and inclement. The origin of the Galloway, like that of the Aberdeen Angus, is quite obscure. Youatt states that about 1750 the greater part of the cattle of Galloway were horned, but some of them were polled, a feature of this breed. In 1789 George Culley wrote of "polled or humbled " cattle, and stated that "for the original of these we must look in Galloway." Culley also notes that graziers and drovers took them in prodigious numbers to the fairs in Norfolk and Suffolk, England. Possibly the breed is descended from polled wild cattle. Various British authorities in- dicate that the Galloway is essentially a Kyloc or West Highland breed devoid of horns, and may be a sport from this. Some author- ities insist that Galloways have always been a true polled breed. The improvement of the Galloway dates back into the eighteenth century. Culley states that the breeders of Galloway complain that the old breed has become much worn out. He then says that there is little doubt of its not only "being recovered, but still more improved, when such a leading nobleman as Lord Selkirk is among the breeders. Mr. Murray of Broughton and Mr. Her- ring of Corrough-tree have been long very eminent in the breed- ing of Galloway cattle. Mr. Craik, Mr. Dalyell, and several others 225 2 26 CAITLE have tried a cross from Mr. Bakcwell's bulls." This then was a Longhorn cross on the Galloway, but Culley says that with what success he has not been able to learn, though breeders were gen- erally against crossing this on Longhorns or any other breed. The Galloway was also crossed on the cattle of Westmoreland and Fig. 94. Worthy 3d (imp.) 21228. A great prize-winning Galloway bull in Scotch show.s, grand champion male of the breed at the Louisiana Pur- chase Exposition in 1904, and champion at numerous other leading American shows. Imported by C. E. Clark, St. Cloud, Minnesota. Photo- graph by the author Cumberland, England. Besides the above breeders, Youatt, about 1835, mentions as early improvers the Gordons of Greenlaw, the Maxwells of Munches, and the Maitlands of Kirkcudbright ; and in Wigton the Earl of Galloway, the Maxwells of Mouneith, the McDowals of Logan, the Cathcarts of Genoch, the Hathorns of Castle-Wig, and the Stewarts of Phygell. It has been assumed that in-and-in breeding has not been practiced by Galloway improvers, but that the development of the breed has been largely due to careful selection, the breeders of Scotland generally uniting in this work. About 1840 dairying became ]M)i)ular in Galloway district, notably Ayr and Dumfries, and as the polled IHK (}ALLOWAY 227 cattle were not essentially good dairy producers, the people neglected them and turned to dairy stock, especially Ayrshires. In general Galloways suffered severely from neglect, and the number sensibly diminished all over the district. A few men, however, clung to the breed in its j^urity and worked for its imj^rovement, notably the Duke of Buccleuch, James Graham of Meikle Culloch, and the Messrs. Shennan of Balig. In 185 i a step forward was taken by establishing an annual Galloway bull sale at Lockerbie, and soon after another was established at Castle Douglas. In 1862 the Herdbook Society was organized, but it is said that active interest in the breed was not renewed until about 1877. The introduction of the Galloway to America occurred long ago, though just when is uncertain. Polled cattle came to this country in some of the early importations. L. F. Allen states that in 1837 he saw a very fine black polled Galloway cow at the General Hospital in Philadelphia, but he did not ascertain how she came there. In 1853 Graham Brothers of Vaughan, Ontario, made the first importation to Canada, though L. F. Allen thinks they were brought to the vicinity of Toronto about 1850. In 1857 Allen saw upwards of forty of the breed at a show at Brantford, and later saw them elsewhere in Canada. In 1 86 1 Thomas McCrae of Guelph, Ontario, made his first importation, and did much to promote the breed, being a leader in the work. Galloways were slow of introduction into the United States, coming to Michigan in 1870 and spreading from there into Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Even then the breed was very slightly known. In 1885 Mr. M. R. Piatt of Kansas City exhibited some Galloways at the Cotton States Exposition at New Orleans. Fig. 95. Scottish Standard (imp.) 15221, a Galloway bull owned by Brookside Farm, Ft. Wayne, Indiana ; famous as a sire. Pho- tograph by the author 2 28 CATTLE Associations for the promotion of Galloways were first organized in 1862 in Scotland, although Aberdeen Angus were registered with the Galloways in the first four volumes of the herdbook. Then came a breed separation, and later, in 1877, followed the or- ganization of the Galloway Cattle Society, with the first Galloway herdbook appearing in 1878. The American Galloway Cattle Breeders' Association was formed at Chicago on November 23, 1882, although ten years previous to this the Ontario Galloway Stock Register of Pure Bred Galloways had been established by the Agricultural and Arts Association of Ontario. The first American herdbook, known as the North American Galloivay Herdbook, \W3.^ published in 1883, since which, up to 1905, there have been published fifteen volumes, showing 27,000 registrations. The characteristics of the Galloway. This breed in general appearance is short of leg and close to the ground, is polled, black of color, has very thick long hair, especially in winter, and is somewhat longer of body and flatter of rib than the Aberdeen Angus. Without going into general details, certain features of the breed demand special consideration. The head in a good type should be polled and absolutely free from scurs or abortive horns, the poll being less peaked than in the Aberdeen Angus. There should be strong breadth between the eyes, with shortness from eyes to end of muzzle, which should be large with ample nostrils. The ear, Wallace, the Scotch author, states, is set rather farther back than in most breeds and should point upward and forward. A fine, broad, pointed ear covered with long hair is characteristic. The body of the Galloway is somewhat cylindrical and has considerable length. The ntmp is long and the hind quarter is usually well developed, especially in the lower thigh. In quality the breed is superior, for the bone is reasonably fine, the skin mellow, and the hair very fine, silky, curly, and long. The color is generally black, though a brownish or reddish tint frequently occurs in the black, and is regarded by some as an indication of purity. White or other color is a disqualification. Formerly the breed varied in color, when there were brindles, dun-colored, or drab, and some with white spots. About 1835 Youatt wrote that dark colors were uniformly preferred from the belief that they indicate hardiness of constitution. THE GALLOWAY 229 Criticisms of the Galloway haxc long been made by Amer- ican stockmen, more especially for lack of spring and fullness of rib, slackness of back, prominence of tail head, and slow response to generous feeding. Some of these criticisms are justified, but the breed has been greatly improved over its form of twenty-five years ago, and is now less subject to unfavorable comment. The modern type of Galloway represents an animal that is free from some of the deficiencies referred to. Through the efforts of the more prominent breeders of Scotland and America the Fig. 96. Evaline 2d of Avondale 20124, grand champion Galloway female at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904, and at numerous other promi- nent shows. Bred by O. H. Swigart, Champaign, Illinois. Photograph by the author last dozen years have seen a great improvement in the breed. A wider-backed, blockier, better-fleshed, easier-feeding sort has resulted from a more careful selection and a more discriminating use of bulls on superior cows. Even yet, however, the Galloway does not as a rule mature as early or fatten as rapidly as the Shorthorn, Hereford, or Aberdeen Angus, although Galloway cattle produce a very high-class meat, fine in grain and flavor, with the fat internal rather than external, and command a superior price on the market. 230 C ATT LI' The hardiness of the Galloway is one of its inherited character- istics, and it seems eminently suited to a place on the western range where food may be scarce and where the rigors of winter are great. The thick, long coat of hair gives it better protection from cold than is provided any other recognized beef breed in America. It is for this reason and for its rustling ability that the Galloway is attaining more and more popularity on the western and northwestern range. The hide of the Galloway, with its thick and long fall or winter coat, has a distinct value in itself. Properly tanned it furnishes a lap robe, overcoat, or floor rug, surpassing in beauty the pelt of the buffalo, now so highly prized. Good Galloway floor rugs or lap robes easily sell for twenty-five dollars, and overcoats of this fur have changed hands at high prices. In the northwestern United States and Canada coats of this fur are very common in winter. The Galloway as a meat producer, as has been indicated, has always ranked high. For many years large droves of Galloways, said to exceed twenty thousand a year, were driven from Scotland into England and fattened and sold for beef, where they met with much favor. Galloway cattle have never been raised in large numbers excepting in the (jalloway district, and so have not usually been important factors in the show ring, at least out- side of Scotland. Until recently the steers have not attracted attention in America, and as yet have not attained the highest honors of the American shows in open competition. They feed uniformly and smoothly, patches and rolls being uncommon. The cross-bred Galloway has a distinct place in the meat mar- ket of England, for the mating of white Shorthorn bulls on Gal- loway cows has produced a famous class of blue-gray feeders which kill out surpassingly well, often reaching 65 per cent. The Iowa Agricultural College has experimented some with this breeding, and has shown a few choice blue grays at the Inter- national Live Stock Exposition at Chicago. From time to time "prime Scots" are quoted in the English markets, and in this case these are often blue grays. In 1892 the champion steer at the Smithfield show, England, was a cross between a Gallo- way cow and Shorthorn bull, which at 1250 days weighed 2276 pounds, an average daily gain of 1.82 pounds from birth. THE GALLOWAY 231 Mr. O. n. Swigart, in writing on the (julloway, reports on two loads of range calves exhibited by a Colorado man, the offspring of common grade cows, many of them Holsteins and Jerseys, but all sired by registered Galloway bulls. These calves won first and third prizes in their class, and one load won champion- ship in class over other breeds by ages, and grand championship over all breeds and all ages as feeders. They were purchased by an Indiana feeder and returned to market July 9, 1902. They had an average weight of 1177 pounds, and brought $8.45 per Fig. 97. Adela of Flamboro 12783, a high-class Galloway cow owned by Brookside Farm, Ft. Wayne, Indiana. This picture shows the summer coat of hair, the author having taken the photograph on July 4. Fig. 96 shows the long, curly winter coat, with some fancy grooming hundred, within five cents of the highest price ever paid on this market for range-bred cattle of any breed, show-yard animals alone excepted. The prepotency of the Galloway is of the first rank. Within the breed there exists much uniformity of transmission of character. In crossing or grading, where Galloway sires are used, the offspring almost always inherits the color and features of the sire. James Biggar, one of the most noted recent Scotch breeders, states in regard to the power of transmission, that 232 CAT'lI.E " when a Galloway bull is crossed with any horned breed nearly 90 per cent of the produce will be black and 95 to 100 per cent without horns." Mr. A. M. Thompson of Missouri reports using a Galloway bull on a herd of Shorthorn cows with very great success, 98 per cent of the calves being black and all natural polls. Galloways also cross very successfully with Herefords, producing beef of the finest quality. The progeny of Galloway bulls on other breeds, says Robert Wallace, the Scotch authority, "are on the average distinctly inferior." The Galloway as a milk producer has no special record and very little is said on this point by writers on the breed, excepting 1' 10. 9S. A pair of CJalloway cows in the ring at the Royal Show, Man- chester, England, 1897. No. 1429 is Dora of Durhamhill (13550) and 1430 is Maggie Lauder of Durhaihhill (13994). The judges disagreed on these two for first place. Photograph by the author that the cows are amply able to raise their calves. In fact this is distinctly a beef breed, and no attempt has been made to show the dairy qualities of the cows. Here and there note is made of a milk producer, as, for example, the cow Rosy 4th of Mr. R. B. Carus, of Michigan, reported by him to have been an extra milker, making as high as 42^ pounds of milk in a day, testing 7.25 per cent fat by Babcock machine. The quality of the milk is regarded as superior. The size of the Galloway hardly equals that of the Shorthorn, Hereford, or Aberdeen i\ngus, and it may be rated as a bit smaller than these, at the same age. Mr. A. M. Thompson states that THE GALLOWAY 233 as yearlings past they can be made to weigh from 1000 to 1200 pounds; at two, 1200 to 1400; at three, from 1400 to 1600. Typical bulls will weigh about 1800 to 1900 pounds, and cows 1 200 to 1 300 pounds. The distribution of the Galloway is jnainly in Scotland and America. The breed is found in small herds as a rule, east of the Mississippi, though some of the best-known herds are in Indiana an^" nrmoisT Galloways are found on the ranges and farms all over the far West, and especially in the Canadian Northwest. Im- portant herds are also found in Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. American improvers of the Galloway of special note are Brook- side Farm, Indiana; O. H. Swigart and Marion Parr, Illinois; Wavertree Farm and N. P. Clarke, Minnesota ; C. N. Moody, Missouri ; E. H. White, Iowa ; and John and David McCrae, Canada. These firms have brought the breed most promi- nently before the public and have bred or imported some of the best specimens of Galloways to be found in Scotland. Galloway bulls of distinction that have materially helped to give fame to the breed in more recent times are Camp Follower (5042), Pathfinder 3d (5991), Scottish Standard (6488) 15221, Kekionga (2894) 2894, Druid of Castlemilk (6159) 17054, King Hensol 9967, Camp Follower of Stepford {7476), and Worthy 3d (7762) 21228. The prices derived for Galloways do not average high, yet, in view of the lack of knowledge of the breed, they make a fair showing. A summary of 740 animals sold at auction from 1892 to 1 90 1 inclusive, published by the Kansas Board of Agriculture, shows an average of $126.75 P^'' head for both sexes, or $141.43 for 233 bulls and $110.51 for 318 cows. CHAPTER XXXI THE SUSSEX The native home of Sussex cattle is in the county of Sussex, bordering the English Channel in south England, though they are also bred in the adjoining counties of Kent, Surrey, and Hamp- shire. The land is tenacious and clayey and more or less rolling, the famous Southdown hills passing through the southern part. The climate is mild and the grazing superior. The origin of Sussex cattle is associated with that of the Devon and Hereford, dating back several centuries. These cattle were formerly bred for draft purposes and were largely used to cultivate the soil on the farms of Sussex and Kent. In early days the Sussex much resembled the larger cattle of north Devon. The introduction of Sussex cattle to America first took place in 1884, when Mr. Overton Lea imported a considerable herd, which he has since maintained near Nashville, Tennessee. In 1 89 1 several head were imported to Canada for the Agricultural College at Guelph, though perhaps others preceded them into that region. The characteristics of Sussex cattle. The color is a solid red, a moderately deep shade being preferred. The Jiorns incline to be large and long, curving around in front, often inclining down- ward slightly. The nose is of flesh color. T\\q. form is essentially blocky, the ribs being well sprung and long, and the body capa- cious. The rump is long, level, and broad, and the thighs of a distinctly thick, beefy sort. The skin is mellow and thick and is often covered with a thick coat of hair .which in winter is frequently curly. Compared with Devons they present more size and general beefiness, do not tend to the dual-purpose type, give less milk, have heavier horns, thicker necks, deeper shoulders, and are coarser appearing. 234 THE SUSSEX 235 The size of Sussex cattle is large, comparable with the Here- ford, which they somewhat resemble, excepting for color. Some Sussex have attained very heavy weights. Cows frequently weigh about 1400 pounds and bulls 2000 pounds. The beef properties of Sussex cattle are superior and may be fairly compared with the Shorthorn for merit. From early days in the last century the breed has made an excellent record in the fat stock show contests of England. In Feeds and Feeding Professor Henry gives the following record of Sussex cattle shown at the Smithfield show between 1888 and 1895: I year old 3 " " Number Animals 17 18 677 days 1285 Average Daily Gain 2.15 lb. 1.86 " I.61 " Live Weight 1452 lb. 1837 " 2064 " Per cent Dres.sed 65.42 68.18 67.98 Mr. W. W. Chapman, in the Live Stock Journal Almanac for 1903, also publishes a table of Sussex weights and gains based on Smithfield Club shows. In this 13 steers, averaging about 681 days old, weighed an average of 1433^ pounds; six, with an average of 1043 days, weighed 1829 pounds; and ten heifers, averaging 979 days, weighed 1588^ pounds. In 1902 the first-prize Sussex two-year-old steer at the Smith- field show dressed 68.02 per cent. In 1885 at the American Fat Stock Show a yearling Sussex steer received the class prize on the butcher's block and came within one vote of win- ning sweepstakes. Housman states that the averages for Sus- sex steers between three and four years old exhibited at the Smithfield Club Show during 1882, 1883, 1884, and 1885 showed a general average weight of about i8i hundredweight (2072 pounds). The milk-giving qualities of Sussex cattle are such as might be expected with a breed tending strongly to beef production, being somewhat inferior. The breed in recent years has not met with favor in this respect. The milk, however, is superior in quality if not in quantity. 236 CATTLE Cross-bred and grade Sussex cattle do well for beef production, making good grazers well suited to the Mississippi Valley, where feed is abundant. Sussex sires on native or grade cows should result in a class of cattle that will dress a high per cent. The early maturing and grazing value of the Sussex is highly testified to by various breeders. As grazers Mr. Lea rates the breed as equal to the Hereford, but it is doubtful if they will mature as early. The distribution of Sussex cattle is rather limited. There are numerous herds in southeastern and southern Enirland. In the Fig. 99. General Roberts (500) a Sussex bull imported by Mr. Overton Lea, Nashville, Tennessee, in 1884. Won first prize in class at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show. Photograph from Mr. Lea United States two large herds have been maintained, that of Mr. Lea in Tennessee and one in Maine. There are a few small herds in Canada, Illinois, Indiana, and in some of the trans- Mississippi states. Sussex have also been imported to South THE SUSSEX 237 Africa, Kgypt, Antigua, and perhaps to other British colonies. Whether the breed will become more popular time only can tell. It has not }et been much tried outside of its native home, but it seems to have succeeded there and at the same time to have made a good showing- for itself in public competition. Fig. 100. The Sussex cow Milkmaid. Photograph from Mr. Overton Lea, Nashville, Tennessee The promotion of the Sussex breed first took place in England. Mr. Alfred Heasman of Little Hampton, Sussex, published the first three volumes of a Sussex herdbook, Vol. I commencing with pedigrees from 1855. In 1888 the Sussex Herdbook Society acquired the records. From that time up to 1905 this society has published twenty herdbooks. The American Sussex Cattle Association was organized in 1888, and Vol. I of the herd register is to be issued in 1906. CHAPTHR XXXII THE WEST HIGHLAND The native home of West Highland cattle is in the elevated uplands of western Scotland. This particularly applies to that section known as the Highlands in Argyll, Inverness, and Perth counties, and the Hebrides Islands off the west coast. The origin of the West Highland breed, which has also been called the "Kyloe " by some, is generally conceded to be derived from the aboriginal cattle of Britain, of which the present wild white cattle are descendants. This breed has been known for centuries, but has been kept on a comparatively small scale. During the first half of the last century two of the herds that improved the breed were those of Mr. Malcolm of Poltalloch in Argyll and the Marquis of Breadalbane of Perth. The introduction of the West Highland cattle to America is of only passing moment. In 1879 Lewis F. Allen, one of the best-informed cattle authorities in America in the nineteenth century, stated that he knew of none in the United States, but was of the impression that a few were imported into Upper Canada some years before. About 1883 some West Highlanders were imported, among which was the cow Maid of Castle Grant, which was shown at a number of fairs in 1888 and 1889 by Judge J. S. Goodwin of Kansas. In 1891 several West High- land cattle were exhibited at the American Fat Stock Show at Chicago. In 1902 Mr. W. M. Van Norden of Westchester County, New York, imported a small herd and made an exhibit at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904. Other cattle of this breed were imported by several persons in 1906. Characteristics of West Highland cattle. This breed is very picturesque and distinct in character. The color is variable, being yellow, red, black, brindle, and a mixture of red and black, the former color jiredominating. Broken colors are not liked. In one 21S THE WEST HIGHLAND 239 herd or in the Scotch shows one may sec all these colors. The Jiair is very long and shaggy, often reaching six inches in length. The head is very hairy and is surmounted by very long, large horns which curve forward and upward with the points wide apart. The horns are white with light colors, or white with dark tips with dark colors. The color of the muzale varies from buff or flesh shade to dark, in harmony with depth of color of hair. Fig. ioi. Head of the Highland bull Sii Andrew (1742), champion of the breed at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904, and one of the few males of the breed in America. Owned by W. M. Van Norden, Rye, New York The Jitrk is short and thick with a mane on top and heavy dewlap below. "In form," says John Robertson of Blair Athol, "it possesses all the characteristics so much and so justly prized in the Shorthorn — the straight back, the short legs, the broad chest, the breadth of loin and depth of rib, and, in short, the 'squareness' and solidity of form which always imply weight, whether in man or beast ; while the noble branching horns, the fine, full, and fearless eye, the short, broad, well-bred muzzle, the 240 CATTLE shaggy coat of richest black or red or dun or brindle color, impart a picturesqueness which is still further enhanced by that grace and deliberation of movement so distinctive of all animals reared in per- fect freedom." The teviperament is wild and bold, due to a con- dition of natural lack of restraint unknown among other breeds. The size of the West Highland cattle is comparatively small, cows perhaps averaging 900 pounds and males 1200, although one sees some lar^rer on the hills and at the shows in Scotland. l''i(.. 102. .Muia UiuuglUy, champion llighUiiJ cow at llie Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904. A very typical specimen. Exhibited by W. M. Van Norden, Rye, New York. Photograph by the author The West Highland breed as a beef producer is superlative so far as quality is concerned. The meat is fine of grain, the fat is well distributed among the lean, the flavor is unsurpassed, and the carcasses dress out well. In the British market beef of this breed ranks at the top. Yet these cattle feed very slowly and mature late, and seem best adapted to feeding under Scotch mountain environment. The hardiness of West Highland cattle is remarkable. Used to a free life on the Scotch hills, where summer and winter they THl': WEST HIGHLAND 241 graze on grass and heather, they seem capable of enduring the roughest climate. In a letter on this breed the Earl of Dunmore wrote in 1887, bearing on their suitability to the more exposed northwestern American range : My average yearly loss has not been three per cent, which in a large fold of some four or five hundred head of cattle is very small. January, February, and March are pretty hard months for them, as they get no food beyond what they pick up on the hills where they are wintered. I have often seen them scraping away the snow to get at the grass ; but notwithstanding their being out all winter, they produce in April and May as strong and lusty-looking calves as a man could wish to see, with lots of bone and tremendous thick coats. That, to my mind, is the coming breed for the great northwestern ranges. Fig. 103. A group of Highland cattle. Photograph from G. M. Rommel, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. The milking qualities of the West Highland are not important, for the cows are milked usually by the calves only. The milk, however, is considered rich in quality. The breeding qualities of West Highland cattle rank high, though the heifers are not bred the first time until three years of age. Earl Dunmore states that he could quote from his private herdbook several cases of cows, after having their first calves at four years, continuing to produce yearly thereafter up to fourteen years of age one living calf and sometimes twins, all of them being born on the mountain side. Cross-bred or grade Highland cattle are best suited to condi- tions where food is scarce and winters rough. Highland bulls on native western-range cows would furnish hardy stock, but it is not likely that it would meet with a favorable reception from buyers, compared with the present very acceptable Hereford, 242 CATTLK Angus, or Galloway grades. I'hc claim is made by excellent Scotch authorities that West Highland cows cross well with bulls of most of the British beef breeds. Where food is abun- dant and the climate not too severe, such a cross may be advis- able. On the more elevated Scotch hills, however, where winter exposure is great, the cross-bred progeny will not do so well as the pure-bred. Such cross-breds could not be expected to have the hardiness of the pure stock. An organization of West Highland cattle breeders was formed by Earl Dunmore in 1884, and a herdbook published that year, some nine volumes having appeared up to 1905. The distribution of the West Highland breed is mainly in Scot- land, in the regions previously indicated, although herds are kept in England, where steers are also fed to a small extent. Although many owners of large estates maintain this breed for its picturesque character and easy keep, yet it is not common, excepting in western Scotland. In view of the fact that this is strictly a mountain breed, one might assume that it would do well on the better pastures of the Alleghany Mountains. Graz- ing of an excellent character is found on the mountains of '^lir- ginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The winters in that region lack the severity of the North, thus permitting living on the range the entire year. CHAPTER XXXIII DAIRY TYPE OF CATTLE The general appearance of dairy cattle is notably different from that of beef stock. They have less thickness of body, less breadth of back, narrower thighs, slenderer neck, and a more muscular character generally. The males are notably narrower at the withers and more divided between the hind quarters, while the females are rather sharp over the withers and full and heavy behind, with udder of ample proportions. A rather long, deep- ribbed, muscular, not fleshy body, and shortness of leg is notable in the high-class male. A triple-wedge form is associated with the dairy cow. Viewed from one side she shows less depth of body in front than behind. Secondly, she gradually widens from the breast to the points of the hips and hind quarters. Thirdly, as one looks down on the back at the withers the form widens out like a wedge towards the middle of the body. Many superior dairy cows show this wedge form in a striking degree, but excep- tions occur, where the heavy milk production is not associated with an ideal dairy shape. Fleshiness with either sex is distinctly objectionable, unless with young animals not yet in lactation. The head of the dairy animal should be lean, broad of muzzle, large of nostril, moderately short and broad of nose, with some dish to the face. Prominent, clear, calm eyes, wide apart, beneath a broad full forehead, are essential. The cheeks should be deep and the lower jaw strong. The fine, medium-sized, thin, pointed ears must be neatly placed and be covered with fine hair on the out- side, with longer hair at tip and edges. If there be horns, they should exhibit quality, not being coarse or shelly. The top of the head, or poll, should be covered with a thick layer of fine long hair, especially in cold weather. A yellow color of the inner skin of ear and a yellowish waxy color to horn, especially at the base, are regarded as indicating that a cow will yield milk rich in fat. 243 244 CATTLE The iicck tends to be long and muscular. With the bulls it is especially strong and heavily muscled, usually possessing a prom- inent arch, while the neck of the cow is thin and long. The lower part of the neck usually has more or less dewlap, this being a thin Q(\'g5 " 36s " 365 " 36s " .365 " Year of Test 1885 1884 1892 1895 1891 1885 1894 1884 1891-1892 1 888-1 889 1 886- I 887 1 885-1886 I 883- I 884 1S79-1880 Since 1893, when the Jersey breed took official part in the dairy-breed competition at the World's Columbian Exposition, Till': JKRSEY 257 when disinterested persons supervised the tests, such large private tests have not been reported. Unquestionably many Jersey cows will yield from 14 to 17 pounds of butter in a week, while a few may pass 20 pounds. The best record made in a week at the Columbian was by the cow Brown Bessie 74997, of 20.163 pounds; in 30 consecutive days her yield was 77.319 pounds. In the Columbian Exposition tests the Fig. 1 10. Mary Anne of St. Lambert 9770, classed as one of the most beautiful Jersey cows of her time. The property of Valancey E. Fuller, then of Canada, she had a private record of 867 pounds 14I ounces butter in 365 days. Photograph by Schreiber Jerseys excelled both Guernsey and Shorthorn in butter-fat pro- duction. In the Pan-American Exposition in 1901 the Jerseys stood second among ten breeds in profitable fat production, the Guernseys leading. In the Louisiana Purchase Exposition the Jerseys surpassed the Holstein-Friesian and Brown Swiss in butter and cost of production, the average cost per pound being loh cents for the Jersey, 13^ for the Holstein, and 14I for the Brown Swiss. In 90 days in this test the Jersey cow Loretta D. 141708 produced 280.16 pounds butter fat at a net profit of 258 CATTLE $50.52. A fair grade of Jersey milk will contain at least 4.5 per cent fat and commonly averai^es more. The Jersey as a producer of quantity of milk, as a rule does not stand high. However, many records show the ability of cows of the breed to produce large quantities. It is not unusual for a Jersey to produce 5000 pounds of milk a year. In the 90-day test at the Columbian Exposition the 25 Jersey cows in the trial, including sick ones, averaged 33 pounds of milk daily, while in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition test the same number of cows for the same period of time averaged 41!- pounds milk per day. The latter is really a remarkable showing. Some notable milk records of Jerseys have been published, amone: which are the following : Notable PKiv.vrE Jersey Milk Records Name of Cow Gertie of Glyiillyn 74474 . . La Petite Mere 2ci 12810 . . Matilda 4th 12816 .... Oneida 42100 Kathletta's Fancy 60738 . . Miss Helen Brice 88340 . . Signal's Lily Flagg 31035 . . Merry Maiden 64949 . . . Adelaide of St. Lambert 73652 Adelaide of St. Lambert 73652 Yield of Milk 16,780 [6,699 [6,153 12,734 ii,7, l)y Island Champion ')-'03, grand- champion Guernsey bull at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904. Owned and exhibited by H. McKay Twombly, Madison, New Jersey. Photograph by the author Guernsey sires on grade cows will give excellent results if intelli- gently followed, yielding very rich milk eminently suited to butter making or city cream or milk trade. If a sire with strong con- stitution is selected for use on grade Jerseys, the constitution, size, and productivity of the herd may be improved ; if used on grade Holstein-Friesian cows, a herd producing richer milk, though not so much, may be expected. The early maturing character of the Guernsey is not marked. The young bulls show masculine traits more slowly than the Jersey, and reach maturity somewhat later. 284 CATTLE Guernsey bulls of special distinction in America are not in large number, due to the fact that until recently the breed has not been prominently before the public, and comparatively few Fig. 126. Princess May 1479 F.S., a choice specimen of a Guernsey cow, and dam of the imported bull Deputy 2917, at head of the Pan- American Exposition Guernsey herd. From a photograph taken by the author on the island of Guernsey elaborate tests of females have been made. The following bulls have attained eminence both as sires and as show animals in the most important exhibitions : Lord Stra/ifoid 2\$j (imported) by Chronicler 418 P.S. Benjamin 1931 by Jeweler 1274. Sheet Anchor 2934 by Lord Stranford 2187. Mainstay 3789 by Sheet Anchor 2934. Lily Ella'' s Jeweler 5417 by Springunde 4302. Lsland Champion 6263 (imported) by Masher 705 P.S. Prince Roscndale 4291 by Viscount 2177. The distribution of the Guernsey breed is mainly restricted to Guernsey Island, England, the United States, and Canada. For many years large and suj)erior herds have been maintained in England, especially in the midland and southern counties. In the United States the breed is best represented in New England THE GUERNSEY 285 and New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin, but is also found occasionally in other states, notably in the East and middle West. Why the Guernsey has not attracted more atten- tion in the United States has never been clear to the author. It is a dairy breed of the highest merit, as repeated tests have shown, yet it is quite limited in development, and does not seem to get much foothold in some of our greatest dairy states, especially in the Mississippi Valley. Organizations for the promotion of Guernsey interests exist on Guernsey and in England and the United States. The Royal Guernsey Agricultural and Horticultural Society has for many years supervised the registration and promotion of Guern- seys on the island. Two herdbooks are maintained, one for Fig. 127. Rutila's Daughter 6670, a very beautiful Guernsey cow with a record of 8988 pounds milk in one year, testing 489.8 pounds butter fat. Owned by H. McKay Twombly, Madison, New Jersey. Photograph by Schreiber general registration, the other for advanced registry. The Eng- lish Guernsey Cattle Society was organized in 1885 and has pub- lished twenty herdbooks to 1904. The American Guernsey Cattle Club was organized in 1877 in New York City, and has pub- lished to 1905 about fifteen herd registers, these being issued in 286 CATTLE quarterly parts, since 1895, as the American Guernsey Herd Register and Breeders' Journal. The American club also main- tains an advanced register. Bulls are admitted in two classes : {a) after scaling 80 points and having two daughters in the register ; and {b) without scaling, after two daughters are regis- tered. Cows are placed in two classes : {a) for milk or butter-fat records and scaling over 75 points ; and {b) for milk or fat records Fig. 1 28. Ycksa Sunbeam 1 5439, the Guernsey cow holding the world's record for the largest official butter-fat test in one year. During 12 months end- ing in 1905 she produced 14,920.8 pounds milk which tested 857.15 pounds fat, equivalent to 1000 pounds butter. Owned by Fred Rietbrock, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photograph from the author without scaling. The cows must produce from the first day of two years of age, or before, at least 6000 pounds of milk, and this is scaled up to a minimum of 10,000 pounds for cows five years old or over. So the year's butter-fat record must have a minimum of 250.5 pounds at two years, and 360 for over five. Seven-day fat tests are also provided for. The tests for advanced registry arc supervised by agricultural college or experiment station e.\j)erls. CHAPTER XXXVII THE AYRSHIRE The native home of the Ayrshire is in southwestern Scotland in the county of A)r, from which the breed derives its name. Ayr is triangularly crescent in its shape, its southern tip just touching latitude 55° north, its western boundary somewhat in- dented and bordering the Irish Sea and river Clyde, its other sides skirted by the counties of Renfrew, Lanark, Dumfries, Kirkcudbright, and Wigtown. There is an extreme length of about 80 miles, with an area of about 1 150 square miles. Rather poor and sandy land occurs in the southern part toward the sea, while much beautiful rolling pasture land of fair soil is found more inland, and some rougher land on the eastern borders. On the better lands, which are clayey, grass, oats, and wheat are largely grown and there is abundance of summer grazing. The climate is very moist, but the bitterness of a northern winter is somewhat tempered by the sea. The origin of the Ayrshire has been in the main a complex one. Aiton, the first and almost only early authority on the breed, wrote A Sui-vey of Ayrshire about 181 1. He regarded it as the native breed of Ayr, improved by certain other stock. Some time about 1770 Teeswater cattle. Shorthorn, or similar stock were introduced into Ayrshire. John Dunlop of Dunlop is credited with importing cows of large size, of either Teeswater, Dutch, or Lincoln breeds, and in 1805 Dunlop stock is referred to by Forsythe as having been established in the parish of that name for over a century. Other writers claim that the cattle of the Channel Islands crossed with Shorthorns were early used in Ayrshire. About 18 18 West Highland cattle were used by Mr. Parton near Dairy, Ayr, on a superior herd of Ayrshires. Devon and Hereford blood are also said to have been used by other breeders. The earliest accounts of the cattle of Ayrshire show 287 288 CATTLE them to have been black and white. About 1780 red and white became fashionable, while from 1785 to 1805 brown and white mottled cattle were much preferred, and later, in 18 10, red and white was a common color. These latter colors of brown, red, and white have been carried down to the present time. Thus it is apparent that the Ayrshire as a breed is evolved from a variety of blood, mainly from types associated with larger milking capacity. The early improvers of the Ayrshire were not notably distin- guished over the general run of breeders who seek to improve Fig. 129. Dunraven of Ste. Amies 7662, an Ayrshire bull owned by Howard Cook, Beloit, Ohio. This animal has been a prominent first-prize winner and champion at leading shows in 1905 and 1906. Photograph by the author local cattle. It was early evident that the people laid importance on milk production. Forsythe, a Scotchman, writes in 1805 of cows yielding from 24 to 30 quarts of milk daily; and in 1829 William Harley states that he had cows that occasionally gave 25 to 30 quarts dail}-, and one day even produced 40 quarts. In 1836 the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland offered a large premium to be competed for by the breed. By 1850 Ayrshires were the prevailing stock in Ayr and also in Renfrew and Lanark counties. In 1853 the first systematic effort at im- provement came in a scale of points adopted by the Ayr.shire TH1-: AYRSHIRE 289 Agricultural Association. In 1 866, in a prize essay on county Ayr, Archibald Sturrock writes that "a capacious and well-set udder is certainly the chief point of excellence in the Ayrshire cow." The introduction of the Ayrshire to America probably first occurred early in the last century, when Scotch settlers moved to Canada. In the Memoirs of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Society for 1824 considerable discussion is devoted to breeds of cattle, yet the name Ayrshire is not used. John Hare Powell, the secretary, who had studied the breeds in Europe, says, '* I have traced every importation of which I have heard," and makes special reference to eight different states and various breeds, but docs not mention the Ayrshire. Sturtevant states that the first importation into the United States is thought to have been made in 1822 by H. \V. Hills to Windsor, Connecticut. In 1837 the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture imported one cow, which is reported to have yielded sixteen pounds of butter a week for several weeks. Lewis F. Allen of New York writes that in 1837 he visited the Ayrshire herd of John P. Cushing near Boston, Massachusetts, who had imported from Ayrshire regardless of price. In 1848 E. A. Brown introduced Ayrshires to Ohio, these being the first of this dairy breed to enter the state. Characteristics of Ayrshires. Mature cattle of this breed impress one as of medium dairy size, as large milk producers, and yet with more of a beefy tendency than some other dairy breeds. The color includes red, brown, and white. In 1875 Sturtevant quoted as follows from a letter from Robert Wilson, a breeder in Scotland: Colors of Ayrshires are much the same since I can remember ; different breeders have their particular color. Light yellow, though common with some breeders, is not the most common color. Red and white flecked, though it should incline a little to yellowish or brown, is more a prevailing color of the breed. . . . White, if there be not roan mixed with it, I do not con- sider a proof of the presence of Shorthorn blood. Our favorite colors are white flecked or red bodies and white legs. Dark reds and black muzzles are favorites also. In 1875 Sturtevant published statistics of a color classification of 2852 Ayrshires in the United States, of which 2014, or 70.61 per cent, were red and white ; 222, or 7.78 per cent, red or mostly 290 CATTLE red; 241, or 8.45 per cent, brown and white; and 194, or 6.80 per cent, white and red, the balance being spht into various colors. Secretary Winslow of the Ayrshire association in the 1902 year- book reports that the color that seems to please the majority is dark red and pure white, about one third white in splashes. In Canada and Scotland a strong admixture of white is popular. The Jiorns are white with black tips, curve outward and upward, and often, especially with cows, turn back at the tips. They fre- quently appear both long and rather large. Winslow states that Fig. 130. Gladys Drummond 11800, an Ayrshire cow, successfully shown by J. F. Converse & Co., Woodville, New York. Photograph by the author the size is a matter of local taste, either fine or coarse, the Scotch or Canadians preferring a larger horn than do the people in the States. The body of the Ayrshire is capacious, the ribs being long and well sprung, the rump usually high, broad, long, and level, while the thighs and the hind quarter partake somewhat of fleshiness. The depth of body often appears great, with a relative shortness of leg. The «(7'c/ 334 SHEEP quarters, with a very hi<4h percentage of wool and yolk to car- cass. At a public shearing at Middlebury, Vermont, in 1882 a bunch of 54 ewes and rams of this class averaged 23.3 per cent unwashed fleece to live weight, and cases are on record where 36 per cent of the original weight of sheep was fleece. Class B Merino carries the Spanish or American blood lines also, but has a smoother body, with less folds and less yolk in the staple. Sheep in this class usually have some folds about Fig. 148. A fine example of a "Vermont Merino," well illustrating the Class A type. Photograph from the A'ational Stoc/c/naii and Fanner the neck and breast, and perhaps in a slight way at the thighs. They usually have somewhat more scale and carry more natural flesh and some less wool and yolk though with a longer staple than those belonging to Class A. In order to more sharply draw the line between Merino sheep of different types, many breeders, notably in Ohio, have a third class, known as Class C Merino. Class C Merino has a very smooth body, with no folds at all, unless to a very slight extent in the neck or breast. The THE MERINO OR FINE-WOOL TYPIC OF SHEEP 335 Delaines and Rambouillets represent this type. These have a fleece with less yolk and weight although an increased length of staple, with a still larger, smoother body, approaching nearer the mutton type of carcass, while the fleece retains its typical fine-wool character. The use of the three classes of Merinos may be found in the very best American flocks, one man keeping sheep of each class. As sheep of Class C lack weight and quality of fleece to some Fig. 149. The Sweepstake^ Mi im.. inn of the Class B type at the Illinois State Fair and the St. Louis Exposition and Fair. Exhibited by C. H. Bell of Ohio. Photograph from the Ajtiericati Sheep Breeder extent, careful matings of rams of Class A are made upon ewes of C, resulting in the more desirable B sort, shearing much more easily than those of A, giving a reasonably heavy fleece, and producing an improvement over A for mutton. By variously mating these three classes the breeder may secure a type of Merino to suit his special needs. Thus some of our best breeders are able to supply calls for sheep of any or all of the three types. The head of the Merino sheep should be short, broad at the muzzle, with large nostrils. A nose short and inclined to be 336 SHEEP wrinkled, and somewhat thick or Roman with the rams, is pre- ferred. There should also be ample width between large, clear, mild eyes, with a prominent forehead. The ears should be fine and short, be actively carried, and have a coverin-g of silky hair. The horns, which occur on the males, as a rule interfere with a natural action and movement of ear. The horns on mature rams are large, are rather angular at the ba.se, and have a spiral turn backward, then downward, around forward, and up, form- ing a more or less corkscrew shape. The horn when fully devel- oped usually shows one and one-half turns, and with some the tip of horn turns upward and with others down. The head of the male, as a whole, should show sex character in a strong degree. The 7ieck of the Merino should be of moderate length, neither thin nor thick and heavy, but should be moderately muscled and blended smoothly to head and shoulders. The neck of the male should be more heavily muscled, showing distinct masculinity, with some indications of throatiness or depth of covering. The shoulders should be smooth and incline well into the back, and not be too prominent. A prominence of shoulder is a too common feature with this type. The ivitJicrs are fre- quently sharp and high, although a neat, close, nicely rounded, smooth top at this point is desirable especially with the ewes. More prominence of withers is desired with rams, and some of the greatest sires have been very strong in this respect. The breast and cJiest should exhibit considerable depth, with a reasonable thickness in proportion. A common feature of the Merino is to have too peaked a breast, lacking thickness at the chest. The crops and fore flank, which show material deficiency in many cases, should be reasonably well filled out. The front legs of the Merino are characteristically crooked at the knees. As one looks at them from in front the knees fairly touch together, while the toes spread out. Sometimes the wool on the legs causes deception in this respect, but as a rule the legs are too crooked at the knees, due primarily to a narrow chest. The same rule will apply to sheep as to other animals in regard to position of leg, quality of bone, and length of parts. The pasterns should be springy, of medium length, and should be strong and support the sheep in proper form. THE MERINO OR FINE-^^■OOL 'JTPE OF SHEEP 337 The back of the Merino varies according to the class. Those of Class A usually are narrower and flatter of rib. In any class a strongly supported, fairly wide back, with level, wide loin is essential. The body should have a rather strongly rounded out form, the ribs showing a fair arch and considerable length, thus fur- nishing ample feeding and breeding capacity. A blocky, short body is not so typical as one with more roundness and of mod- erate length. The hind flanks should show ample depth. The J I ip s must be smooth, not especially prominent, and should be neatly covered. The rump of the Me- rino, in correct form, is long, level, and wide, but a common defect of speci- mens of this breed, no matter what the class, is a peaked, droopy rump. L':' -^ . ■ ^tKKI^^^^ IttSiR ' Fig. 150. An example of the Class C type of Merino. Photograph by the author The leg of mutton varies with the class. The nearer one approaches Class C the more filled out in all its parts the hind quarter becomes. Nev^ertheless, even in Class A, the thigh should be strong and reasonably full, though not so thick or full in twist as with Classes B and C. Considering that Class C emphasizes mutton value, the leg of mutton here should be strong of development. The hind legs should be muscular and straight, whether viewed from either rear or one side, the shank bones fine and short, the pasterns strong and well carried, and the toes neatly placed. Instead of that, the hind legs in all classes of Merinos strongly tend to crooked hocks, the points nearly if not quite touching, and the toes turning out. Often the legs below the hocks are carried too much under the body, the shanks being too slanting. Owing to lack of attention, the toes often grow too long, and thus the foot becomes thrown out of proper placing 338 SHEEP and the entire leg is affected. Careful trimming of the toes will easily remedy this. Sheep of the A class tend to have bad feet and should be carefully selected and mated with the view of avoiding this trouble as much as possible. The skin of the Merino should be firm and of a bright pink color and free of all scurfiness. No class of sheep, as a rule, shows such excellent, high-class color of skin as generally pre- vails with this breed. The smoothness of skin varies, that of Class A having notable folds, as has been explained on page 333, Class B having less, and Class C hardly any at all. The skin of Class A sheep is also thicker, mellower, and more porous than that of Class C which is thin and more delicate than the other. The jicsJiing of the Merino of Class A type is limited in degree, being really a very muscular body with almost no fat. A smoother, better-fleshed body occurs with Class B, while Class C in ideal form is well rounded out, smooth in all the parts, neatly covered with flesh without superfluous fat. The wool of the Merino, as has been stated, represents the finest grade produced on the sheep. This varies in diameter and length, according to the breed or breeding, and is discussed to some extent under Merino families proper. In all cases, how- ever, the fleece should cover the body densely, and the fibers be very fine, uniform in diameter, and carry considerable crimp. The oil or yolk should be sufficiently abundant to keep the fleece in superior condition at all times, indicating a healthy condition of skin and body. This oil exposed to the sun turns darker in color than when shaded in the fleece and so adds to the dirty external appearance. A white oil is said to turn darker than the more yellow sort. A fleece colored moderately yellow by the oil, being neither white nor egg-yellow, is preferred. A very heavy exudation of oil is objected to as not only causing unnecessary shrinkage of fleece in washing but also as being something of a drain on the animal's vitality. To some extent it is probable that the amount of oil may be affected by the food. Professor J. A. Craig states that lambs fed grain from birth invariably sheared heavier fleeces than those that only had grain during the latter three months of feeding. The wool should be naturally bright and lustrous, with a clean white color. CHAPTER XLVI THE AMERICAN MERINO^ The Spanish Merino as the parent of the American Merino should receive a brief consideration introductory to this breed. The native home of the Merino is in Spain, in southern Europe. The country is quite variable in character, the interior consist- ing of plains as well as long ranges of mountains, some of which are many thousand feet high. There are numerous rivers and deep valleys. The climate is generally dry and mild in the low- lands, and oranges, citrons, olives, and grapes are commonly produced ; while on the plains and mountain sides are extensive pastures, where in times past large flocks have grazed. On the lower, richer lands the sheep are larger than on the dryer, poorer soils or more elevated mountains. Sheep husbandry in Spain was for centuries an important industry. Historians at the beginning of the Christian era directed attention to the superior fleece of the sheep of Spain, especially Columella, a famous Latin writer on agriculture, who wrote during the first century. As early as the eighth century, when the Saracens took possession of Spain, they established many mechanical arts, among which was the woolen industry, and the Spanish sheep furnished the fiber. The statement has been made that in Seville no less than sixteen thousand looms existed in the thirteenth century. Some of the Spanish cloths were highly esteemed for their quality. By the fifteenth century, however, the Moors had been largely driven from Spain and the woolen industry fell into decay and finally became unimportant. Later an attempt was made to revive the manufacture of fine fabrics from wool, but without success. ' The word " Merino " is Spanish, signifying governor of a small province, and likewise one who has care of the pastures or cattle in general. lie receives his appointment from the king, is a person of rank, and is termed Merino Mayor. 339 340 SHEEP Two great groups of Spanish sheep existed in times past. One, known as Estantcs or stationary, consisted of flocks of the coarser woolcd types, and these remained permanently on many of the hill farms. The other group, termed Transhuviaiitcsox migratory, consisted of flocks that were driven during the spring season, under the care of competent shepherds, across country and into the mountains over a grazing region, to be returned in the fall to the oriirinal home. The Transhumantes were divided into two Fk;. 151. An American Merino ram, shown at the Pan-American K.\posi- tion in 1901 by II. D. Jackson of Bridport, Vermont. This ram was first-prize yearhng and the champion ram of the Class A type. Photo- graph from the Xaiioiial Stockman cDid /\iniic)- classes, the Lconese and Sorian. The former was the more numer- ous and was the highest esteemed. Most of the sheep brought to America from Spain belonged to the Transhumantes group. The annual Merino drives in Spain were most important affairs. Youatt writes as follows : The Leonese after having been cantoned during the winter on the north bank of the Guadiana, in Estremadura, begin their marcli about the fif- teenth of April in divisions of two or three thousand. They pass the Tagus THE AMERICAN MERINO 341 at Almares, and direct their course towards Trecasas, Alfaro, and L'Epinar, where they are shorn. This operation having been performed, they recom- mence their travels towards the kingdom of Leon. Some halt on the Sierra (ridge of the mountains) which separates Old from New Castile, but others pursue their route to the pastures of Cervera, near Aquilar del Campo. Here they graze until the end of September, when they commence their return to Estremadura. The Sorian sheep, having passed the winter on the confines of Estremadura, Andalusia, and New Castile, begin their route about the same time. They pass the Tagus at Talavera and approach Madrid ; thence they proceed to Soria, where a portion of them are distrib- uted over the neighboring mountains, while the others cross the Ebro in order to proceed to Navarre and the Pyrenees. It is said that these periodical journeys can be traced back to the middle of the fourteenth century, when a tribunal was estab- lished for their regulation. The number of these migratory sheep seventy-five years ago was placed at ten millions, and they were divided into flocks, each in care of a Mayoral ox chief shepherd. The important provincial flocks of Spain, from which the best Merino blood was exported, were represented on about a half dozen estates, there being mainly, according to Livingston, about 30,000 on each estate. These flocks have been described by various early writers, notably Consul William Jarvis, who was familiar with the flocks in Spain a century ago, he being United States consul at Lisbon, Portugal, from which port thousands of Merinos were shipped. The information concerning the early Spanish flocks is more or less obscure, often indefinite, and sometimes conflicting. The following is such evidence as can be presented of the groups or classes from which American importa- tions were mainly drawn. In Spain these classes were more or less interbred, and the same applies to American flocks. Paular Merinos. This type which produced the largest and best fleeces was originally owned by the Carthusian friars of Paular, on the borders of Andalusia, an agricultural class of monks that paid great attention to horses and sheep. This was probably one of the handsomest flocks of Spain, having close, compact, soft, and silky wool, with less surface yolk than most types. The Paulars were credited with enlargement behind the ears, with considerable throatiness, and their lambs had a coarse hairy appearance at birth. 342 SHEEP Aguirre Merinos. This type had more wool about the face and legs than did the other types. The wool was more crimped than that of the Paulars and less so than that of the Negrettes, and was thick and soft. The Aguirres had short legs, round and broad bodies, and much loose skin or folds. Negrette Merinos. These were the largest and strongest of the Transhumantes sheep of Spain. The wool was some shorter and more open than that of the Paular, and " inclined to double." Many Negrettes were wooled on the face, and on the legs to the hoofs. All the loose-skinned sheep had heavy dewlaps. The rams possessed large horns. Guadalupe Merinos were heavier of bone than the Negrettes, and were of much the same size, but were not so handsome, Fk;. 152. Wooly Nose and White Nose, two American Merino rams owned by J. J. Deeds of Ohio. Photograph from the American Sheep Breeder according to Jarvis, although Last eyrie credits them with the most perfect form, and says they are celebrated also for the quantity and quality of their wool. These sheep had numerous folds, and the wool was thick and crimped and more oily than the Negrette. The Escurial Merinos were about as high as the Paulars, but were slighter of frame. Their wool was crimped and not so thick as the Paular wool, and they had less wool on the legs and faces, nor were their skins so loose as the Negrette and Aguirre families. Montarco Merinos closely resembled the Escurials. Infantado Merinos were mainly bred by the Duke of Infantado. They were very superior sheep and many of them were brought THK AMERICAN MERINO 343 to America, notably by Colonel Humphreys. The horns on the rams came nearer to the sides of the head than did those on the Paulars and Negrettes. The Infantados of Atwood were mated with Paulars and gave a great improvement, and from this com- mingling of blood resulted the Atwood family of Merinos, long celebrated for superiority of fleece. The origin of Merino sheep is merely speculative. It has been assumed that the parent stock existed in Spain prior to the Christian era, and that this was improved by the introduction of Tarentine sheep from Tarento, southern Italy. Lucius Columella is said to have introduced these a.d. 41, and he also imported African rams. The people of Carthage and Phoenicia in northern Africa brought fine-wooled sheep to Spain, as did probably other invaders also. The sheep of Spain in those days were of various colors, — white, black, red, or tawny, the red fiber being of the finest quality. Undoubtedly these early sheep were much inferior to those we know to-day in America, but they without question produced finer wool than did other European sheep. The modern improvement of the Merino was essentially accomplished out of Spain. The Spanish government opposed most of the first expor- tations, and many sheep were smuggled from the country. The exportation of Merinos from Spain to European countries and America was of gixat imi)ortance, for with this the improve- ment of the Merino began. Swedish Merinos. It is believed that the first of these sheep exported from Spain were taken to Sweden in 1723 by M. Alstroemer. The Saxon Merino. In 1765 the Elector of Saxony imported from Spain 92 rams and 128 ewes, these coming from the flocks of Count Negrette. Part of these were placed on a farm near Dres- den, and were later distributed to various farms, where they were carefully bred, and where they did remarkably well. Youatt states that the wool of the Saxon Merino became finer and more serrated than its Spanish progenitor, and so had an increased value. It has been claimed that the Saxon is the least hardy of the modern Merinos. The modern type of Saxon is essentially free of folds. German or Silesian Merinos. The first attempt toward the establishment of this family was in 1768 by Mr. von Vinke, 344 SHEEP near Halle, who introduced some Saxon Merinos. Ten years later he secured pure Merinos from Spain and crossed them on the sheep in that section of Germany. In 1776 Frederick the Great became interested and imported 300 pure Merinos from Spain, but through disease and mismanagement these came to an unfortunate end. Later von Vinke purchased a thousand pure Merinos under government commission, agricultural schools were established for the instruction of shepherds, and sheep husbandry was specially promoted. This resulted in establishing the Ger- man or Silesian family. French Merinos or Rambouillets. These were imported from Spain to France in 1786 by government commission. This type is discussed by itself further on. English Merinos. About 1787, during the reign of George III, the " farmer king," a small flock of mixed Merinos was smuggled from Spain through Portugal and taken to England. These were inferior, so in 1791, at the request of the king, a select lot of Negrette sheep, consisting of four rams and thirty-six ewes, were collected by one of the Spanish nobility and presented to the king. These arrived in England in good shape, but did poorly at first. Not being suited to the moist climate and rich pastures they suffered much from disease and especially foot rot. They gradually became acclimated and thrived fairly well. A society was organized in 181 1 to promote them, but the small size of this sheep and its inferior mutton quality caused British farmers to gradually give them up. To-day Merinos are almost unknown in England. The Australian Merino. Late in the eighteenth century a few Merinos had been taken to Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, from England. Later, in 1797, these were taken to Sydney, New South Wales. Since that period Australia has become the greatest Merino sheep country in the world. There these sheep thrive and j^roduce a very superior grade of wool. The introduction of the Merino to the United States probably occurred in 1793. Mr. William Foster of Boston, Massachu- setts, smuggled from Spain one ram and two ewes. These he presented to a friend, who, not realizing their value, used them for meat, though he later purchased a ram for ^1000 at auction. THE AMERICAN MERINO 345 In 1 80 1 Seth Adams, then of Dorchester, Massachusetts, im- ported a pair of Spanish Merinos, which were conveyed through France to the seaboard. Later, in 1807, Adams moved to Ohio, taking the first Merino sheep west of the Alleghany Mountains. In 1 80 1 M. Dupont de Nemours had four ram lambs shipped to America, three of which died at sea. The other, Don Carlos, was taken to Dujiont's farm along the Hudson River in New York, Fig. 153. Don Dudley's Pet 1493, ^" American Merino ram noted as a sire and prize winner. Owned and shown by R. D. Williamson of Xenia, Ohio. Sold in 1906 at six years of age for $300, to go to South Africa. The men in the picture are three of the most prominent Merino breeders of Ohio and the United States. Mr. Williamson is on the left, Mr. A. T. Gamber in the center, and Oeorge II. Ilelser on the right. Photograph by the author where for nearly four years he was used on the flocks of that region. Later he was taken to Wilmington, Delaware, and the influence of his blood became felt extensively in New York, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In 1802 Colonel David Humphreys imported from Spain twenty-one rams and seventy ewes to his home in Derby, Connecticut. Robert Living- ston, Minister to France, sent four head to New York the same 346 SHEEP year. In 1805 Livingston returned to America and began breed- ing pure and grade Merinos. He was very successful in his breeding, and his sheep attracted wide attention and brought high prices. He had great social influence and was a famous politician, so that he induced many to take up sheep husbandry. In 1809 he wrote an Essay on Sheep, which was ordered printed by the New York legislature. Through his influence the legislature also passed an act in 1808 to encourage raising and breeding Merinos. In 1809-18 10 William Jarvis of Vermont, United States Consul at Lisbon, Portugal, shipped at different times a total of about 4000 Spanish Merinos, of which 1 500 came to New York, 1000 to Boston and Newburyport, and the remainder to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, etc. " Indeed," sa) s Mr. Jarvis in his correspondence, " I was disposed to distribute these valuable animals to every state which would be likely to profit by their acquisition." All of these were sheep of superior breeding. They included Paulars, Aguirres, liscurials, Negrettes, and Montarcos. Jarvis placed 400 head on his farm in Vermont, in the care of Paular shepherds, and he writes that " I bred the respective flocks separately till 18 16 or 18 17, when I mixed them together, and have so bred my Merinos ever since." The importations of Humphreys and Jarvis distributed Spanish Merinos widely over the northeastern states, and from these our American Merinos received their im- portant early start. Each of these men bred most successfully, greatly improving their flocks. A mania for Merino sheep began to develop, and in 18 10 both Livingston and Humphreys sold rams at $1000 each, while the latter sold two ewes and two rams for $1500 each. Then came a great craze for fine-wool sheep, and it is stated that in 18 10 over 10,000 were shipj)ed to America; Cochran Johnston, Goold Brothers, and Charles O'Neil importing from Lisbon, and R. W. Meade and others from Cadiz. It is estimated that from April I, 1810, to August 31, 18 11, there were brought to the United States 19,651 Merino shcc]). The early improvers of the Merino began with Adams and Humphreys, but during the middle of the century a few men rendered very great service in the improvement of this sheep. THE AMERICAN MERINO 347 Notable among these were Stephen Atwood, Woodbury, Con- necticut, whose flock was commenced in 1813, and who was a breeder until his death in 1867 ; Edwin Hammond, Middlebury, Vermont, 1 844-1 870; William Jarvis, Weathersfield, Vermont, 1811-1859; Tyler Stickney, Shoreham, Vermont, 1834-1882 ; Andrew Cock, Flushing, Long Island, New York, a breeder from 18 1 1 to 1823 ; Charles Rich of Shoreham, Vermont, who Fig. 154. An American Merino ewe of the Class B type, first in class at three state fairs. Owned and exhibited by R. D. Williamson. Photograph from the National Stockman and Farmer began his flock in 1823, his sons, John T. and Charles, continu- ing the work, this also descending to a third generation in his grandsons, J. T. and Virtulan, sons of John T. ; William R. Dickinson of Steubenville, Ohio, who bred from about 1809 to 1830; and Bezaleel Wells, also of Steubenville, who maintained a flock over much the same period. These men were among the really great pioneer breeders of America ; they did much to 348 SHEEP improve the Merino, notably in character and quantity of fleece, and from their flocks descends the best blood of to-day. Characteristics of the American Merino. This Merino is simply an improved form of the S[)anish, characterized by heavy folds on llic body, excepting over the back. The Jicad is small, being comparatively broad and short, the rams carrying heavy, spirally twisted horns, and the ewes being hornless. The lips and nostrils are white and fine silky white hairs surround the muzzle and extend part way up the nose. The ears are small and are covered with fine white hairs. Reddish or tan-colored hair is occasionally seen on the ears and nose of the Merino, which suggests a reversion to the same color of earlier days. Some Merino breeders have valued this color variation, while others have endeavored to breed it out. The neck is thin and tends to be long below and short above, the shoulders are very sloping, the chest narrow but deep, the withers thin, the back moderately narrow, the rump frequently steep, the thighs thin, the legs small and fine. The skin is of the most attractive bright pink color, and in good specimens is in folds along the bridge of the nose and neck, about the breast, shoulders, lower part of the sides, and about the rump and thigh. There are usually no folds over the back and perhaps upper third of sides, unless in a small degree. In 1892 an eminent breeder is thus quoted by Ezra Carman : The prevailing fashion is to have from three to five heavy folds on the neck, not large on the upper side, but large on the under side ; two or three short folds on and immediately back of each elbow or arm ; fine, thick wrinkles running down the sides, but not extending over the l)ack. Wrinkles across the hips, sometimes from the tail in the direction of the stifle, and sometimes at right angles with them, folds also around tlie tail to give it a wide appearance, and also folds across the thigh with a deep flank. The fleece covers the entire body and legs, excepting on the nose, on the lower half of the head, and on the ears. The eyes are often hidden by the fleece covering the head. The outside of the fleece is of a dirty black color, caused by the accumula- tion of dust in the \ellow oil or yolk which exudes to the end of the fiber, adding greatly to the unwashed weight. A con- siderable amount of oil is desirable in the fleece and especially THE AMERICAN MERINO 349 is it important in the rams. A dry, white fleece is an inferior wool, and rams with such fleeces are not usually the best breeders. This grease, oil, or yolk may be scoured off, to show a shrinkage in weight of 65 per cent. American Merino wool is the finest produced, and the more folds on the body, and the more crimped the fiber, the finer the staple. The one-year- old fleece of a mature sheep will show a length of about two and one-half inches. The temperament of the Merino is very lively, yet not necessarily inconsistent with docility. The size of the American Merino naturally varies. Weights of 130 pounds or upward for the rams and about 100 pounds for the ewes are acceptable to breeders. The finer specimens of rams often weigh 150 to 200 pounds, but many excellent ewes weigh less than 100 pounds. The American Merino as a wool producer is famous. No class of sheep shears so strong, fine, and heavy a fleece. Many mature females shear from 12 to 15 pounds and rams easily attain 20 pounds. The Vermont j\fc)ino Register gives thirty-six rams, three years old or over, whose fleeces averaged 3 i pounds i ounce each, one weighing 2)7 pounds 8 ounces. A two-year-old ram, at the annual shearing of the Vermont Sheep Shearing Association, sheared 44 pounds 3 ounces, the heaviest on record. Records are given by the Vermont Register of fifty-four ewes, two years old and over, which sheared 1064 pounds, 9 ounces, an average of 19 pounds 1 1 ounces, the heaviest fleece weighing 25 pounds. In 1887 forty-six ewes averaged 21 pounds 5 ounces. The relationship of weight of Merino fleece to body is regarded as showing the true wool-producing capacity of the sheep. The thirty-six rams above referred to sheared 25.2 per cent wool to weight of carcass. Quoting from Vermont reports, in 18 12 the best rams produced but about 6 per cent wool to weight of body. In 1844 the wool had increased to 15 per cent, from 1844 to 1865 to 21 per cent, and from then to 1880 up to 36 per cent, show- ing a remarkable improvement in wool production. In 1878 Vermont exhibited seventy-eight fleeces at the Paris Exposition, which showed 22 per cent wool to live weight, thirty of the best ones showing 25.2 per cent, the six best 30.1, and one up to 36.6 per cent. At a public shearing at Middlebury, Vermont, 15« SHEEP in 1882, fifty-four rams and ewes averaged 23.3 per cent wool to live weight. The fineness of Merino fiber has greatly improved since the introduction of this sheep to America. A set of measurements of twenty-four sheep given by Dr. Cutting showed an average diameter of fiber for rams and ewes of tj'.j^ inch, the rams averaging j^^^s and the ewes ttiVh. the finest ewe fiber being T^x inch. Dr. William McMurtrie, who conducted extensive investigations on wools for the United States Department of Agriculture, gives this table of the comparative diameter of wools of different breeds : Average Diameter Fiber Bkeei) Centi- millimeters Fraction of AN Inch Merino 2.127 2.936 3.298 3707 3-879 4.196 4-365 ttVt Hampshire I^owii . . . .... 7b 1 Lincoln ... Leicester Cotswold Oxford Down The mutton qualities of the American Merino are inferior. These sheep are muscular in type and carry but little fat, and when pure-bred are of but secondary imj^ortance as mutton. The cross-bred or grade American Merino is not improved for wool production, but by mating with middle wool blood a better mutton sheep is produced, though shearing less wool and being less hardy. Sheep of the Delaine type are more or less bred to the American type, thus reducing the folds but not seriou.sly affecting the wool-producing value. In Australia the American type is preferred to the smooth-bodied Merino, while in the United States the reverse is the case. In order, however, to maintain high-shearing qualities, studs of American Merinos must be maintained to thicken up the fleece of the smoother sort and keep up the weight. In New Zealand the Romney THE AMERICAN MERINO 35 I Marsh and Merino are crossed extensively, the cross-bred with- standing, says Mr. George A. Brown, the bleak climate of south- ern New Zealand better than any other combination. Mr. Brown says that in Australia the most successful flocks of cross-bred sheep he has seen were from crossing long-wool rams on Merino ewes. The half-bred ewes are culled as though pure-bred, and those selected for breeding are drafted into two lots, one of long wool and the other of Merino type. Merino rams are then used on long-wool type ewes, and long-wool rams on Merino type ewes. Every year this selection is followed out, and a very even type of sheep obtained. On large estates famous for cross-bred s, studs of Merino and long-wool rams are kept for this kind of mating, which produces a class of sheep in favor with the butcher, and the wool of which sells well. The French have developed an important sort in France, known as the Dishley Merino, the result of using Leicester rams on Merino ewes. The adaptability of the American Merino is great. On the rough mountain pastures of New England and on the ranges of the far West it seems equally at home, though a better fleece is produced in the northeast than the southwest, the dryer climate being more unfavorable. On the richer soils of the middle West the Merino attains more size than in the far West. The American Merino is extremely hardy and thrives on scanty pasture and in cold weather. Grazing in large flocks on the plains, it is specially adapted to the care of the shepherd. Larger flocks of Merinos may be kept together more successfully than is possible with the other breeds. Merinos are very active and rustle for themselves under unfavorable conditions. The breeding qualities of the American Merino are rather inferior. The lambs of the heavy-fleeced sort are often weak when dropped ; the ewes are not very prolific and are not supe- rior milkers. In 1903 Mr. C. S. Chapman, one of Ohio's best- known breeders, wrote : For many years previous to 1880 my father and I were breeders of the heavy-folded Merinos, having ewes shearing 18 to 20 pounds each, and using rams shearing 30 to 36 pounds each, from the flocks of the best breeders in Vermont. We had our sheep bred so strongly to the pro- duction of wool that we could not raise over 50 to 60 per cent of the 352 SHEEP lamb crop. They (the himbs) would be so feeble when dropped that in a majority of cases you could not tell for twenty-four hours whether they had vitality enough to live. They, however, breed far longer than the average sheep and raise a fair percentage of lambs. The early maturing qualities of the American Merino are of secondary character, the lambs developing more slow!)- than the mutton breeds. The distribution of the Merino has been general all over the civilized world where sheep husbandry is followed at all. Aus- tralia, New Zealand, Germany, and the United States are the leading countries breeding sheep of the American Merino type. These sheep have been bred in all parts of the United States, but are not so popular as they were a half century ago, now that mutton is more in demand and wool has depreciated in value. Further, sheep of the American type, with numerous folds, are objected to, on account of the difficulty in shearing, so that smooth-bodied Merinos are more popular than the American. At the present time Ohio, Vermont, New York, Michigan, Wis- consin, and Missouri are the states containing the principal flocks of this class. Many Merinos have been exported from Vermont and Ohio to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, and South America. Organizations to promote Merino sheep are numerous. The Ver- mont Merino Sheep Breeders' Association, organized in 1879, has published four volumes of flock books and registered over 300,000 sheep, mainly a.s flocks. The United States Merino Sheep Register was organized in Ohio in 1876, and published a volume of its flock book the same year. In 1882 the Ohio Spanish Merino Sheep l^reedcrs' Association was organized at Columbus, and published its first volume in 1885. The National Record of the American Merino Sheep Register was organized in 1881 in Wisconsin, the first volume of the flock book being published iii 1882. The New York Merino Sheep Breeders' Association was organized in 1879 and the Michigan Merino Association in 1880. In other states associations for recording Merino sheep also organized, but these have never become very active factors in the Merino industry. In January, 1906, a conference of Merino THE AMERICAN MERINO 153 breeders, representing different registry associations, was held at Columbus, Ohio, for the purpose of consoUdating into one strong organization. This resulted in the incorporation of the American and Delaine-Merino Record Association. By official action the Standard Delaine, the International Delaine, and the Improved Spanish Delaine associations merged into the new organization. This, it is hoped, is the beginning of a movement of consolidation Fig. 155. Ringleader 553, a Delaine Merino ram, bred by and shown by A. T. Gamber, Wakeman, Ohio. This ram has never been defeated in the show ring. In 1903, as a yearling, he was first at the state fairs of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Michigan. Also shown with equal success in 1904. Photograph by the author which will result in greatly unifying and strengthening Merino interests. In 1904 about nineteen Merino associations of differ- ent kinds, organized to register sheep, were in existence. Many of these are now very weak organizations, transacting but little business. Some famous Merino rams are worthy of note on account of their influence in improving the breed. Among these are the following : Bolivar, born in 1820, died in 1834, owned by W. R. 354 SHEEP Dickinson and others in Ohio; Consul, bred about 1838 by WiUiam Jarvis ; Stickjuys Consul, bred by Jarvis in 1835; California, bred in 1858 by Victor Wright; Comet, hrc<\ in 1861 by W. R. Sanford of Vermont, and later taken to Ohio ; Eureka by Comet, and Kilpatrick by Comet, both bred by Sanford ; Wooster, bred in 1849 by Edwin Hammond, sired Young Match- less and Old Greasy ; Gold Drop, bred in 1 86 1 by Edwin Ham- mond, who was several times offered $10,000 for him, and who valued him at $25,000; Stowell's Sivcepstakes, bred in i860 by Edwin Hammond ; Golden Fleece by Stowell's Sweepstakes/bred in 1862, said to have earned his owner over $20,000; General Fremont, bred in 1865 by Tyler Stickney ; Bismarck, owned by H. C. Burwell of Vermont, that was sweepstakes Merino in 1876 at the Centennial Exposition ; Banker, bred in 1875 by V. Rich of Vermont ; Rams, bred in 1 874 by Geo. Hammond, winner in 1880 of first prize as a sire at the International Sheep Show at Philadelphia ; Don Dudley, bred in 1891 by J. P. Ray of New York ; and More Quality, bred in 1 898 by R. D. Williamson of Ohio, was sire of many of the prize winners at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904. High prices for Merinos have been paid. In 1808 James Wadsworth })aid Humphreys $1000 for a ram, and in March, 18 10, Colonel Humphreys sold two rams and two ewes for $6000 to go to Kentucky. This year, 18 10, there was a Merino mania on, and many sheep changed hands at phenomenal prices. On September 22, 18 10, an auction of 215 Paular Merinos at the country home of Y . B. Winthrop, Home's Neck, New York, brought $57,000, averaging $265 each. Many thousand Me- rinos were imported in 1810 and 181 1, and were largely sold at auction, bringing abnormally high prices. Then came a collapse, and Merinos were sold for a song. Again in the early sixties high prices prevailed, and man}- sheep sold at thousands of dollars each. The people of Australia ha\-e long paid high prices for Merino rams. The ram President sold for 1600 guineas ($8000) to go to Tasmania, and several of his sons sold for 1000 guineas each. The following rams also sold in Australia for the prices affixed : Sir Thomas, 680 guineas ; Sir Thomas 2d, 404 guineas ; Golden Horn, 560 guineas; Golden Horn 2d, 630 THE AMERICAN MERINO 355 guineas ; Golden Tom, 500 guineas. Many sheep have been shipped from Vermont and Ohio to Austraha at prices from $500 upward per head, several sales being made in 1906. A notable American Merino show-ring victory, worthy of record here, occurred in 1863, when George Campbell of Vermont exhibited twelve Vermont-bred Merinos at the International Exposition at Hamburg, Germany. There were 1771 sheep entered in competition, 913 being Merinos from every part of Fig. 156. Stickney, a Delaine Merino ram at the head of the flock of G. B. Quinn of Ohio. This ram sheared 25 pounds. Photograph from the National Stockman and Farmer Europe, — France, Italy, Austria, Russia, and Germany being represented. The twelve sheep shown by Mr. Campbell were the only ones from the United States, and these took three premiums, two firsts and one second, one first being for length of staple and one for weight of fleece. These prize sheep were later sold to Count Shen Thors of Silesia for $5000. This was a great testimonial to the superiority of American Merinos. Important subtypes or families of the Merino exist to-day. Among these are the Delaine and the Rambouillet, which are 356 SHEEP discussed separately further on. There are also several other families, which are now of less importance than formerly, not- ably the Atwood and Paular. The former was established by Stephen Atwood and later was especially promoted by Edwin Hammond. It was a type having many folds and was very popular from 1845 to 1895. The Paular comes from Spanish stock imported by Andrew Cocks and later improved in the hands of Jehiel Biedle, Tyler Stickney, Erastus Robinson, and the Rich family of Vermont. This also possessed many folds and a large amount of oil in the fleece. Both the Atwood and Paular families are important strains of the American Merino stock. The Saxon Merino at one time had some popularity in America, especially in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, but this family has now but very few pure-bred representatives and these mainly in Penn- sylvania. It deteriorated so in weight of fleece and constitution as to be generally discarded. CHAPTER XLVII THE DELAINE MERINO The word ''Delaine" is derived from two French words, de, signifying of or from, and lainc, meaning wool or woolen. The word in the woolen trade indicates a class of wool used to make fine untwillcd worsted dress goods. A combing process takes place, in which the fibers of wool are drawn parallel with each other and spun at full length in the yarn, thus securing the full strength of the fiber and making the strongest and most durable of woolen dress goods. This was due to an invention of E. R. Mudge of Boston. Previ- ous to this time only coarse wools were combed, fine wools being carded, a pro- cess inferior to combing. Delaine Merino types exist under several names, these being of American Merino ancestry, bred mainly by selection into a variety quite or nearly free from folds, of the smooth- bodied sort. These types differ in a limited degree, being really very much alike. The origin of the Delaine Merino traces back to the Humph- reys importation of 1802 and that of R. W. Meade about 1820. From these flocks certain selections were made and types gradu- ally evolved from them, breeders generally keeping in mind both mutton and wool production. 357 1; •«N JKJSS; J u^ -■Jti I 1 1 i 1 1 ~-T~ ! B «^ - — ' r^ ^By ' -^ *"•■* ■ '-' ^^^ " ^^Hi..^ { 1 m0 Fic;. 157. Gamber's Model, a very choice .specimen of Delaine Merino ewe, bred and e.xhibited by A. T. Gamber. This ewe was first in class at the Ohio State Fair in 1905. Photograph by the author 358 SUKKl* The Dickinson Delaine was named after William R. Dickinson who lived for years at Steubenvillc, Ohio, where he was an extensive breeder of sheep. About 1807 or 1808 Thomas Rotch, a Quaker, moved from Connecticut to Stark County, Ohio, bringing with him a small fiock of sheep, some of which were from the Humphrc\s importation. In 1809 Mr. Dickinson Fig. 158. A Delaine Merino ewe of very superior character, successfully exhibited by C. II. Bell of Ohio. Photograph from the .Vatioiial Stock- man and Farmer became the owner of some of these imported sheep of Mr. Rotch, which he kept by themselves and carefully bred. In 1820 Adam Hildebrand became superintendent of Mr. Dickinson's farm, thus getting acquainted with Mr. Dickinson's sheep and his methods. In his flock was a .smooth-bodied ram named Bolivar, that became a great prize winner for his individual merit. In 1830 the Dick- inson flock was sold, and Hildebrand obtained some of the best sheep. In 1823 Mr. James McDowell became an employee of THE DELAINE MERINO 359 Mr. Dickinson, and later went into the service of Mr. Hildebrand. A part of his remuneration was to be "a selection of the best two ewe lambs and the second-best ram lamb of the last crop of lambs bred by Mr. Dickinson, descended from the select Hum- phreys flock and sired by Bolivar." These lambs, according to Mr. McDowell, were the foundation stock of the Dickinson Me- rinos, and the McDowell family of Stark County, Ohio, notably H. G. McDowell, has been the leading improver of this variety. Characteristics of Dickinson Delaines. The standard of excel- lence of the Dickinson Merino Association specifies that this sheep shall have a deep, round, wide, and long body, showing mutton capacity, carrying heavy, thick flesh, the top and under lines being straight, and the skin smooth, pink, and well filled out, being free of folds. The head may have small horns, but a polled head is preferred ; the nose is covered with fine white hairs, and the ears are small and also covered with silky hairs. The fleece extends over the body excepting the lower part of the nose, the legs also being wooled to the toes. The fleece should be from three to five inches long, of a quality graded as XX or XXX fine Delaine combing. Rams should shear 15 to 25 pounds and ewes 10 to 15 pounds unwashed wool. The fleece is not so oily as that of some of the Merinos, but carries enough oil for good quality. The size of the Dickinson Delaine runs large, the standard for mature rams being 200 pounds, and for ewes 150 pounds. The mutton qualities of this family have been especially looked to by the breeders, so that they rank well in this respect. Wonderful, one of the best-known Dickinson rams, bred by H. G. McDowell, weighed 200 pounds when two years old and his second fleece weighed 26 pounds. The National Delaine. About 1820 Mr. R. W. Meade, at one time Minister to Spain, imported some Merinos to this country. Most of these sheep were taken to the farm of Alexander Wilson near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1821 or thereabouts Alex- ander Reed of W^ashington County, Pennsylvania, purchased these Meade sheep as well as other Merinos and placed them on his farm. From this Meade importation the Delaine type was first developed, tracing back to Reed stock ; but the family was mainly established through the careful breeding operations of ;6o SHEEP John McNary, W. H. McNary, J. S. McNary, Ebcnezer McClel- land, George Craighead, George Murray, and William Brownlee. In connection with the development of this family R. H.Russell of Pennsylvania and C. PI. Beall of West Virginia played an important part. In 1862 a ram of Spanish and Black Top blood purchased from Beall was used in the flock descended from McClelland, tlien in the hands of his sons. In 1877 R. H. Rus- sell, who began his flock in 1852 with fifty Black Top Merinos from William Da\is, with J. C. McNary purchased a Spanish ram named Victor, bred by J. M. Miller, which was used in their flocks. Both of these rams were very prepotent and unusually fine individuals. The descendants of these two rams nicked to great advantage, resulting in high-class Delaines that were long known as Victor- Beall Delaine Merinos. It can thus be seen that the Delaine strain was devel- oped by a combination of Black Top and Spanish blood, or a combination of s m o o t h - b o d i e d w i t h wrinkled Merino. Characteristics of National, Standard, or Victor-Beall Delaines. These are essentially much like the Dickinson family. The body is smooth, excepting for slight folds at the neck, and perhaps at the breast in the form of an apron. The rams may or may not have horns. According to Mr. S. M. Cleaver, Secretary of the Standard Delaine Association, writing in 1890: The demand of the times calls for a plain liodv "growing a Delaine staple. Long experience teaches us that it is almost impossible to keep up density and weight of fleece to give the best results when wrinkles are entirely done away with ; for this reason it is important to stay in the blood of wrinkly .sheep in selecting the sires, yet striving to keep the body clear of wrinkles and the neck nearly so. It is proposed to pay more attention to a good broad back and deep, round quarters, making a type easily kept in order. Fk;. 159. Wonderful 700, a Dickinson De- laine Merino ram bred by H. G. McDowell, Canton, Ohio. Grand-champion Delaine ram at the World's Columbian E.xposition, Chicago, 1S93. Photograph from the owner THE DELAINE MERINO 361 While the fleece will not be as heavy as in the wrinkly type, it should weigh from seven to nine pounds, and sell without any reduction. This will equal an oily fleece of twelve to fourteen pounds, with a third taken off by the wool buyer. Plain sheep, as a rule, are better milkers, more careful mothers, have better feet, and are the easier to prepare for the butcher's block. Sheep of this variety should have a staple three inches long for twelve months' growth. Rams at maturity should weigh at least 150 pounds and ewes not less than 100 pounds. The Black Top Spanish Merino. The foundation of this variety extends back to the 1802 importation of Colonel Humphreys. Mr. W. R. Dickinson of Ohio, about 1809, purchased of Thomas Rotch some sheep of Humphreys's importation. In Dickinson's Fig. 160. A group of l»ickiiison Delaine AJeiiiio ewes bred by Mr. fi. G. McDowell and very typical of this family. Photograph from the owner hands these sheep were bred with some care for about twenty years. In 182 i William Berry of Washington County, Pennsyl- vania, purchased from Mr. Dickinson a few ewes and a choice ram of Spanish breeding. These sheep Mr. Berry bred with care, developing a large flock. Mr. Berry bred his flock in family lines at first, and then crossed the families, endeavoring to produce a large, heavy-shearing, fine-wool sheep with smooth body of mutton value. In his breeding he decided that those sheep with the darkest outer covering of wool or most oil had the hardiest con- stitutions and most vigor, and were less" affected by change of climate than those with fleeces of lighter color. Thus he selected the darker sort and termed these Black Tops. In 1847 his flock numbered about 500 head, when he divided equally between 362 SHEEP his sons, Matthew and Wilham, they taking choice alternately. Matthew Berry maintained his flock in pure Black Top lines, while William bred likewise until 1856, when he introduced Ver- mont Merino blood, with inferior results, which finally caused him to dispose of his flock. The flocks of William Berry and his sons, notably Matthew, are the foundation of this family. The Improved Black Top Merino is a family that has its founda- tion in ten ewes purchased in 1 844 of George Craighead by Robert Johnston of Washington County, Pennsylvania. These ewes were bred to Craighead rams until 1847, after which, till 1853, rams bred by Alexander McConnell were used, the latter obtaining his foundation stock from W. R. Dickinson. From 1853 to 1867 Mr. Johnston used only pure Black Top rams in his flock, and from 1867 to 1884 used rams bought from Matthew Berry. In 1850 George Black of Washington County, Pennsylvania, purchased twenty-five Black Top ewes running back to Dickinson stock, and by use of Berry and Johnston and other rams, established a Black Top flock that is foundation stock in this family. This Black Top family has been assumed by its promoters to be more carefully selected and of higher standard than the Black Top Spanish. Characteristics of the Black Top Merino. It is difificult to dis- tinguish this from the Delaine, of which it is really a variety. The size is a trifle larger perhaps, and the fleece weighs a little heavier. The Improved Black Top standard requires a weight for mature rams of at least 1 80 pounds and 1 30 pounds for ewes. The Black Top also has a somewhat darker fleece on the outside, and is not quite so heavily wooled over the head as is the Delaine. The fleece should be from three to four inches long, and the rams should shear thirteen to fourteen pounds and the ewes seven to twelve pounds of brook-washed wool. The rams have horns while the ewes are hornless. P2mphasis is placed on the mutton char- acter of this family, which has long been bred with that feature in view. The I^lack Top has been likened to the Southdown in size and form, with the fleece of a Merino. The back is of good breadth, and is thickly fleshed, while the hind quarters are heavy and of mutton tyi)e. The maintenance of Delaine type in these varieties is by selec- tion or by introducing new blood. For example, one may visit the THE DELAINE MERINO ;63 flocks of prominent Merino breeders, in which both American and Delaine sheep are found. The former are mated with the latter, according to circumstances, in order to regulate type and wool production. If a Delaine ewe of ex'cellent mutton type has too open and light a fleece, she will be bred to an American ram of high wool-producing qualities, with the expectation of obtaining a Delaine with a better fleece. More folds may exist at the neck i 9. fAsSSivSvIr^^^^^l m. ife^^ ^ ^^^^T^^^^?T^ ^^P^ "^ " *"' •' d^. Ij •^ , fk ^ Hk^. % 1 - . ^K — r^^^:£»ir3.^ -.am- Fig. i6i. A Black Top Merino ewe, first prize at the Oiiio State Fair, 1905. Exhibited by R. D. McGonigle & Sons of Ohio. Photograph froni the American Sheep Breeder and breast, but not enough to furnish serious objection on the part of the Delaine breeder. The important thing is to keep up the size and mutton form without reducing the amount and char- acter of the wool below a satisfactory grade. This calls for a fleece to grade XX or better and have a staple of superior length, diameter, strength, and crimp. There should also be plenty of free- flowing oil, essential for a high-grade fleece. The mutton value of the Delaine has long been emphasized, and is an important argument advanced by breeders in its behalf. 364 SHEEP The wethers mature fairly early and sell at a comparatively satis- factory price in the market, being in demand on account of usually being not over fat. They will not dress out quite so well as the true mutton type, but show a fair per cent of carcass to offal. In 1882 McClelland Brothers of Pennsylvania sheared 100 three- year-old wethers that averaged eleven pounds washed Delaine wool, after which the sheep on the market weighed 1 10^ pounds each. In 1884, in Pittsburg market, James McClelland sold a car load of three-year-old wethers that averaged 1 14.V pounds and brought seven cents per ]')ound on the hoof. The breeding quality of the Delaine is distinctly superior to the American Merino. Breeders have sought to produce better breed- ing stock, — more prolific, larger milkers, and better mothers. This will apply generally to the Delaine type. The lambs also arc more robust at birth and more readily raised. The cross-bred or grade Delaine is valued on the range. Pure- bred rams used on range ewes give a better mutton sheep and are better suited to the range trade than where American Merino rams are used. Many Delaine rams have been shipped West for this purpose. The Delaine as a feeder ranks at the head of the Merino group, though not equal to the mutton breeds. The lambs at twelve months may be turned on the market, weighing eighty pounds or so. The adaptability of the Delaine is not eciual to that of the American Merino, for it lacks the rustling qualities to some extent. Delaines will do well in mountainous districts where grass is abundant ; in fact they have had their greatest develop- ment in the hills of Pennsylvania and Ohio. They also do well on rolling lands where food is abundant. The distribution of the Delaine is widespread in the United States, and is constantly growing. Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York, and Iowa have many flocks, notably the two former states. The Black Top is found more especially in Pennsylvania and the Dickinson in Ohio. The distribution of the smooth- bodied Merino is sure to grow in favor, on account of the ease of shearing and the objection to the American Merino on this point. Organizations to promote the Delaine Merino began in 1882 with the Victor-Beall Delaine Merino Sheep Breeders' Association THE DELAINE M1':R1N0 ;65 established in Pennsylvania. In 1887 this name was changed to the National Delaine Merino Sheep Breeders' Association. In 1890 the Standard Delaine Spanish Merino Sheep Breeders' Association was organized in Pennsylvania, and the same year the Improved Delaine Merino Sheep Breeders' Association was incorporated in Ohio. In 1882 the Ohio Spanish Delaine Merino Sheep Breeders' Association was also organized. In 1883 the Black Top Spanish Merino Sheep Breeders organized in Wash- ington County, Penns}lvania, and in 1885 the Improved Black Top Merino Association organized in the same state. In 1884 the Dickinson Delaine Merino Sheep Breeders' Association was organized in Ohio. These several Delaine associations have pub- lished a few flock books and have registered several thousand sheep. In January, 1906, a conference of Delaine Merino breeders, members of different registry associations, met at Columbus, Ohio, and engaged in extended discussion of the wisdom of a consolidation of Merino sheep registry associations. As a result of this meeting, directly following the conference, the Improved Delaine, Standard Delaine, and International Delaine Sheep Associations consolidated into the American Delaine- Merino Record Association. The object of the new association is to promote the purity of breeding, registering, and preserving the American Merino sheep, in accordance with the types A, B, and C. The new association secures a combined membership from the three old ones of sev'eral hundred persons. It is antici- pated that still other associations will unite with the new one and thus reduce the number in the field and so simplify the business of registration. CHAPTER XLVIII THE RAMBOUILLET The native home of the Rambouillet is in France, in the north- ern part, not far from Paris. The country is gently rolhng, the soil is generally of a calcareous nature, and the climate is quite temperate, being warm in summer and not severe in winter. Grasses, wheat and oats, and a variety of crops grow in this region. The ancestry of the Rambouillet is Spanish, this being a mem- ber of the great Merino family. The people of Spain in early days produced more wool than their factories could consume, so the surplus was exported, France buying heavily. The French i'lc. 102. A digniried gateway on the government tarm at Rambouillet, France. Photograph by the author government anticipated an increase of factories in Spain and con- sequent restriction on exports of wool from that country. This led the P'^rench to try to improve their flocks and produce enough fine wool at home to meet domestic demands. In 1 783 Louis XVI 366 THE RAMBOUILLET Z^7 of France bought a large estate at the village of Rambouillet, some forty miles west of Paris, and here he established a farm. In 1786 M. Gilbert was sent to Spain and selected a flock of Spanish Merinos representing several different families, landing 366 at Rambouillet, 318 being ewes. In 1799 Gilbert again went to Fig. 163. One of the sheep barns on the government farm at Rambouillet, France. Photograph by the author Spain, where after much difficulty another collection was secured, of which 237 reached Rambouillet in May, 1801. According to Gilbert, who collected these sheep, and died in Spain while doing the work, the second lot was not the equal of the first. The improvement of the Rambouillet in the hands of the French go\-ernment dates back over a century, resulting in a smooth-bodied sheep of large size. Much of this development of over a hundred years has undoubtedly been accomplished by selection. During the time France has bred these sheep many careful records have been made of weights of the sheep and fleece, of length and diameter of wool, of fecundity, mutton devel- opment, etc. Probably no other such extensive records regarding a breed are extant. The results of the work were a gradual in- crease in size, in weight and quality of fleece, in a better mutton form, and in more hardiness than had their Spanish ancestors. While the claim has been made that the stock at Rambouillet has 368 SHKKP been kept pure, in 1900 the author saw rams in the government flock, heavy with folds, quite Spanish in character, and quite different from the proper French type. The Rambouillet Merino was also developed by private parties in France and Germany. In 1800, M. Victor Gilbert of Wideville, France, started a flock from one ram and eight ewes bought of the government, and this flock was maintained in the same family by his son and grandson, Victor, for a century. In northern Germany the breed was later introduced and was much developed, notably in the region south of the Baltic Sea and north and northeast of Berlin. Baron F. \'on Ilomeyer of Ranzin, Bomerania, became the greatest German improver and increased the size, and weight and quality of fleece. Mr. W. G. Markham of New York State in 1880, when on a visit to wool-producing countries, inspected the Von Ilomeyer flock and looked on it with much favor. In 1882 he received a gift of a ram and two ewes from Von Homeyer, and these were the first of this German breeding to be brought to America. In 1885 Markham received seven rams from the same source, two of which were shipped to Michigan where they produced material improvement in the flocks where used. I11 1 89 1 some Michigan breeders imported seven rams and si.xtcen ewes from the Von Homeyer flock, and these were distributed among the Rambouillet men of Michigan. In 1893 Mr. Markham supervised an exhibit of Von Homeyer sheep at the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago which attracted widespread attention from their great size and superior merit. This family of Merinos is now extensively bred in German\-. The introduction of the Rambouillet to the United States first occurred in 1 840, under the name of French Merino, by which title it was generally known until about 1889. The first importa- tion appears to have been made in 1840 by D. C. Collins of Hartford, Connecticut, consisting of two rams and twenty ewes from the government flock of I'rance. The head ram, named Grandee, sheared fourteen pounds and was regarded as a very fine specimen. In 1846 this flock with its increase was sold to parties in Vermont. In May, 1846, John A. Taintor of Connecti- cut imported two rams and seven ewes which he purchased of Victor Gilbert. Following this, Taintor made several other THE RAMBOUILLET 369 importations. In 1848 John D. Patterson of Westfield, New York, on the western border of that state, made an importation including many superior sheep, his ewes weighing from 120 to 150 pounds and some of his rams up to 300 pounds. In 185 i F. IM. Rotch of New York is said to have made an importation with Taintor of Connecticut. That same year S. VV. Jewett of Middle- bury, Vermont, imported eighteen rams and eighty-two ewes from Victor Gilbert, and George Campbell of Westminster, Vermont, Fig. 104. A I'.uiiljuuilltjt rum, ><_-cuud in tki-^ dt the •_'hii> Statu l-'aii", ig05. Bred and e.xhibited by Max Chapman, Marysville, Ohio. Photograph by the author also made an importation. This same year a company of Ohio breeders imported about 50 head selected from private flocks in France by A. P. Howard. Some of the present Ohio flocks trace back to this importation as well as to a later one of 188 1. In 185 I Mr. R. C. Moulton of Ohio, now over eighty years old, estab- lished his flock of French Merinos, which has been maintained by him ever since, this probably being the oldest flock under one management in the country. In 1855 A. R. Seymour of Fayette 370 SHEEP County, Ohio, bought two rams and twenty-five ewes of Jewett. Along about 1855 a Mr. Downs of Calhoun County, Michigan, bought a few of the Patterson sheep. The claim has been made that a Mr. Stanton of Michigan purchased from Mr. Patterson, from which stock has descended the fiocks of some of the promi- nent Michigan breeders, but a letter before the writer, written by Mr. Patterson in 1893, does not corroborate this claim. Between 1856 and i860 most of the sheep owned by the latter gentleman were sold to parties in California, from which stock the French Merino sheep of the Pacific slope states descend. The Blaco- Glidc flock of California is said to trace back to this Patterson blood. What are now known as Franco-Merinos trace back into early Michigan flocks of years ago. These early French Merinos were not the suc- cess anticipated, not being hardy nor suited to Amer- ican conditions, and the interest declined along in the si.xties, to be revived about thirty years later. Many large importations have been made during the past ten years and notably about 1900. Characteristics of the Rambouillet. This variety or family of Merino does not differ so essentially in appearance from the Delaine, except in size and breeding. The head is large, the nose covered with white silky hair, and the ears are inclined to be large and are covered with fine white hair or short fine wool. The rams usually have large, spirally turned horns, but there are also hornless males and the females are hornless. The wool is fairly compact and long, averaging about three inches, and covers the entire body, extending over the face below the eyes and down the legs to the toes in good specimens. The exterior appearance is of a sheep of good size, covered with a fine, rather white fleece, Fig. 165. A Rambouillet ram, imported bv Dwight Lincoln, Milford Center, Ohio. Photograph by the author THE RAMBOUILLET 37 1 and freer from oil or dark coloring than is the Delaine, while folds occur on the neck and breast but rarely on the body or hind quarters. One is impressed at times with a tendency to coarseness of bone and length of leg. The size of the Rambouillet averages larger than any of the other Merinos; in fact years ago they were nicknamed "Elephant Merinos." The rams will average about 185 pounds at maturity and the ewes 150 to 160. Some rams are said to have weighed over 300 pounds, and cases are know^n of ewes weighing about 250 pounds. The ram Matchless, imported by George Campbell in 185 I from the Gilbert flock, weighed 261 pounds. Mr. Max Fig. 166. A pair of Rambouillet rams, the prupeily of Henri Gilbert, Wideville, France. These sheep had been shorn but a few weeks previous to the time the author took the photograph Chapman of Ohio bred the ram Sampson, which weighed 280 pounds at twenty months old, and the ewe Bernice, which at three years weighed 244 pounds. The Rambouillet as a mutton producer ranks very well, though inferior to the mutton breeds. It will mature fairly rapidly and will produce a class of mutton which will sell well, though it is not of the highest quality. This is the only class of Merinos offered a place for exhibition at the International Live Stock Exposition, a testimonial to the mutton value of the wethers. In the Iowa experiments on fattening wether lambs, in the one trial reported, the Rambouillet made an average daily gain of .37 pound, requiring 1029 pounds dry matter for 100 pounds gain. In the carcass test the Rambouillet dressed out the poorest 372 SHEEP of ten breeds, 49.57 per cent, compared with 55.26 for the Southdown, and was priced at $5.00 per hundred Hve weight, compared with i^5.75 for the Southdown. The Rambouillet as a wool producer ranks well. In 1838, on the farm at Rambouillet, 40 rams yielded an average fleece of 10 pounds 4 ounces, and 201 ewes and 85 lambs an average of 7 pounds. The years 1847, 1869, and 1877 saw a gradual improvement in weight and quality of fleece, the latter year 1 5 adult rams averaging 16 pounds 9.3 ounces weight of fleece, and 521 ewes of various ages 10 pounds 3.1 ounces. At the present time it is doubtful if the average ram will shear over 15 pounds and the average ewe over 10 pounds, but this, of course, does not apply to flocks as carefully bred as that at Rambouillet. Mr. Max Chapman of Ohio reports that the ewe Hiawatha bred by him produced one year 29 pounds of unwashed wool. The fleece of this breed is not quite so fine as that of the other Merinos and also shows somewhat less of oil and crimj:). Cross-bred or grade Rambouillet sheep are best known on the western range, where for some years large numbers of pure-bred rams have been shipped from Ohio and Michigan for use on native stock. This gives a larger, better mutton type, with a strong constitution, and at the same time increases the fleece value. Not only this, but the smooth-bodied grade is more in favor with the shearer on the range than the smaller, more wrinkled sort. Vermont breeders in the past have used Ram- bouillet rams on American ewes to produce large, vigorous rams suited to the southwestern trade. The breeding qualities of the Rambouillet rank well. For twelve years preceding 1881 Bernardin, then in charge of the government flock in France, reports that 4005 ewes were re- served for breeders, of which 83.1 per cent were productive, the 83.1 ewes dropping 92 lambs, including twins. In the author's e.vperience with the Rambouillet, covering ten years, the ewes were prolific breeders, frequently dropping twins, and were un- usually good mothers, having large udders and producing much milk. One objection to some of the ewes was too large a teat. The udders averaged larger than with any other breed of sheep THE RAMBOUILLET 37. in the personal acquaintance of the author. Owing to their natural \igor the ewes breed to a ripe old age. The hardy quality of the Rambouillet is worthy of note. Formerl}-, when the French Merino was introduced, many found it unsuited to American conditions. The last quarter of a cen- tury, however, has shown that the Rambouillet has excellent wearing qualities, certainly surpassing the mutton breeds. In winter the writer has found them comparatively free from catarrh, while in summer on the same pasture with sheep badly suffering with stomach worms the Rambouillet seemed com- paratively free from the serious effects of the parasite. The early maturity of the Rambouillet from the standpoint of Merino de- velopment is distinctly in its favor. The lambs come on rapidly and compare favorably with the mutton breeds. The distribution of the Rambouillet is very wide- spread. It is extensively bred in France, Germany, Russia, and other coun- tries of continental Europe and has been exported heavily to Australia, Argentine Repub- lic, and the United States. In South America there are large flocks of choice breeding. In the United States this Merino is exten.sively distributed from the Atlantic to the Pacific, but is found in pure-bred flocks to a notable degree in Ohio, Michigan, Oregon, Washington, California, and Utah, though excellent flocks occur in other states. Organizations to promote Rambouillet sheep were first estab- lished when the American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders' Asso- ciation was organized in 1889 at Pontiac, Michigan. Volume I of the flock book was published in 1891, and up to 1905 seven Fig. 167. A Rambouillet ewe, second in class at the Ohio State Fair, 1905. Bred and exhibited by Ma.x Chapman. Photograph by the author 374 SHia':p volumes have been issued. In 1901 the Von Homeyer Associa- tion of Rambouillet Sheep was organized, this registering only sheep of breeding tracing to the Von Homeyer flock. This association has issued one small flock book. There is also a Franco- American Merino Association, organized in 1900, in which blood lines combine the Rambouillet and American Merino. Prices of interest for Rambouillet sheep date back for over half a century. In 1853 John D. Patterson of New York pur- chased a ram in France for $600, from the flock of M. Cugnot. He also paid Victor Gilbert $400 each for two rams. In the late fifties, when Mr. Patterson sold his sheep to California buyers, it is reported that he received $1500 each for three rams, $1000 for one, $800 apiece for two, and for eighteen others, prices ranging from $300 to $700. P'ourteen ewes also brought $4500, or an average of $321 per head. These probably represent the highest prices brought by individuals of this breed, either in America or Europe. A. L. Bingham of Vermont, between 1847 and 1853, paid John A. Taintor $37,500 for 161 French Merinos, or about $232 a head. The more modern Rambouillet has never brought such high prices, although some rams in recent years have sold for as much as $300 each. CHAPTER XLIX THE MUrrON TYPE OF SHEEP The mutton breeds of sheep comprise two groups known as the middle or medium wool and the long wool. While the breeds within these groups materially differ in character, what is known as the mutton type or form is essentially the same with each of these groups. The general mutton conformation embodies the feature of the best beef type, involving the compact, blocky form, the short head and neck, broad, level back, full, heavy leg of mutton, deep body, and short legs. The head is short, the mouth of ample size, nostrils large, nose short and strong and often Roman with males, the eyes bright and prominent, the forehead broad, the poll neat, and the ears refined, short, and actively carried, indicating quality. Horns do not as a rule prevail in this type and are not a necessary consideration. The neck should be full and smoothly muscled, of fair depth, level and short on top, and should blend in neatly at head and merge nicely at the shoulder and neck vein. The sJiojildcr is valuable for mutton, and should be neatly placed with the blades not prominent at the top, this entire part being smoothly covered with flesh. The breast on a superior mutton sheep is thick in front, and the brisket is prominent and well rounded out, this showing a vigorous constitution and strong fleshing qualities. The whole front of the bosom should show a fullness and smoothness in all the lines. The cJicst is most important, containing as it does the vital organs, so that both thickness and depth are essential and in keeping with the properly developed breast. The withers on top must have width and be smoothly covered, and then further down 37 5 ?>1(^ SHEEP well-rounded crops and full front flanks are to be looked for. Sunken crops and high front flanks indicate lack of constitution and poor feeding character. The front legs should be wide and heavily muscled of arm, the shank bones fine and short, the joints and pasterns strong. The entire leg viewed from front or side must show good form and strength, the knees not coming close together, and the feet prop- erly pointing straight ahead. Weak pasterns frequently occur with mutton sheep, a feature to be avoided in selecting breeding rams. The back and loin contain the valuable cuts, so that strength, width, and thickness are highly essential at all times. Breadth and levelness of back are emphasized, with some closeness of coupling. Fig. i68. First-prize pen of Southdown yearling wethers at Koyal .'vgncuhural Society of England Show, 1903. Bred and exhibited by C. Adeane, Cambridge. This picture shows the mutton form in its highest perfec- tion. Photograph from F. N. Webb, Agent, Cambridge, England The body to have ample cai)acity requires a str(jng arch and depth of rib, thus giving depth and thickness, invariably asso- ciated with the best type. A short body, at least with the male or feeder, is much preferred to a long one. The Jiips should be inconspicuous, though not narrow, and should be smoothly covered. The rump requires length, breadth, and levelness, with a full covering of flesh. Instead of this we too frequently find the peaked, narrow, droopy rump with low-set tail, an ill form either for meat production or in relation to the proper conformation in connection with the reproductive function. The thigJis should be thick from behind, very full and low in between at the twist, and, as viewed from one side, very wide and THE MUTION IVPE OF SHEEP 377 carried strongly back. The entire upper thigh should be heavily covered with flesh. The lower thigh, above the hock, must show strength and neatness. The Jiocks should be straight and strong with ample space between. If the hocks take a correct position, then the legs will probably do likewise. Crooked hocks, however, are a common and weak formation and are to be guarded against in breeding stock. The legs below the hocks should be straight, short, and strong. The skin is a quite variable feature on mutton sheep. A bright pink is the ideal color, with the skin mellow and yet firm, this showing the most healthy condition. Instead of this the skin is frequently of a bluish-white cast or appears too white. A somewhat mottled or bluish-white color also occurs with some individuals or breeds. There are differences of views as to the significance of skin color. No doubt the bluish tint of the Shropshire or Oxford skin is one of inheritance and does not necessarily signify poor condition. The clear pink skin, however, is preferable. T\vQ, flesJiing of the mutton type calls for a smooth, uniformly covered, deep layer of high-class mutton without wads of fat or patchiness on sides or rump. Such a sheep with the fleece removed would be beautiful in the general symmetry of outline, whether in moderate flesh or fed for slaughter. The ivool of the mutton type ranges in length from that of the Merino to some ten or possibly more inches for a year's growth. The fleece does not cover the body so compactly as with the fine wool, but in this respect, that of the medium class greatly excels the long wool which is the most open of all. The fibers range in character from those which are fine and have con- siderable crimp to those which are long and wavy, with little or no real crimp. A bright fiber with brilliant luster is sought for. Uniformity of covering is important in length, fineness, and diameter of staple. The entire body, including the belly and armpits, should be covered with a compact fleece. The covering on head or legs varies with the breed. Hair (kemp) or abnormal color of wool fiber are distinctly objectionable. The oil or yolk should be of moderate abundance, keeping the wool in a healthy condition. CHAPTER L THE SOUTHDOWN The native home of the Southdown breed is in southeastern England in the county of Sussex, which is bordered on the south by the Enghsh Channel. Extending east and west through this region is a range of low chalky hills about sixty miles long and from one to six or eight miles wide, known as the South Downs. These hills, which also occur in Kent, Hampshire, and Dorset, grow a short, fine herbage, while wheat is a leading cereal crop, though roots do well under suitable conditions on the lower-lying lands. The climate is mild and balmy, being tempered by the sea. The original stock from which the Southdown sprung, the native Sussex sheep, was somewhat small, had dark face and legs, occasionally small horns, was long and thin in the neck, light in the fore quarter with narrow, droopy back, the body lack- ing rib, and the hind quarter having a thick leg of mutton with the bone generally too coarse. The wool also was short and the fleece thin. The important early improvers of the Southdown were John Ellman and Jonas Webb. Other men assisted in the improve- ment of the breed, but these two stand out in bold relief among the great improvers of sheep. John Ellman lived at Glynde near Lewes, Sussex County, England. He was the first improver of Southdown sheep. He began his work about 1775, and resided on the same farm and bred Southdowns continuously for over fifty years. Ellman saw the necessity of improving the native Sussex sheep, to secure a stronger constitution, a better mutton form, and ease of fattening, with a smaller per cent of offal in killing. He sought the best sheep wherever obtainable and made rapid improvement of the breed. A son of Mr. Ellman, also a prominent breeder in his day, especially credited his father with improvements made in 378 THE SOUTHDOWN 379 the Southdown neck and fore quarters. Ellman very generally improved the sheep, creating a superior mutton beast, and also greatly adding to the thickness and quality of the fleece. He demonstrated that the breed could be heavily stocked on the land. In 178S Arthur Young wrote, "Mr. Ellman, on 500 acres, has 700 ewes, lambs, and wethers in winter, and 1450 of all sorts in summer, besides 140 head of cattle." Ellman is universally regarded as the greatest of early sheep improvers, Fig. 169. Babraham Ciiampioii, liisl-prize and reserve-champion SouUidown ram at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show In 1901. Also won the Blythwood Challenge Bowl for the best Southdown of either sex at the O.xfordshire Show. Bred and owned by C. Adeane, Babraham, Cambridge, England, and used in the famous Babraham flock in 1901 and 1902. Photograph from F. N. Webb, -Agent, Cambridge, England unless we except Bake well. In 1829 he retired and dispersed his flock of about 1400 head, of which 241 were wether lambs. Mr. Ellman died in 1832. Jonas Webb of Babraham, Cambridge, England, built on the Southdown model of Ellman. He began breeding about 1821 and purchased the best sheep he could buy, regardless of price. These he mated with much wisdom, improving the Southdown into the very best-known type of mutton sheep, — symmetrical, 38o SHEEP an easy feeder, and unsurpassed in quality of flesh and dressing out at killing. Southdovvns of his breeding possessed more size than did those of Ellman. He began letting out rams in 1823, and about 1846 was placing out 200 annually. For years his ram sales and letting out sales were important events. He was a most successful exhibitor, and in 1856 won a special gold medal for his Southdown exhibit at the International Exposition at Paris, France. The Wel)b flock was dispersed in 1862, but Mr. C. Adcane, who now occupies Babraham, is one of England's best- known breeders and exhibitors of Southdowns. The breeding of the Southdown by the English nobility has long been noteworthy. In the time of Ellman, George the Third Fig. 170. Chichester King 65, 17434, tirstprize and champion Southdown ram in 1904 at the Louisiana Purchase E.xposition and at various state fairs. Owned and exhibited by George INIcKerrow of Wisconsin. Piiotograph by the author became interested in this breed, which ever since has been main- tained on the royal estates. The present king, Edward VH, has for years had a fine flock. Lord Walsingham has long been a prominent breeder, while the estate of the Duke of Richmond has for over a century bred Southdowns ; so also THE SOUTHDOWN 381 have the Duke of Hamilton, Duke of Marlborough, Viscount Hampden, and numerous others. The introduction of the Southdown to America without doubt dates back to colonial days, and it has been assumed that the best sheep of Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut were of this breed. In 1803 a Dr. Rose of Fayette, Seneca County, New York, is said to have commenced with a small flock of Southdowns which did remarkably well. In 1 8 1 3 these were crossed with Spanish Merinos. In 1823 Sidney Hawes of New York imported some Southdowns, and sold thirty-six ewes, two rams, and ten wethers to C. N. Bement of Albany, who kept up his flock many years. In 1834 Francis Rotch of Otsego County, New York, imported si.K ewes and a ram from the flock of T. Ellman, the son of John. Following this he made several other importations from the most noted English flocks. In 1834 Isaac Maynard of Coshocton County brought some Southdowns to Ohio, while in 1844 J. F. King of Warren began breeding from Jonas Webb stock, imported by J. M. Hesless of Trumbull County, Ohio. With the depreciation in Merino inter- ests Southdowns grew in favor east of the Mississippi, and many flocks were established along in the middle of the last century. The characteristics of the Southdown as described by Ellman merit reproduction here on account of their source and their considerable application to the breed to-day. The head small and hornless ; the face speckled or gray, and neither too long nor too short ; the lips thin, and the space between the nose and eyes narrow ; the under jaw or chap fine and thin ; the ears tolerably wide and well covered with wool, and the forehead also, and the whole space between Fig. 171. CulfordEwe 18530, grand-champion Southdown ewe at the Louisana Purchase E.xposition, 1904. Owned and exhibited by W. A. McKerrow, Wisconsin. Pliotograph by the author 382 SHEEP the ears well protected by it, as a defense against the fly. The eye full and bright but not prominent ; the orbit of the eye, the eye cap or bone, not too projecting, that it may not form a fatal obstacle in lambing. The neck of a medium length, thin toward the head, but enlarging toward the shoulders, where it should be broad and high, and straiglit in its wliole course above and below. The breast should be wide, deep, and projecting forward between the fore legs, indicating a good constitution and a disposi- tion to thrive. Corresponding with this, the shoulders should be on a level with the back and not too wide above ; they should bow outward from the top to the breast, indicating a springing rib beneath, and leaving room for it. The ribs coming out horizontally from the spine and extending back- ward, and the last rib projecting more than others, the back flat from the shoulders to the setting on of the tail; the loin broad and flat; the rump broad and the tail set on high and nearly on a level with the spine. The hips wide, the space between them and the last rib on either side as narrow as possible, and the ribs generally presenting a circular form like a barrel. The belly as straight as the back. The legs neither too long nor too short ; the fore legs straight from the breast to the foot, not bending inward at the knee, and standing far apart both before and behind ; the hock having a direction rather outward, and the twist, or the meeting of the thighs behind, being particularly full, the bones fine, yet having no appearance of weakness, and of a speckled or dark color. The belly well defended with wool and the wool coming down before and beliind to the knee and hock ; the wool short, close, curled, and fine, and free from spiry projecting fibers. All of the above essentially applies to the modern Southdown type excepting color. This is to-day of a rather grayish brown or reddish brown as shown on face, ear, and leg — of a much lighter shade than the Shropshire. The fleece has also undoubt- edly been improved in its density, length, and quality over what it was in Ellman's time. The breed is noted for its quiet, docile temperament. The size of the Southdown is inferior, ranking as essentially the smallest of the middle-wool class. Yet the compactness of the breed is so distinct that the individuals weigh very heavy for their size. The mature rams will average about 175 pounds and the ewes 135. George McKerrow of Wisconsin, a leading Southdown breeder and importer, reports the following average weights of specimens of the breed, weighed about September i, 1889 : Two two-year-old rams, 206 pounds each ; three yearling rams, 1530 pounds each ; two aged ewes, 150 pounds each ; four THE SOUTHDOWN 383 yearling ewes, 134! pounds each; March lambs, 10 1 J pounds each. The heaviest yearling weighed 161 pounds and the heaviest lamb 1 10 pounds. These weights however are much above the usual. The Southdown for mutton, since its early improvement, has held premier place in the best markets. There is no excessive fat on the average fed carcass, the flesh is of the finest flavor and grain, the offal is comparatively small, and the bone is fine. The Southdown as a feeder is superior, maturing rapidly and making a large gain for food consumed. In feeding experiments at the Iowa experiment station Southdown wether lambs in one Fig. 172. A pen of three Southdown ewe lambs, first prize in class at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1901. Bred and exhibited by C. Adeane, Babraham, Cambridge, England. Photograph from F. N, Webb, Agent, Cambridge trial gained a daily average of .45 pound, and in a second .35 pound, it requiring 738 pounds dry matter for lOO pounds gain in the first trial and 989 pounds in the second. In percentage of dressed carcass the lambs in the first trial dressed 55.4 per cent, and in the second 55.26 per cent, averaging higher than any other of 10 breeds, while the carcass also brought in each trial the highest price per 100 pounds. At the Ontario Agricultural College the average weight of the best fat shorn Southdown grade wethers at 445 days was 185 pounds, the mean weight of all the Southdown wethers 167 pounds, while the daily gain per head was .33 pound. Wallace reports that fat wethers rising two years old, belonging to the Earl of Bathurst and sold in 384 SHEEP Cirencester market in the first week in December, 1884, dressed 138 pounds per carcass, or 34.5 pounds per quarter dead \vei<^ht, and yielded 65.83 per cent dressed weight. In 1899, at the Smithfield Club Show, the heaviest pen of Southdown wether lambs a\'cra;;cd 161 pounds each. The Southdown cross-bred or grade has long met with great favor in the mutton market. In fact the Southdown has played a leading part in forming several breeds, notably the Shropshire, Hampshire, and Oxford, though it has been used more or less on other breeds to improve the fleshing and maturing qualities. Grade lambs, the result of Southdown rams on common ewes of the Merino type or of middle-wool form, will always be in comparatively high demand by butchers. The adaptability of the Southdown to a variety of conditions is very fair. On rolling land, and even on hilly land producing plenty of pasture, they do well. On the slightly rolling, well- drained lands of the central West they seem to thrive, while in the South this has been one of the best-known breeds. They graze well and are equally hardy with most middle-wool sheep. The breeding qualities of the Southdown are about average. In 1856 Professor Wilson of Scotland wrote, "The ewes are very ]:>rolific and are excellent mothers, commonly rearing 120 or 130 lambs to the 100 ewes." In recent years, as compared with the Shropshire, the breed cannot be regarded as superior in fecundity. The ewes, however, make good mothers and have a fair flow of milk. The Southdown as a wool sheep occupies a subordinate place. The fieccc is short, averaging perha])s two and one half inches long, and, although the finest of the native British breeds, weighs light, an average yield for a flock being less than for any other common breed. Wallace gives the weight of fleece of a ewe from three to four pounds, and Shaw from five to seven. In 1 89 1 General C. M. Clay, who bred Southdowns on a large scale in Kentucky for over fifty consecutive years, wrote that he had " raised wool from three and one half pounds to seven on an average." While the fleece is usually very fine, its short length, freedom from yolk, and small size of sheep combine to produce a fleece not weighing much over five or six pounds. THE SOUTHDOWN 385 The principal criticism of the Southdown on the part of the American farmer is the lack of wool production as well as insuf- ficient size, though the size is not a serious objection. Wallace, a leading Scotch authority of to-day, says, " They are not good rent payers, except in their native district, being too small and also liable to foot rot." Notwithstanding the intrinsic merit and value of this breed, until it presents more scale and fleece it will not succeed in meeting equal favor in America with the Shropshire, Oxford, or Hampshire. The distribution of the Southdown is world-wide. It has been exported from England into almost every country of Europe, Fig. 173. A pen of three Southdown wether lambs, winners of first prize at the Smithfield Show, London, 1903. At 10 months of age these lambs averaged 154-; pounds each. Bred and exhibited by C. Adeane, Babraham, Cam- bridge, England. Photograph from F. N. Webb, Agent, Cambridge Africa, Australia, and America where civilization and sheep husbandry at all prevail. Even as late as 1903 exports were made to the United States, France, Russia, Australia, Argentine Republic, Chile, and Japan. Perhaps no breed of sheep during its career has had an equally wide distribution. In the United States Southdowns are recorded as bred in nearly fifty states, important flocks being kept in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Vermont, and Kentucky. The breed is also well represented in Canada, notably in Ontario. Organizations to promote Southdown sheep exist in England and America. The Southdown Sheep Society, with headquarters in London, England, published its first flock book in 1 893, and 386 SHEEP up to 1905 has issued fourteen \-olumes. The American South- down Breeders' Association, organized in 1882, has published nine flock books and registered some 1 5,000 sheep. Notable prices for Southdown sheep have been paid since the days of Ellman, though the figures are not as large as those derived from Lincoln or Merino sales. In 1787 the first South- down ram to bring ten guineas ($50) was sold by Ellman to Lord Waldergrave. In 1794 the Earl of Egremont gave Ellman about $10 each for 50 ewes. In 1796 this same breeder sold a ram for 50 guineas, or $250. Later the Emperor of Russia and the Duke of Bedford each took two of Mr. Ellman's rams at 150 Fig. 174. A group of Southdown ewes in pasture, owned by C. J. Stuckey, Mechanicsburg, Ohio. Photograph by the author guineas ($750) per head. In 1829, when the Ellman flock was dispersed, 36 rams averaged about $125 each. At the dispersal sales of Jonas Webb in 186 1 and 1862 there were sold 1404 sheep at an average of ;^i i lys. 3^., almost $58 each, the highest price being for a ram, 260 guineas, or $1300. At the sales of Henry Webb in Cambridgeshire in 1889 and 1900, 745 rams and ewes averaged about $60 each, the top price being 210 guineas. In earlier days higher prices ruled for Southdowns in America than now. In 1856, at the sale of L. J. Morris, at Fordham, New York, the ewes averaged $150, and one imported ram brought $400. The ram Archbishop, bred by Jonas Webb, was imported by G. H. Brown and cost $1250. CHAPTER LI THE SHROPSHIRE] The native home of Shropshire sheep was in the counties of Shropshire and Stafford, England. The former is in central- western England, being bounded on the west by Wales, while Stafford lies just to the east of Shropshire. The country is pleasantly rolling, with some hilly features also, but furnishes excellent grass and pasture. The climate is moderate, is fairly free from heavy snow in winter, and is well suited to sheep. The origin of the Shrop- shire sheep is from several types of native sheep, on which Southdown, Leices- ter, and Cotswold blood was used. In 1803 Plym- ley, writing on the agri- culture of Shropshire, wrote of a breed on the Longmynd with horns and black faces, that seemed indigenous and hardy. A century ago in southern Shropshire, near Bridgnorth, on Morfe Common, as many as 10,000 sheep were pastured in summer. It was a native breed, black faced, brown, or spotted faced, with horns, the ewes dressed weighing from nine to ten pounds per quarter, and wethers eleven to fourteen pounds after feeding, and clipping a fleece of about two pounds. On Cannock Chase in Stafford- shire was found a similar but somewhat larger, slow-maturing sheep, from which are descended some of the best Shropshire flocks of to-day. On Whittington Heath in Shropshire a type similar to that of Cannock Chase also existed and became 387 Fig. 175. A type of Shropshire ram of years ago. This illustration is reproduced from a photograph of a painting owned in England 388 shi:i:p amalgamated in the general improvement. The Southdown was used on these to secure quality, while the Leicester and Cotswold blood were used to obtain size and fleece, and from this combina- tion came the modern Shropshire, after a considerable process of selection. The breed is comparatively recent in its present char- acter, though Alfred Mansell says the best characteristics of the breed were present when the work of improvement was begun. As late as 1858 Professor Tanner wrote : Only a few years since any mention of the Shropshire Down sheep raised an inquiry, even among intellectual agriculturists, as to their charac- ter, and few, comparatively speaking, knew anything of them. Two early prominent improvers of the Shropshire are said to have been Samuel Meire of Berrington and later of Harley, near Shrewsbury, and George Adney, of Harley. Meire sought to remove the Shropshire coarseness and horns, and to improve the levelness of back and spring of rib, the obliqueness of shoulder, and breadth and fullness of rump. He purchased or hired Southdown rams from John Ellman of Glynde and used them in his flock. He also used Leicester blood with the pur- pose of getting better feeders and animals of shorter body. After securing his type he practiced the selection necessary to bring important improvement. Adney did not cross extensively, but a ram named I^uckskin, used in his flock, with Southdown blood in his veins, produced superior sheep, one of which, the ewe Old Patentee, was a famous dam and prize winner whose blood is prominent in the best early Shropshire pedigrees. Many of the best flocks of to-day trace to those of Meire and Adney. Other prominent breeders and improvers were G. M. Kettle of Dallicott, Henry Smith of Shifnal, Green of Marlow, Morton of Shrewsbury, and Farmer of Bridgnorth. Shropshires were first exhibited at the Royal Show in Eng- land in 1853, and in a few years it was the most prominent breed shown, 875 head being exhibited at the Shrewsbury Royal in 1884, comi)ared with 420 rejM-esenting all other breeds. The introduction of the Shropshire to America is comparatively recent. In i860 Samuel Sutton of Relay House, Maryland, imported 20 ewes and a ram, which the American Fanner for THE SHROPSHIRE 389 August, 1 86 1, states was the first Hock of Shropshires imported to America. A. B. Conger of Haverstraw, New York, had a flock about the same time, and sold the first of the breed to go into New Hampshire, to P. W. Jones of Amherst, in 1864. Shropshires were exhibited at the New York State Fair at Elmira in 1861, including the ram Gratitude that had been shown the year previous at the Royal Agricultural Society Show at Canterbury, England. In 1862 P. Lorillard of Fordham, New York, also had a flock, and in 1868 L. C. Fish of Otego, New York, began breeding them. About 1875 the first Shropshires were brought from Canada to Michigan by Mrs. Ann Newton of Pontiac. In 1880 this breed was advertised by J. A. Brown & Fig. 176. First-prize pen of Sliropshire yearling rams at the Royal Agricul- tural Society of F^ngland Show, 1904. Bred and exhibited by Sir R. P. Cooper, Bart., Shenstone, England. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephews, Berkhamsted, England Son of Decatur, IHinois. Along in the eighties numerous impor- tations were made into Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, and the breed became well distributed. Characteristics of the Shropshire. This breed is of the medium- wool class and is somewhat heavier and larger than the South- down. The face, ears, and legs are usually a dark brown or blackish brown, although fifteen years ago they were often gray- ish brown of face. The head is hornless and is slightly larger than the Southdown, and in the best specimens is co\'ered with a striking cap of wool even to the nostrils, covering all but a small part of the nose. The ears should be small, short, and moderately broad, and should be well covered with short, fine wool. While the Shropshire is an excellent backed breed, it also 390 SHEEP carries such a depth of body as to usually appear fairly short of leg. A prominent feature of good specimens is a full bosom and strong brisket. The rump sometimes lacks levelness and fullness, though the thigh and twist may be excellent. The fleece covers the entire body admirably, being compact and fairly long and of superior quality. In temperament Shropshires are of the first class, being easily handled. The skin of representatives of this breed is very commonly bluish pink and lacks the superior quality and color of either the Merino or Cheviot. The size of the Shropshire makes it about an average among the middle-wool breeds. A standard weight for mature rams is 225 pounds, with 150 to 160 for ewes. A few years ago one large importer and breeder advertised that his rams would average 250 pounds and his ewes 175 pounds. There has been a tendency in this country to develop a large type among some breeders and a smaller type among others, the latter arguing in behalf of quality rather than quantity. The Shropshire as a mutton sheep is of a superior order, rank- ing ne.xt to the Southdown, and when well fed often equaling it. In the Iowa station breed test Shropshire fattening wethers of an average age of 371 days, in the first trial, made an average daily gain of .48 pound, and in the second trial, covering 279 days, gained an average of .36 pound daily. In one trial it required 718 pounds dry matter for 100 pounds gain, and in the other 1026 for 100 i:)ounds gain. The valuation per 100 pounds live weight ranked second to the Southdowns, viz., $4.63 and $5.60 for each trial. In feeding experiments on Shropshire lambs, conducted by Professor Brown at the Ontario College, grades of this breed made the best record among five tested. In a general way feed- ing experiments with Shropshires have shown excellent returns. Fig. 177. Champion Shropshire ram at the Kentucky State Fair, 1903. Exhibited by the Niagara Stock Farm, Lewiston, New York. Photograph by the author THE SHROPSHIRE 391 Cross-bred or grade Shropshires are to-day one of the most common types of mutton sheep found on the market. Shrop- shire rams used on native ewes furnish lambs of a much-desired class, fattening easily, not too large, and profitable killers. In the Mississippi Valley states Shropshire grades are the common sheep outside of Merino communities. A Shropshire ram-Merino ewe cross is also a very beneficial one from a mutton point of view. Used on the long-wool grade ewes, a smaller, better mutton sheep results, with a more profitable fleece. Alex. Bruce, chief live-stock inspector for New South Wales, in 1894 wrote, "For the production of prime fat lambs there is no better ram (if Fig. 17S. The first-prize pen of Sliropshire yearling ewes at the Royal Agri- cultural Society of England Show, 1904. Bred and exhibited by Sir R. P. Cooper, Bart., Shenstone, England. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephews, Berkhamsted, England there be as good) than the Shropshire, and the result is equally favorable where that ram is put to cross-bred ewes." The fecundity of Shropshire sheep is notable. The ewes of this breed have long been noted for the number of lambs they will produce. A ewe owned by a Mr. Pochin at Leicester, Eng- land, dropped five lambs in 1882, four in 1883, and four in 1884. A writer in the English Agriailtiiral Gazette in 1879 reports that in 1877 he had 125 ewes suckle 194 lambs, in 1878 he had 120 suckle 176, and in 1879 he had 124 suckle 191. Mr. Alfred Mansell, secretary of the English Shropshire Society, states that 150 to 175 lambs per 100 is the usual average, that 1 1,666 ewes in 1896 reared 168 lambs per 100 ewes. In a study of 23,037 Shropshires recorded in the Avierican Shropshire 392 SHEEP Flock Book the author found 13,659, or 59.2 per cent, of single birth ; 9053, or 39.2 per cent, registered as twins; and 3 1 5, or 1.3 per cent, as triplets, this record covering the years 1890 to 1899. The Shropshire as a grazing sheep ranks but fair. It is espe- cially adapted to regions where the pastures are superior, but it is not so well adapted to hilly land nor to sparse pasturage as the Merino, Southdown, or Cheviot. It is distinctly suited to the corn belt of America, where it is most abundant. It is also well suited to the better Canadian pastures, and in New England satisfactory results have been secured. The early maturing qualities of the Shropshire are pronounced, ranking in the first class. Lambs at four months old will easily weigh 40 pounds and at twelve months old weigh over 100 pounds. Fig. 179. The champion pen of Shropshire yearling ewes at the Royal Agri- cultural Society of England Show, 1 897. Bred and exhibited by T. Bowen- Jones, Shrewsbury, England. Photograph by the author Wallace gives 20 to 22 pounds per quarter the dead weight at twelve months old. The early-maturing, easy-fattening character of the breed or its cross or grade is what makes it so popular among feeders. Further, for years dark-faced mutton has been more popular in the market than the white-faced. The Shropshire as a wool producer ranks very well. The average fleece of unwashed wool will probably not much exceed eight pounds. Wallace places 7 or 8 pounds a good average weight for the fleece of an ordinary ewe flock, while Professor Thomas Shaw gives 9 to 10 pounds for the ewes and 12 to 15 pounds for the rams as the average of a "good flock." The staple of the Shropshire is rather compact, of better than medium quality, and in good specimens is of superior fineness and crimp and is about three and one half inches long, distinctly longer THE SHROPSHIRE 393 than the Southdown but shorter than Oxford or Hampshire. When the fleece is opened it frequently shows considerable oil for a medium wool, and has a most attractive fiber. A good specimen of Shropshire should be well covered with wool about the belly and down the legs to below knee and hock. The Shropshire's rank as a general-purpose sheep is high, which accounts for its popularity. The combination of the better-class mutton and wool, with ample size and above average fecundity, has met the demands of the modern farmer. The vigor of the Shropshire is criticised by some as not being as great as it should be, if compared with the Merino, being more subject to colds in winter, and showing less resistance to the twisted stomach worm (Strongylus) in summer than is desirable. The distribution of the Shropshire is to-day world- wide, it being found in most of the counties of England, in Scotland, Ire- land, Russia, France, Ger- many, South Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Ja- maica, the Falkland Islands, the United States, and Canada. There are very success- ful flocks in certain mountain districts, as in Scotland and New England, but it is essentially a sheep suited to gently rolling lands, preferably north rather than in the dry south. In America fine flocks exist in Canada, and the breed is well represented in the states generally, but especially in New York, Indiana, Michi- gan, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Organizations to promote Shropshire sheep are among the earlier ones of the kind. In 1882 the English Shropshire Sheep Society was established and the first volume of the flock book published in 1884, since which twenty-three volumes have been issued to 1905. The American Shropshire Sheep Association was organized at La Fayette, Indiana, in February, 1884, and is i^^p m^ |i' " , 1 ^L^-'^-^i^^lBI^VnaviiMaBKLJ^^Rz^'- f' - i-«i Fig. 180. A pair of prize-winning Sliropshire ewes at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901. Owned and exhibited by G. II. Davison, Millbrook, New York. Photograph from the A'atioiial Stockman and Farmer 394 SHEEP to-day the strongest individual sheep association in the world. Its first flock book was published in 1889, since which it has published eighteen, and about 190,000 sheep have been registered to 1905. There is also a National Shropshire Association in the United States, which has published one flock book. Australia and Tasmania also have Shropshire flock book associations. High prices for Shropshires have been paid. In 1881 Mr. A. B. Allen wrote : I notice from late sales reported in the English papers the choicest are bringing high prices, 10 to 100 guineas ($50 to $500) each, and one ram has been sold for the extraordinary sum of 200 guineas ($1000). Mr. Alfred Mansell, long a prominent auctioneer of Shrop- shires abroad, has published quite a record of Shropshire sale prices. A list of 464 rams ranged in average selling price at auction from slightly above ^100 per head to over $200, while 1700 ewes sold at prices ranging from $20 to over $50 per head. A list of 53 rams is also given, by name, which have either sold or been hired for from ^305 up to $1250 each, nine of which came within the ^1000 list. In 1896 Mr. Mansell wrote : Foreign and colonial flock masters have been good customers, and at high prices, running up to 200 guineas for rams, 30 guineas for ram lambs, 40 pounds for ewes, and 1 5 guineas for ewe lambs. In the United States Shropshire rams have sold for as high as $500. CHAPTER LII THE OXFORD DOWN The native home of the Oxford Down sheep is Oxford County, England, in the region adjacent to the early home of the Cots- wold. The soil is quite variable, being clayey in some places and light and poor in others. The climate is fairly temperate and suited to sheep husbandry. Good grazing abounds in Oxford, and roots and small grains do well on the better-class lands. The origin of the Oxford Down sheep is comparatively recent. About 1833 Mr. Samuel Druce of Eynsham and Messrs. William Gillett of Southleigh, Blake of Stanton Harcourt, all in Oxford- shire, and Mr. Twynham in Hampshire, began to develop a new breed, though Mr. Druce was the leader in the movement. In 1859 Mr. Druce wrote to Mr. Pusey : The foundation of this class of sheep was begun about the year 1833, by using a well-made and neat Cotswold ram with Hampshire down ewes. At the same period several breeders of sheep in this neighborhood also tried the e.xperiment ; consequently there has always been an opportunity of getting fresh blood by selecting sheep which suited different flocks, and thereby maintaining the uniform character which is now established. Druce and Gillett also used Southdowns to some extent in the early days of their cross-breeding. In establishing this cross Mr. Druce wrote in 1853 that he found no difficulty in keeping the form and size of the animal as it should be, and the wool of a valuable quality and not deficient in quantity. He also main- tained that the good qualities could be better secured by using cross-bred animals on l^oth sides than by using the first cross. Crossing was undoubtedly continued for many years, with the view of securing a sheep better suited to light farm land and producing superior mutton and a heavier fleece than that yielded by the pure-bred. " Mr. C. S. Read," says Wrightson, "tells us that the (flock) owner formerly divided his flock into three parts, 395 396 SHEEP putting a half-bred ram to the ewes that were about right — a Cotswokl to the small ones and a Down to the coarser sheep." In 1862 the then fairly well established type was given a special place at the Royal Agricultural Society Show at Battersea, under the name of Oxfordshire Down. The introduction of the Oxford Down to America began over a half century ago. In 1846 "New Oxford or Cotswokl cross- bred sheep " were first imported to the United States by Clayton Reybold of Delaware. In 1853 W. C. Rives, then in England, sent to his home in Virginia one ram and five ewes. In Sep- tember, 1853, R. S. Fay of Lynn, Massachusetts, imported a small flock. Soon after J. T. Andrew of West Cornwall, Con- necticut, established a fiock which became very famous. In 1857 Andrew sold the Messrs. Smith of Middlefield, Massachu- setts, 27 head, and in Sep- tember the same year sold a flock to C. L. Whiting of Granville, Ohio, the first Oxfords to enter that state. This breed seems to have attracted considerable attention, and even as early as 1859 a flock was owned in Texas by Colonel C. G. Forshay, who had purchased from J. T. Andrew. The Civil War caused a break in Oxford Down interests, and not until years afterward did this breed again come into prominence. Fifteen to twenty years ago W. A. Shafor of Ohio, R. J. Stone of Illinois, George McKerrow of Wisconsin, and Robert Miller of Ontario, Canada, imported many superior Oxfords, including prize winners at the leading English shows. Characteristics of Oxford Down Sheep. This breed, at a super- ficial glance, closely resembles the Shropshire. It is hornless, has Fig. 181. Bryan's No. 9, 31747, giand-cliampion Oxford ram at the Louisiana Purchase E.xpo- sition, 1904. Owned and exhibited by R. J. Stone of Illinois. Photograph by the author THE OXFORD DOWN 397 a dark brown face and legs, is wooled over the forehead, and is a typical mutton sheep. However, under average conditions, the Oxford Down is lighter brown than the Shropshire, is not so heavily wooled over the head, though with longer, looser fore- lock, has a larger frame and more scale, with a longer, more open fleece. In early days the Oxford face was speckled or mottled brown and white or gray, and the fleece was rather long Fig. ib2. An Oxford ram, two years of age, imported in 1900 by George McKerrow & Sons of Wisconsin, a first-prize winner at six state fairs that year and five times sweepstakes ram. Photograph from the A'citional Stockman and Farmer and open, quite suggestive of the long-wool type, as might be expected, considering the Cotswold blood used. The modern Oxford, however, has been bred to be uniformly brown in face, and the fleece has been bred shorter and more compact, although at the present time this is essentially the largest of the middle- wool breeds. The head of the Oxford is rarely wooled much below the forehead, and the ears tend to be somewhat long and thin and free of wool. As a rule Oxfords show the distinctive 398 SHEEP mutton form, with a strong breadth of back and excellent leg of mutton. The skin of the Oxford Down, like the Shropshire, frequently lacks color, being bluish tinted and lacking the pink color desirable. Perhaps no breed of sheep has shown greater improvement in recent years than this. The size of the Oxford Down places it in the first rank. Rams have been shown that weighed above 400 pounds, and 275 pounds for the mature male is a weight easily attained. Mature ewes should weigh close to 200 pounds or more. In a statement in the Breeders Gazette in 1889, on Oxford weights, Mr. George McKerrow, a prominent breeder, gave the following figures : 2 rams, two years old, averaged 303^- pounds each; 4 yearling rams averaged 203 pounds each ; 4 aged ewes averaged 2 1 5 pounds each; 5 yearling ewes 177 pounds; and 8 March and April lambs, about September i, averaged 118 pounds each. These were not fat sheep. In the American Sheep Breeder an Ohio man writes that in September, 1890, his ewes from one to five years old averaged 193 pounds and his rams 325 pounds. The Oxford Down as a feeder ranks deservedly high. Being quiet of temperament and of considerable size, the breed easily thrives under conditions of restraint and fattens rapidly to large size. In the Iowa fattening wether lamb test the Oxfords in one trial gained a daily average of .52 pound, and in a second trial .40 pound, requiring in the first trial 740 and in the sec- ond 103 1 pounds of dry matter for each 100 pounds of gain. The Oxford carcasses did not dress out as well as most of the other breeds, those in the first trial rating 55.2 per cent and in the second 50.08, and bringing $4.50 per hundredweight live weight in the first trial and $5.40 in the second. The Iowa records give the Oxford about an average rating in feeding results. In the Smithfield Club Show in 1889 the Oxford wethers w^eighed to show a daily gain of 9.3 ounces, and the wether lambs 10 ounces per day, surpassing both Southdown and Shropshire. The gen- eral evidence shows the Oxford to be a feeder that w- ill do well for considerable periods, and such as the market readily purchases. The Oxford Down cross-bred or grade has long met with favor, but of late has rapidly grown in the esteem of American sheep men. From the first this merit of the Oxford w^as extolled ; it THE OXFORD DOWN 399 is a cross-bred that feeds rapidly to advantage on a variety of lands. The large size and heavy shearing quality of this breed has attracted our farmers, so that pure-bred rams are in demand to grade up flocks with Merino or common ewes. This produces offspring of excellent mutton qualities, shearing large fleeces and meeting with popular favor. This demand is not restricted to America. The English writers state that Oxford rams are in special favor in Germany for crossing on Merino ewes, where Fig. 183. The grand-champion Oxford ewe at the Louisiana Purchase Expo- sition, 1904, and first in class at six state fairs. Owned and exhibited by George McKerrow & Sons of Wisconsin. Photograph from the A'ational Stockman and Farmer they are considerably used. In Scotland the use of Oxford rams on Cheviot ewes or cross-bred ewes is attracting favorable atten- tion. At the Scottish National Fat Stock Show in 1899 the Oxford crosses took all the prizes in a class of twenty-five entries, a remarkable showing. The Oxford as a wool producer is in special favor to-day. Shearing a heavy fleece of combing wool, which tends to coarse- ness and length of staple, it thus satisfies the demand of the 400 SHEEP farmer for weight. In i860 Lawrence Smith of Massachusetts stated that his flock of store and breeding ewes usually sheared from 5 to 7 pounds, with his rams' fleeces sometimes weighing 10 pounds. Thirty years later an Ohio breeder wrote that his Oxford Down flock sheared an average that year of 1 1 pounds 14 ounces per head. In the Iowa breed test the Oxford wether lambs in one trial sheared 1 1 pounds and in another 8 pounds, the fleeces bringing $1.44 and $1.16 respectively, materially excelling all other middle-wool breeds. A high-class Oxford Down flock should shear a fleece averaging close to twelve pounds unwashed wool. The prolific quality of the Oxford Down has long caused favor- able comment among the breeders of this class. Twins are fairly 00^ Jy^^^jjj^ ^>^.^ > ■^ j^^^lljl |S®^'^ ^^9 : Fig. 184. Oxfords on pasture on the farm of George Adams, Karingdon, England. Photograph by the author frequent and the ewes usually make good mothers and furnish ample milk to the lambs. The ewes, however, probably do not rank with the Shropshire in producing twins. The distribution of the Oxford Down is very widespread. Originally confined to Oxfordshire, it is now found in about a score of counties in England, as well as in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. So great has the breed grown in favor in recent years that it has become very widely distributed, flocks now existing in Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, Brazil, Argen- tina, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and elsewhere. While the Oxford is not suited to range conditions, it nevertheless seems to thrive under a variety of soil and cli- mate, though it is best suited to the more level or slightly rolling THE OXFORD DOWN 401 lands. In the United States there are Oxfords in many states, although Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, and New York have noted flocks, as well as Ontario, Canada, where the breed has long met with favor. Organizations for the promotion of Oxford Down sheep first came into existence in 1884, when the American Oxford Down Sheep Record Association was established. This association pub- lished its first flock book in 1883 and has since then up to 1906 issued ten volumes, including the registration of about 35,500 rams and ewes. In 1888 The Oxford Down Sheep Breeders' Association was organized in England, and the first volume of their flock book appeared in 1889, in which fifty-four flocks were registered. Since then the English Association, up to 1905, has published seventeen flock books. The prices paid for Oxford Down sheep have not ranged very high. In i860 R. S. Fay had a sale at Lynn, Massachusetts, when the prices ranged from ^7.50 to $51.00 a head. The annual Oxford Ram Fair in England shows something of prices current for this breed. In 1900 at this sale the highest price paid was 42 guineas ($210) for a yearling ram, and 50 yearlings from the flock of Worley & Son averaged slightly over $50 per head. In 1903, 60 rams sold by Mr. George Adams averaged 8 guineas (^40). The same year, at the sale of J. T. Hobbs, at Cirencester, the draft from his flock averaged in excess of $75 per head, one ram bringing 58 guineas ($290). In 1876 T. S. Cooper of Pennsylvania showed the ram Freeland at the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, a famous prize winner there and in England, which he hired of A. F. M. Druce of England for $425. CHAPTER LIII THE HAMPSHIRE DOWN The native home of the Hampshire Down breed of sheep is in south-central Juigland, in the county of Hampshire, which, on its southern border, touches the Enghsh Channel. Like all of south England, the climate is temperate and rather moderate the year round. The land is rolling, with the downs more or less crossing the county. The soil is of a chalky character and is none too fertile, producing short, fine grass, and suited to wheat, while roots do well on the better lands. The origin of the Hampshire Down sheep traces back to at least two sources, crossed with improved stock. In the counties of Hampshire and Wiltshire, and also to some extent in other near-by counties, were large, slow-maturing, white-faced, narrow- backed, fine-fleeced sheep with horns, known as Wiltshires. The horns turned back behind the ears and about the cheeks, from which peculiarity they were known as "crooks." There were no other sheep like them in England, and by 1837 they had practically disappeared as a result of crossing. In the county of Berks there was also another old type with horns, strong and vigorous, with dark face and legs. Early in the last century these two types were crossed again and again with the Southdown. About 1835 the sheep of Ham})shire and Wiltshire generally showed Southdown type and character, and they were exhibited at the Royal Agricultural Society Show at Oxford in 1840 as West Coimtry Doivn sheep, which name they long retained. From this stock was evolved the present type known as Hampshire Down. The early improvement of the Hampshire Down is largely due to Mr. William Humphrey of Oak Ash, Newbury, Hampshire, and Mr. James Rawlence of Bulbridge, Wilton, the same county. Besides these Messrs. Stephen King, William King, Moore of 402 THE HAMPSHIRE DOWN 403 Littlecott, Edward Waters, Frank Budd, Saunders of Water- combe, Canning of Chisledon, Ferris of Manningford, Alfred Mor- rison, James Read, and Bennett of Chilmark were prominent early breeders. Mr. Humphrey, however, is the most important of these, being essentially the great Hampshire Down improver, with Mr. Rawlence a most important later factor. About 1834 Humphrey began gathering up as choice a flock as possible of West Country Down ewes, breeding to them rams of the same class. In 1842 he became impressed with the improved breeds at the royal show at Oxford, notably the Cotswolds, and believed that his sheep might be improved by crossing. Consequently he obtained a choice South- down ram from Jonas Webb and crossed on his ewes with much success. Later he obtained other rams, three in all, the only outside ones ever used in his flock. At first he had difficulty in loss of size, but he culled out the finer- boned, smaller ewes and bred only the larger, more robust ones, using choice cross-bred rams of his own breeding. Mr. Humphrey was very particular about his sires and the ewes they were bred to, selling all undesirable ewes to the butcher. He died in 1868, when his flock, one of very superior merit, was dispersed. Mr. James Rawlence bred rather differently, beginning with the Sussex breed, crossing the larger and more robust ewes with the West Country Down or Hampshire Down rams. He frequently used rams of Mr. Hum- phrey's breeding, and later bought Hampshire ewes to which he bred rams of his own stock. By using new blood gradually, and practicing careful selection, Mr. Rawlence developed a flock of high merit. From these two flocks has come the best of Hampshire Down stock. ^^fll ISLif ''*JM fl m ^ ;?-^ ■lPl.-aH3-^ r 1 M_ I 1 HH|j W' -~^:?^^A m^'...'^. *- W'm^ ■'■Ljj ^ n ■ 1 1 Fig. I S3. The Earl 4442, grand-champion Hampshire ram at the Louisiana Purchase E.xposition, T904. Shown by John Milton of Michigan. Photograph by the author 404 SHEEP The introduction of the Hampshire Down of the modern type to America probably first occurred in 1855, when Thomas Mes- senger of Great Neck, Long Island, New York, imported a small flock. But little, however, was done to introduce more Hamp- shires prior to 1880. In 188 1 Henry Metcalf of Canandaigua, New York, imported the ram Shepherd's Pride 2d. About 1883 the breed was intro- duced into Michigan, and in 1885 found its w^ay into Ohio, Wiscon- sin, and elsewhere. Characteristics of the Hampshire. The head is very dark brown or almost black in color, is rather large, and frequently has a pro- nounced Roman nose. The lips and nostrils are black. The ears are large, of a dark mouse color behind, and are more pointed than with Shropshire or Southdown. In the best types the ears lean outward slightly. The neck tends to be a bit long, lacking the compactness of the Southdown ; yet Wrightson, the best British authority on this breed, states that it is thick and muscular and is considered to be a point of special excellence and importance. He further states that the shoulder tops are wide, and that the girth behind the shoulders and of the entire fore end must be well marked to secure any attention either in the prize or sale ring. This breed has been criticised by Wallace, who states that a conspicuous defect in ordinary specimens is a falling away behind the shoulder. The type of body and general carcass is common with accepted standards for other mutton breeds. The legs are dark brown in color, like the face ; in fact the color is so deep a brown that it may almost be regarded as black. In further reference to Fig. 186. A yearling Hampshire Down ewe, first- prize winner wherever shown, and first in a pen of three at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1904. Imported and exhibited by Chilmark Farms, New York. Photograph from Charles V. Phelps, Superintendent THK IIAMl'SHIRK DOWN 405 these breed characteristics Wrightson makes the following inter- esting comments upon the sources of their inheritance. The slightly Roman character of the face and the fine wool have no doubt partly been derived from the old Wiltshire horned sheep. . . . The quality of the flesh and the color have come through the Southdown, but the color has been deepened by selection. The length of ear has probably been derived from an alliance with the Cotswold. The size of the Hampshire Down is large, being second only to the Oxford Down, although Wrightson classes the Hampshire as the largest of the middle-wool breeds. Mature rams should weigh about 250 pounds and ewes 190 or so. J. H. Taft of Michigan made an importation of ewes which in fair flesh aver- aged from 175 to 200 pounds, while lambs of his own raising at about ten months old weighed an average of 1132^ pounds. James Wood of New York, one of the best American authorities on the breed, states that mature rams weigh 300 pounds and ewes some- thing over 200, but these must be above average specimens. The Hampshire Down as a mutton sheep ranks high. It has long been a popular breed in the Eng- lish market, and, begin- ning nearly twenty years ago, met with favor in the American early lamb market, largely due to the importations and popular- izing methods of James Wood of New York. Almost nothing has been done in experi- mentally feeding sheep of this breed in America. In England Lawes and Gilbert secured fair results. The Hampshire Down for early lambs has been regarded as of special merit. The lambs mature early and fatten easily, and Fig. 187. A two-year-old Hampshire Down ewe, first and champion at seven American fairs in 1904. Owned and exhibited by Chil- mark Farms, New York. Photograph from Charles V. Phelps, Superintendent 406 SHEEP as the early lamb buyer has long preferred the dark face, the Hampshire especially supplies this demand. The Hampshire Down for crossing or grading is valued by lamb producers in particular. In England it is customary to draft from the flock the old ewes and sell them at fairs, after which Cotswold or light-faced rams are bred to them. The result of the cross fatten rapidly, and if kept till yearlings produce a large amount of mutton and wool. It is said that large numbers of Hampshire rams are sold into Lincolnshire, where they are bred to old Lincoln ewes for producing fat lambs or wethers. The Hampshire also crosses well on the Leicester. The Hamp- shire ram, used on grade Merinos or pure-breds, produces the dark face and superior mutton type of early lamb. This is one of the most popular crosses in America for using Hampshire blood. The Hampshire Down as a wool producer docs not rank high. The fleece is of medium length but lacks either Southdown or Shropshire quality, and for the size of sheep shears rather light, yielding about seven pounds of unwashed wool per head for the flock. The Hampshire as a grazer has recognized merit in England, where flocks are generally grazed in summer within hurdles, a condition to which they are well suited. They graze together, often in semicircles, and pasture closely. In Hampshire and Wiltshire a large number of sheep are maintained upon the land. Wrightson notes that his summer flock on the College Farm of six hundred acres at Downton, with a favorable lambing season, consists of from 1250 to 1300 sheep and lambs, besides a dairy of 30 cows and young stock, a very superior showing. The fecundity of the Hampshire, while not of the highest, is distinctly superior. In 1903 the English association kept a lambing record of 37 flocks comprising 15,482 ewes. These reared 18,462 lambs, or 1 19.17 per cent, while only 2.21 per cent of the lambs dropped were lost. In a similar record for 1902 the percentage raised was 116.82. This speaks well for the fecundity and maternal character of Hampshire ewes. The distribution of the Hampshire is widespread. In 1903, for example, exports were made from England to the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Australia, THE HAMPSHIRE DOWN 407 New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, Russia, Hungary, Portu- gal, Jamaica, and elsewhere. In England the breed is found in a score of counties, though chiefly in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Sussex, Surrey, and vicinity. In the United States it has a small local distribution, being most common in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, where prominent flocks are kept. Small flocks also are kept in Canada, in Ontario and Quebec. The breed is suited to rolling lands producing abun- dant grazing, rather than hilly country. Hampshire sheep associations exist in England and America. The Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders' Association of England was organized in 1 889, and has published seventeen volumes of the flock book. Volume XIV shows a membership of 360 and the registration of 2 1 2,000 head in flock form, of which about 2 10,000 are females. The Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders' Association of America was also organized in 1889, the first flock book being published in 1890. Up to 1905 eight volumes have been issued and 4900 rams and 1 1,501 ewes recorded. The prices received for Hampshire sheep, especially in England, present a high average. In 1903 Waters and Rawlence sold at public sale about 2500 head, which generally brought good prices. At the Earl of Carnavon sale one ram brought about $550, and 100 yearling ewes averaged about ^35 each. At J. Flower's Chilmark sale and ram letting two rams were let at 135 guineas ($675) each, the record for the past thirty-two years, with several ram lambs selling for from 34 to 'j6 guineas ($170 to $380). This was one of the memorable sales of the breed. CHAPTER LIV THE DORSET HORN The native home of Dorset Horn sheep, sometimes called in England Somerset and Dorset sheep, is in the counties of central and southern England, but notably Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire. The land here is generally rolling in localities, rather hilly, and tends to a clayey or chalky character. Roots and small grains, especially wheat and grass, are the staple crops, these doing well on the better lands. The climate is very tem- perate and well suited to outdoor life the entire year. The origin of the Dor- set Horn seems to be from old native stock of Dorse and Somerset counties especially. The general evidence of British author- ities is that this is the only horned breed with white face and leg in Britain, and that this characteristic has been long preserved. In 1842 Professor Low wrote that in Dorset from time immemorial there had existed a breed of sheep with horns common to both sexes, having white face and legs, low shoulders, broad deep loins, long but not coarse limbs, black lips and nostrils, though sometimes flesh-colored, and possessing fine wool. In the adjoining county of Somerset was a rather larger type of much the same breed, lanker in form, longer wooled, and with pink or flesh-colored nose, by which they were known as " Pink-Nosed 408 Fig. iSS. A Dorset ram, first prize in class at several state fairs in 1898, shown by Tran- quillity Farm of New Jersey. Photograph by the author THE DORSET HORN 409 Somersets," which fattened to greater weight and had larger lambs than the sheep of Dorsetshire. Low further comments on the encroachment of the Southdown and Leicester on the Dorset territory, stating that pure-bred flocks were becoming scarce, owing to the crossing of these breeds. In fact, he stated that the breed was gradually diminishing and was in danger of being extinguished. In 1856 Professor Wilson, another British authority, writes that " the practice of crossing with the South- down is becoming very general." In this same connection Youatt, in 1837, comments on the use of Devonshire Knots and Leices- ters on Dorsets, but says the cross was not successful. However, Fig. 189. Dorset rams owned by J. L. lieiideisun & Son, of Peun^)Kclllld. Photograph from the National Stockman and Farmer some flocks were apparently kept free from crossing, notably on the isle of Portland, where about 4000 sheep of a small Dorset type existed in 1840. The general improvement of the breed as a whole was secured by selection on the part of various breeders in the western part of Dorset, but especially by Richard Seymour of Bradpole, who between 1830 and 1840 perhaps had the best flock extant. Among some of the other early prominent breeders were Matthew Paul, John Pope, John Pitfield, the Messrs. Davy, William Way, and Thomas Chick. Between i860 and 1885 the breed was much improved by Henry Mayo of Coker's Frome. The introduction of the Dorset to America is very recent, being the last of the well-known breeds brought from England to this country. The first Dorsets shown in the United States were 410 SHEEP some ewes and lambs exhibited in 1885 at the American Fat Stock Show at Chicago by E. and A. Stanford of Steying, England. The first owned in this country were purchased in March, 1887, by William Daley of Lockport, New York, from Valancey E. Fuller of Canada. In May, 1887, E. F. Bowditch of Framingham, Massachusetts, made an importation, he being a specialist in early-lamb raising. The following month of June Adin Thayer, of Hoosic Falls, New York, imported 12 head. This same year, 1887, Woodward & Jaques of Lockport, New York, and R. J. Buck of Bridgeton, New Jersey, made importa- tions, and the following year, in July, Rutherford Stuyvesant of New Jersey imported 2 rams and 28 ewes from the English flocks of John and William Kinder. In September, 1889, Mr. T. S. Cooper of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, imported 153 head, mostly from the flock of Thomas Mayo, and again in 1891 brought over 204 more head. The sheep imported by Mr. Cooper were very superior and were sold and distributed among numerous breeders, especially in the east. Characteristics of the Dorset sheep. Both males and females have horns, those on the male curving backward and around spirally, while those on the ewes curve outward, down, and forward, with tips rising about level with the eye, perhaps turn- ing in slightly. The face, legs, and hoofs are white. The nostrils are also white, face strong, with considerable breadth between the eyes. Compared with the ideal mutton sheep the neck and body tend to be long and rangy, and there is hardly the spring of rib and levelness of back most desirable. The head should have a short foretop of wool, the back part of the head below the ear should be wooled, and the body generally be well covered with a fine fleece, extending down to knees and hocks. The size of the Dorset is from medium to heavy among the middle-wool breeds. Mature rams in fair flesh should weigh about 225 pounds and ewes 165 pounds. In some cases, how- ever, much larger weights are secured. Mr. T. S. Cooper selected a large type in his importations. One two-year-old ram attained a weight of 317 ])ounds and a yearling 287 pounds, while ram lambs weighed 184 and 164 pounds at five months one week old. These were mostly first-prize winners. Three first-prize THE DORSET HORN 411 yearling ewes at the 1889 royal show weighed at shearing time 262, 245, and 222 pounds respectively, and in August each dropped twin lambs. These, however, were excessive weights. The Dorset as a mutton producer cannot be placed in the front rank. The meat of the wether is of fair quality when not over- fat, while fat lambs rank very well indeed. In the dressed car- cass the Dorset does not reach the best standard. In the Iowa station breed tests, in the first trial with fattening wether lambs, the Dorsets dressed 52.6 per cent carcass, being valued at $3.75 per hundred, the poorest record made by ten breeds ; while in the second trial they dressed 54.1 1 per cent, being surpassed only by the Southdown, the carcass selling at $5.50 a hundred, compared with $5.75 for Southdown and $5.60 for Shropshire. Under fair conditions Dor- set mutton will rank as about medium in quality. The Dorset as a feeder will do well. The lambs grow rapidly, and with abundance of feed may be turned on the market at an early age. The breed stands confinement and folding well. In the Iowa breed test the fattening Dorset lambs made an average daily gain of .48 and .43 pound in the first and second trials respectively, requiring 785 and 989 pounds of dry matter for 100 pounds of gain. The Dorset as an early-lamb producer has great distinction, having long been famous in this regard over other British breeds. The ewes will breed during much of the year, so that they have a special value for producing Christmas lambs. It has long been customary in England to breed the ewes in June and July to lamb in November and December, furnishing early lambs for the London market. In the United States, owing to the hot sum- mers, the ewes are more readily bred from the middle of March Fig. I'lO. A hrnvri t_-\\c nt umisual merit. First prize at several state fairs in 1898. Shown by Tranquillity Farm of New Jersey. Photograph by the author 412 SHEEP into May. The lambs fatten rapidly and soon attain good weights. In England November or December lambs are generally sold fat in March and April, when they weigh 40 to 44 pounds in the dressed carcass, according to Thomas Chick, long a well-known Dorset breeder. The fecundity of the Dorset is very fair. Not only will the ewes produce lambs twice a year if desired, but they frequently produce twins, while triplets are not rare. The general evidence from all sides shows the Dorset Horn to be one of the more prolific breeds. The evidence given in the Dorset Horn flock books, however, does not show the breed to be so prolific at one lambing as is the Shropshire. The dams make excellent mothers and produce a large amount of milk, oftentimes drying off with difificulty. The Dorset Horn for grading or crossing has a special value, if mutton production is the thing sought. Shropshire or Southdown rams on old Dorset Horn ewes will produce very high-class lambs with dark faces, just what the market wants. A grade or cross from Merino stock meets with favor in America. In discussing this subject Messrs. Wing and Miller state that a Merino grade from large, roomy Merino ewes and a blocky vigorous Dorset ram will prove a surer breeder, if possible, than the pure-bred Dorset ewe. There are not many growers of hot- house lambs but what prefer Dorset grades from Merino foun- dation to any other ewe, the pure-bred not excepted. These ewes are again bred to pure-bred Dorset rams, and the result is a very blocky, easily fattened lamb. These grade ewes are also better milkers than the pure-breds. Fic. 191. The first-prize pen of Dorset ewe lambs at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1904. Photograph by 11. B. Arbuckle, from the A'atioual Stockman and Farmer THE DORSET HORN 413 The Dorset Horn as a wool producer is open to material improvement. Mature rams will shear about 9 pounds and ewes about 6 pounds of unwashed wool. Twenty imported sheep of J. B. Henderson of Pennsylvania are credited with shearing an average of 10 pounds each. The fleece of the Dorset has improved in weight and quality. Wrightson states that fifty years ago it was computed as averaging 3I pounds, whereas now (1895) a breeding flock of ewes will clip from 5 to 6 pounds of wool, and yearling ewes from 6 to 7 pounds, while rams will clip 8 to 12 pounds each, all these weights following brook washings. Dorset sheep have too short a fleece and show too little wool on the under side of the body. The quality of the staple is of medium grade, being neither fine nor coarse. Wf'^^ii^ Fig. 192. A view in Dorsetshire, showing part of the Slower flock of Dorsets soon after shearing. From a photograph by H. B. Arbuckle, from the A^ational Stockman and Farmer The popularity of the Dorset outside of its native home is rather restricted. It is shown at fairs or shows in but a very limited way, either in England or the United States, and the public is not generally familiar with the breed. In spite of this fact it is a mut- ton sheep of much merit, entitled to greater recognition, and for early lambs is of much value. With an improved capacity to produce wool, it no doubt will meet with more favor. Dorset horns as a protection from dogs. Early advocates of the breed argued that the Dorset by means of its horns would pro- tect itself better from dogs than would hornless sheep, but this claim has been very generally discarded in recent years, as not being worthv of special distinction. The distribution of the Dorset Horn is not as widespread as most other British breeds. In Enirland it is found most 414 SHEEP I abundantly in Dorset and Somerset counties, especially on the islands of Wight, Purbeck, and Portland, where superior flocks may be found. In 1903, at the annual meeting of the Dorset Horn Association, 46,878 head were reported in Dorset, 9458 in Somer- set, and 6728 on the Isle of Wight, these all being registered sheep. At the annual sale of Dorsets at Dorchester as many as 15,000 head are sold. The breed has not been taken up with much activity abroad. In the United States high-class flocks are found in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Connecticut, but the breed is found in many other states and also in Canada. Dorsets have also been exported to Australasia and other British provinces. The breed seems well adapted to the level or slightly rolling lands where food is abundant. It has also thrived in the Allegheny mountain region under conditions of good grazing. Organizations of the Dorset Horn sheep breeders were perfected in 1 89 1 in both England and the United States. In England the Dorset Horn Sheep Breeders' Society gives official super- vision to the breed. This association issued its first flock book in 1892, and up to 1905 has published fourteen volumes, regis- tering some 1800 rams. In 1891 the Dorset Horn Sheep Breeders of America organized and established a flock book, publishing the first and second volumes in one in 1894. Owing to a dis- agreement among the members, in 1 897 the Continental Dorset Club was organized, with headquarters in Ohio. This club pub- lished its first flock book in 1900, and in 1905 issued its third volume. CHAPTER LV THE CHEVIOT The native home of the Cheviot breed of sheep is in the border country between England and Scotland, especially in the counties of Roxburgh (Scotland) and Northumberland (England). The country is hilly or mountainous, rising to an elevation of nearly 3000 feet in the section known as the Cheviot Hills. The hill- sides are free of timber, excepting in the case of small artificial plantings, but are covered with short, nutritious grass. The climate is moist and rough, snow falling frequently in winter, although not usually attaining much depth. The origin of the Cheviot is obscure, like most other breeds. Che\iots have been bred in the border country from very early times. In 1791 David Irving published a letter in the Annals of Agriculture relating to experiments by him on Cheviots, com- mencing in 1777. The Cheviot has been crossed more or less with Black Faced Highland, Leicester, and Merino, but the character of the breed has undergone great changes through careful selection, for the influence of the breeds mentioned has not been notable. In 1796 Naismyth wrote that the Cheviot was well polled, was smooth and white of face and leg, or some- what mixed with black or brown. There was a tendency to too much leg, the shoulders were thin in some individuals, and the fleece was generally close and ev^en, the wool soft and fine, from two to three and one-half inches long. He further says : " The same kind of sheep have fed in this district (Cheviot Hills) from time immemorial ; nor does anybody allege that they were even natives of any other region." The British Wool Society over a century ago did much to popularize the breed, and at one time it became generally distributed over Scotland. The improve- ment of the Cheviot was gradually brought about by the breeders in general, although after the middle of the eighteenth century 415 4i6 SHEEP Fig. 193. Trinlieknowe (1327), a Clie\iot sliow and stud ram owned by J. R. C. Smith, Mow- haugh, Scotland. Photograph from the owner a Mr. Robson, by use of sheep from Lincolnshire, is credited with much improving the breed. In the last century Mr. Thomas Elliott of Under Ilindhopc, Jedburgh, was a famous breeder and improver. The introduction of the Cheviot to the United States first occurred in 1838, by Robert Youngs of Delhi, Delaware County, New York. They had some time previously been imported into Canada by a Mr. Pope of Cookshire, Quebec. In 1842 George Lough and a Mr. David- son of Delaware County, New York, made importa- tions. In 1845 T. J. Car- michael imported three rams and six ewes to Jef- ferson County, Wisconsin. Cheviots were introduced into Pennsylvania in 1889 by T. M. Patterson, into Illinois in 1888 by E. Pumphrey, and into Indiana in 1891 by H. H. Keim. Characteristics of the Cheviot. The head is usually hornless and is covered with hard, white, short hair to behind the ear and around the jaw. The lips and nostrils should be black, though frequently they are mottled flesh colored and black. The nose should be broad, with a Roman curve to a slight degree. The head is short and broad between the prominent, large eyes. The ears are white and free from wool, and are thinner and longer than the Shropshire ear. The Cheviot shoulder is lighter than with lowland breeds, and the body lacks the breadth of the Shropshire and Southdown. The skin is unusually pink and rich in color. The fleece covers the body and extends up the neck to behind the ears, forming a sort of collar, and covering the legs to knees and hocks. The fleece is of the middle-wool, combing class, is neither fine nor coarse of staple, and averages about four inches long. Sometimes the wool on the lower, back part of the thigh is long and tends to be hairy, a very objectionable feature. The head and ears often have small black spots which are no disquali- fications of purity. Reddish or sandy hair also occasionally occurs THK CHEVIOT 417 on face and legs. This is strongly objected to, and after Janu- ary I, 1905, all rams possessing reddish hair, or well-defined horns became ineligible for registration. Horns occur occasionally on the rams, but are becoming more and more rare. The hoofs should be black. The temperament of the Cheviot is a striking characteristic. He carries himself with an uplift of head and alertness of ear and general style very distinctive of the breed, and one of its greatest charms. The size of the Cheviot is medium, comparable with the Shrop- shire for weight. Mature rams weigh about 200 pounds, with 225 a standard, and ewes from 150 to 160 pounds. But few rams exceed 225 pounds, though ewes frequently surpass 160 pounds. The best type of Cheviot calls for a compact, heavy- weighing sheep of much quality. The Cheviot as a mutton producer stands high. In England the mutton of this breed, which is rarely too fat and which has very superior quality, ranks in the first class. External fat is not abundant, but there is a desirable proportion of lean to fat. Professor Wallace of Scotland states that ewes fed on turnips twelve to fourteen weeks, and wethers from the hills at three years weigh, killed and dressed, 60 to 70 pounds. Wethers a year younger, fed turnips, weigh about the same. The Cheviot as a graz- ing sheep is unsurpassed. On its native hills it sub- sists entirely on pasture, excepting for hay which may be fed during excessive snow when the grass is covered. Ordinarily the Cheviots paw aside the thin covering of snow on the hillsides and thus secure winter grazing. No breed is more essentially a grazing sheep. Fig. 194. Victor 2532, grand-champion Cheviot ram at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904. Owned and exhibited by H. H. Keim, Ladoga, Indiana. Photograph by the author 4i8 SHEEP The Cheviot as a wool producer is only fair. The fleeces lack weight, although having very satisfactory quality, the wool bring- ing a price equal to any of the medium class. Twenty-five Cheviot breeders give the average weights of fleeces in their flocks as ranging from 7;^ to 1 1 pounds per fleece for rams, and 6 to 9 pounds for ewes. Wallace states that a good average clip for ewes is 4^ to 5 pounds of washed wool. Formerly Cheviot fleeces appeared somewhat open and long, and the breed has ignorantly been referred to by some as a long wool, whereas it is a true middle wool. In American flocks the fleece is being bred to be more com- pact and heavier, with a length averaging as near four inches as possible. Cheviot wool is valued by buyers, and in scour- ing tests at the Michi- gan Experiment Station the wool of this breed shrunk less than that of any other. The prolific character of the Cheviot is above average. The author has secured figures concern- ing 228 ewes which in one season dropped 353 lambs, approaching one and one half lamb per ewe. The ewes are good mothers and produce as a rule ample milk for the lambs. The hardiness of the Cheviot is one of its strong characteristics. For generations raised on the hills, rarely seeing the inside of a shed or barn, summer or winter, it has from very force of circum- stances developed into the hardiest of the middle-wool breeds. The lambs arc vigorous from birth and seem well suited to severe conditions of environment. On their native hills Cheviots, as a rule, receive no grain unless they be rams or show sheep. The cross-bred or grade Cheviot has much merit as a mutton producer. The use of Border Leicester or Lincoln rams on aged Fig. 195. Cheviot lanii, the In st prize pen at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1900. Owned and exhibited by John Elliott, Under Hindhope, Jedburgh, Scotland. Photo- graph by the author THE CHEVIOT 419 Cheviot ewes has been practiced for a great many years in the border country, such half-breds having a comparatively high value. Where half-bred ewes are bred to Leicester or Lincoln rams they are termed "three-part-bred." Oxford Down rams are also used on Cheviot ewes with success. Both of these crosses produce very rapid-fattening lambs, giving a leaner and better quality of flesh, dressing out 16 to 18 pounds to the quarter at about 12 months old. Cheviot rams have not been used extensively in crossing, but, when used on Merino grade ewes, produce an easier- fattening lamb of more salable type. The Cheviot as a range sheep is of peculiar char- acter. This breed docs not flock in the ordinary manner, each sheep mov- ing about independently, thus scattering to a con- siderable extent. On the Scotch hillsides one sees no evidence of flocking, such as the Merino ex- hibits. There are but few of these sheep on the western range, but if the natural hardiness of the Cheviot could be combined with reasonable restriction of movement, it would serve a valuable purpose to the ranchman. The distribution of the Cheviot is mainly in England, Scotland, and North America. In a considerable territory in the border country in Britain there are many large flocks, men counting their holdings by thousands, this being the one breed in evidence on these hills. Cheviots are chiefly bred in Roxburgh, Dumfries, Peebles, and Sutherland counties, Scotland, and in Northumber- land County, England. They are also bred to a small extent in Ireland and have been exported to New Zealand. In Canada flocks exist in Quebec and several other provinces, while in the United Fig. 196. A Cheviot ewe, a frequent prize winner in 1903. Owned by Fred Hartman of Indiana. Photograph by the author 420 SHEEP States the breed has l)een pretty well distributed from Ten- nessee north, from the Atlantic to the far West. There are many flocks in eastern New York and northern Indiana, with excellent flocks in Ohio, Illinois, Vermont, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and many other states. Cheviot sheep breeders' organizations exist in Britain and the United States. The Cheviot Sheep Society of Great Britain was organized in 1891, Volume I of the flock book appearing in 1893, there having been published thirteen volumes up to 1904, registering 1665 rams, ewes not being recorded. In 1891 the American Cheviot Sheep Breeders' Association was organized in New York State. Owing to disaffec- tion among the members, in 1894 the National Cheviot Sheep Society was organized in Indiana. In 1 900 these organizations amalgamated, forming the American Cheviot Sheep Society, incorporated under the laws of New York. Each of the old associations published one fiock book, while the new society in 1 90 1 published another, as Volume III. High prices for Cheviot sheep have been paid in Scotland. I£ach year at Hawick annual ram sales are held on a large scale, thousands of sheep being sold and many high prices paid, with good averages. At this sale in 1903 five breeders sold rams at prices ranging from $150 to $575 each. At a sale in 1865 at Beattock 165 Cheviot rams owned by Mr. Oliver of Hawick brought over $12,000, one three-year-old bringing $775 and a two-year-old $605. In 1902 Mr. J. R. C. Smith of Yetholm, Scotland, purchased the ram Ambush (1545) for about $600. In the United States no such high prices have yet prevailed, $100 beinjj about a maximum. Fig. 197. A Cheviot yearling ewe, first prize in class at the Edinburgh Show, Scotland, 1904. This is a fine example of Cheviot style and character. Bred and exhibited by J. R. C. Smith, Mowhaugh. Photograph from the owner CHAPTER LVI THE SUFFOLK DOWN The native home of Suffolk sheep was in southeastern Eng- land, in the counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Kent, on the chalk hills and undulating clayey lands. The original stock of the Suffolk Down sheep was the old Norfolk and Suffolk heath sheep. These had a long, slender carcass, says Youatt, long legs, horns, and a black face. The fore quarters were deficient, the shoulders low, and the withers sharp. The hind quarters were fairly well developed. The fleece was short and fine and weighed light. The breed was hardy and prolific. These sheep were crossed with Southdown and Hampshire rams, although English Suffolk Down breeders assume the breed to have been maintained fairly pure since 1810. The Southdown blood bred off the horns, improved the form, and gave a better carcass and earlier-maturing, easier- fattened sheep than the Norfolk, while the Hampshire blood gave size and weight. Mr. George Dobito of Ludgate, Suffolk, was one of the most important improvers of the Suffolk Down in the last century. The breed was first exhibited under this name in 1859 at the show of the Suffolk Agricultural Association and was not recognized by the Royal Agricultural Society until 1886. The introduction of the Suffolk Down sheep to America is very recent. In 1888 Mr. M. B. Streeter of Brooklyn, New York, made an importation of prize-winning stock, and the same year Mr. B. D. Sewell of Frederickton, New Brunswick, imported 20 ewes. In 1892 the Iowa Suffolk Sheep Society imported 2 rams and 20 yearling ewes and placed them on the farm of G. W. Franklin, the secretary of the society, at Atlantic, Iowa. These three importations were from the flock of Joseph Smith of Hasketon, Suffolk, England, and contained numerous valu- able prize winners. 421 422 SHEEP Characteristics of Suffolk Down Sheep. The head is hornless and is a distinct black color, more so than with any other British breed, and inclines to be long. The ears are also black and tend to be large. The neck is moderately long, the body inclines to be rangy but with well-sprung rib, the chest is broad and full, and the legs black in color. The fleece is moderately short and fine and covers the body and neck to head, not as a rule passing over the forehead. The letrs are wooled to knees and hocks. Fig. 198. Playford Model (7731), first-prize Suffolk ram at the Royal Agricul- tural Society of England Show, 1904. Owned by S. R. Sherwood, Playford, England. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephews, Berkhamsted, England The breed rather resembles the Hampshire Down but for the bareness of head. The Suffolk is said to be very hardy and is quite exempt from foot rot. The size of the Suffolk Down is nearly equal to the Hampshire, and is greater than the Shropshire. It is stated that mature rams of Mr. Sewell weighed from 200 to 240 pounds, while one of the imported yearling ewes of Mr. Streeter weighed 200 pounds and a ram lamb nine months old 195 pounds. The average Suffolk possesses a weight popular with American stockmen. THE SUFFOLK DOWN 423 The Suffolk Down as a mutton sheep has high rank, evidently possessing good qualities secured from Southdown blood, the fat and lean being well placed and in good proportion, and the grain and flavor superior. The Suffolk Down as a feeder also ranks well. It has been kept under conditions of moderate grain ration with considerable grazing, showing fair feeding returns. In experiments on fatten- ing wether lambs at the Iowa Experiment Station the Suffolks gained rather faster per day than the Shropshire or Southdown in each trial, averaging .55 pound and .40 pound daily gain in two trials. They dressed out in carcass 53.6 and 52.54 per cent, and the carcasses were valued at $4.25 and $5.00 per hun- dred, a materially poorer showing, however, than most of the other breeds made. The Suffolk Down cross-bred or grade is comparatively un- known in North America, but in South America has been used on Merino grades to produce good mutton sheep. The rams on common ewes should imjirove the mutton value. The Suffolk Down as a wool producer is open to objection. Mr. Streeter, in a letter to Ezra Carman in 1892, says, " I think these sheep have just one fault, — they are not heavy shearers and they are somewhat leggy and bare of wool underneath." Mr. Sewell reports clipping nine pounds per fleece on the aver- age, which is a ^'ery fair showing. The fecundity of Suffolk Down ewes is advocated as a valu- able point in behalf of the breed. Twins are common and triplets not uncommon. In the spring of 1891, 32 ewes of Mr. Sewell raised 58 lambs, while the same year 5 imported ewes of Mr. Streeter produced 11 lambs, and the same ewes 14 in 1892. According to returns made to the Suffolk Flock Book Society of England, the number of lambs reared to June i, 1903, was 140.66 per cent per 100 ewes, as compared with 136.16 in 1902 and an average of 132.97 per cent for the previous sixteen years. It is almost unnecessary to say that the ewes make good nurses. The distribution of Suffolk Down sheep is mainly in south- eastern England, notably in Suffolk and Norfolk, and in various other counties. In 1903 exports from England were made to Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, South Africa, New South 424 SHEEP Wales, South Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Jamaica. The breed is also in other countries. In the United States Suffolks have almost no record, barring a few isolated flocks. They are especially suited to low or slightly rolling lands of good grazing character. In the United States breeders of Suffolk Downs are almost unknown. In the great sheep shows of the country the breed is practically unrepresented. Even professional showmen do not exhibit Suffolks, and no classes are provided for them. From the show-ring point of view they are quite attractive and would add materially to the interest attached to our sheep exhibitions, notably at state fairs and the International Live Stock Exposition. Organizations for promoting Suffolk Down sheep were first established in 1886, when the Suffolk Down Sheep Society organized, publishing its first flock book in 1887. In 1892 the American Suffolk Flock Registry Association was organized, with headquarters at Des Moines, Iowa. Up to 1905 this asso- ciation had published no flock book. CHAPTER LVII THE TUNIS The native home of the Tunis breed, often referred to as Fat- Tailed Sheep, is in northern Africa, in Tunis, a French province of some 45,000 square miles bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Much of the land is hilly, some of it bordering the desert of Sahara, the climate is warm, and the main crops produced are wheat and barley. This breed is found mainly in the upland region. The origin of Tunis sheep is unknown, but the type has no doubt existed for centuries in Tunis and the associated section of northern Africa sometimes termed Barbary. The introduction of Tunis sheep to America is said to date back to 1799, when the Bey of Tunis, at his request, allowed General William Eaton, then United States consul at Tunis, to ship from that country to the United States several " broad- tailed Barbary or Mountain Tunis sheep," only one pair of which survived the voyage. These were placed in the hands of Judge Richard Peters, on his farm near Philadelphia, where they increased in number, the rams being used on native American ewes also. The original ram was later used in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on the farm of General Hand. It was soon dis- covered that they produced superior mutton, and sheep of Tunis stock came into demand. In 1807 or 1808 Commodore Barron of the United States Navy imported some Tunis sheep to Vir- ginia and the District of Columbia. Later President Jefferson had a ram and ewe brought over on a government vessel, and in 1825 some thirteen were landed at New York. A pair of these was sent to General Van Rensselaer of Albany. From the early stock, descendants of the Peters breeding it is claimed, flocks were established in South Carolina by Colonel Richard Singleton and in Georgia by Richard Peters. These sheep increased in number, but the Civil War nearly exterminated them. Most of 425 426 SHEEP the importations were unsuccessful, owing to the apparent phys- ical disability of the ewes to breed on account of the tail inter- fering with service. A few sheep of this breed from Columbia, South Carolina, were shown in 1893 at the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago, following which Mr. J. A. Guilliams of Indiana purchased from these, and later Charles Roundtree of the same state visited South Carolina, purchasing ten of the fiock of twenty-five head there owned. Since then Mr. Roundtree has been the chief promoter of this breed. Characteristics of Tunis sheep. To begin with, this sheep, even to-day, is not well fixed in type and breed markings. In general the head is hornless with both sexes, and covered with hair of a tawny or yellow-brown color, the legs also being of much the same shade. Some faces, however, are solid color of brown and others are mottled brown and white. The ears are large, broad, pendulous, covered with fine hair, and are brown, white, or brown and w^iite. The tail is broad, perhaps measuring five inches at maturity, is thick and moderately long, though the fleshy part is carried down only six or eight inches at maturity. This tail is usually cut off when the lamb is very young, and so does not appear as an important feature in the sheep. Left on, it becomes difificult to breed the ewes. At the end of the rump at the tail head there is more fullness and heavi- ness than exists with other docked sheep, to a notable degree. The neck tends to be long, the body of recognized mutton form, though inclined to be leggy. The fleece is of excellent quality, being soft, fine, and fairly compact, covering the body excepting the head from forehead down, and averages about three inches Fit;. 199. A lunis cwc >li(i\vii at ihe Louisi- ana Purchase Exposition, 1904, by Charles Roundtree of Indiana, who is holding the sheep. Photograph by the author THE TUNIS 427 long, but varies notably in color. One animal may have a clear white fleece, another a prevailing reddish tint, while in another reddish fibers may be generally interspersed among the white. The young lambs when dropped are of various colors, — white, red, tawny, and mottled, but this generally changes to a uniform color with maturity. Aside from conformation of head, ear, and tail, the Tunis breed shows more variation than any other on the American market. In temperament they appear mild and easy to handle. The size of Tunis sheep varies considerably, but rams are expected to weigh 150 pounds or more and ewes 120 pounds and upward, according to the standard of the Tunis Association. The Tunis as a mutton sheep has met with much favor. Early writers bear evidence of a high regard for the breed or its crosses for mutton in the markets of Philadelphia and vicinity. The claim has been made by the few promoters of the breed that on grass alone they will make exxellent and fat mutton. In August, 1900, four grass-fed ewes, four years old, sold by Charles Roundtree, had a gross weight in the Union Stock Yards of 470 pounds. They dressed to average about 16 pounds for the hind quarter and 17^ pounds for the fore quarter, and dressed out 56 per cent, an exceptionally good showing. The writer has examined Tunis lambs in October, said to have had no food but grass, which were in splendid flesh for killing. On various occasions Tunis grade lambs fed by Charles Roundtree have topped the Chicago market the day of sale, and have received much favorable stock-yards comment. On August 11, 1900, two lambs 150 days old weighed 200 pounds gross and dressed 57.6 per cent. Cross-bred or grade Tunis sheep, sired by Tunis rams, are regarded as superior mutton sheep in the market, possessing the easy-fattening characteristics of the pure-bred. The Tunis for early lambs has special qualifications. The pure-bred or cross-bred ewe will breed at various seasons of the year, and may be mated in spring to drop lambs in the fall for the Christmas market. The lambs fatten rapidly, and if with dark faces are well suited to the eastern market demand. Doubt- less their use for early lambs will materially increase. 428 SHEEP The Tunis sheep as a wool producer has merit, yet the vari- able color of the fleece is objectionable. Tunis breeders claim that they shear from 6 to 1 2 pounds, and Professor Shaw credits them with y\ pounds wool. In an address before the Philadel- phia Society for Promoting Agriculture, in i8io. Judge Peters gave the average weight of the washed fleece at 5 to 5I pounds, some flocks averaging 6, with individuals of pure blood yield- ing as high as 10 pounds, and it is questionable if the breed has changed much in wool production since. The staple is of good quality and is comparable in fineness with the standard combing wools. The fecundity of the Tunis sheep ranks high. Twins are fre- quent, and as the ewes will breed twice a year if desired, the flock may be rapidly increased if physical conditions do not interfere. The distribution of Tunis sheep is widespread, yet but few flocks of importance exist, the larger ones being in Indiana and Ohio. Flocks have also been established in South Africa and Australia, and in various parts of the United States. The breed is well suited to warm latitudes, where it seems to thrive. It is also claimed that it will do well on low ground of marshy tendency. The American Tunis Sheep Breeders' Association was organized in Indiana in 1896 for maintaining a flock book and promoting the breed, but up to 1905 no flock book had been published. The first rule of the standard adopted by the association allows twenty points for pedigrees extending back unbroken to Judge Richard Peters's stock or to direct recent importations from Tunis. CHAPTER LVIII THE LEICESTER 1 The native home of the Leicester breed of sheep is in the county of Leicester in central England. Here the land is gently rolling, the soil clayey and fertile, and grass, small grains, and roots grow abundantly. The climate is moist much of the year and fairly temperate, even in winter. The origin of the Leicester as a breed is obscure, further than that a long-woolcd, large, coarse, narrow-backed, slow-feeding, leggy type had been bred in the county of Leicester from time immemorial. This was the old Leicester sort. The first improvement of the Leicester began with Robert Bakewell, who lived at Dishley Hall, near Loughborough, in Leicestershire. Bakewell was born in 1726 and began to experi- ment with and improve the sheep of his county just prior to 1760. He purchased the best specimens of the breed to be obtained in the community, practiced rigorous selection, did much in-and-in breeding, and finally produced a remarkable im- provement, so that sheep of his breeding became known as Dishley or Bakewell sheep. He converted the Leicester into a broad-backed, thick-fleshed, easy-feeding, early-maturing breed, with small bones and much less offal than in the old sort. Bake- well had a collection of bones and meat in pickle, which repre- sented selections from time to time from animals of his own breeding, by which he studied the improvement made. Marshall, who lived in Bakewell 's time, stated that he kept four points in view, — (i) breed, (2) utility of form, (3) quality of flesh, and {4) propensity to fatten, the three latter depending on the first. Bakewell attained such fame in improving these sheep, as well as Longhorn cattle and other stock, that he was often termed the father of improved live-stock husbandry. People visited him ^ The word '• Leicester" is pronounced as though spelled " Lester." 429 430 SHEEP from various parts of England and Europe, and paid him large sums for the hire of his rams, he being the first person to estab- lish this custom. An item in the Aimals of Agriculttirc in 1787 reports him letting three rams for 1200 guineas ($6000), and that he had been offered 1000 guineas for twenty ewes and refused it. Bakewell died in 1795. The Leicester as improved by him retains to-day many of the original characteristics, though it may be somewhat smaller and more refined. His ' ■'_ ■- -^!:^ "^-^fi^S^: Jf^tP-^"^'- ^m^mi^^^mms^mmam Fu;. 200. A Leicester yearling ram, first prize in class at the Royal Agricul- tural Society of England Show, 1904. Exhibited by E. F. Jordan. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephews, Berkhamsted, England method of close breeding eventually reduced the fecundity, vigor, milking capacity of the ewes, and weight of wool. Breeders since his day have continued the practice of selection, and early in the last century practiced much in-and-in breeding. The introduction of Leicester sheep to America occurred early in the history of the United States. Previous to the war of the Revolution some of the so-called Dishley or Bakewell sheep were brought, most of them smuggled, into the colonies, espe- cially New Jersey and Virginia. As early as 1800 the New Leicester was known about Philadelphia, though not of pure THE LEICESTER 431 breeding. About 1799 or 1800 the first pure-breds brought to America were imported to Quebec, Canada, by Reverend Mr. Toofy. In 1806 John Hart of Cheshire, Massachusetts, secured a ram, and about 1805 or 1806 Captain Beanes of New Jersey brought some pure-bred rams and ewes from England and disposed of them to a retired ship captain, George Farmer, hving near New Brunswick, New Jersey. These Beanes Leices- ters were carefully and successfully bred and attained a wide reputation. Captain Farmer selling some rams for as much as $1000 per head. From New Jersey and other states came a large demand for sheep from the Farmer flock. Miles Smith, a neighbor of Farmer, and Joseph Cooper of Flemington, New Jersey, also became prominent breeders. The craze for Merino sheep, however, was on in America, and by 18 18, when Farmer died, there were no pure Leicesters on his or Smith's farms. During the War of 181 2 Christopher Dunn estab- lished the first pure-bred flock of this breed in New York, near Albany, they being stock destined for Canada, but captured by an American privateer. There were importations to New York in 1826 by J. S. Skinner, in 183 1 by D. Stockdale, and in 1835 by John Baker. The first Leicesters which found their way to Ohio were brought here in 1834 by Isaac Maynard of Coshocton County, who also brought other breeds for trial. Henry Parsons of Massillon in 1840 had a large flock of breeding ewes. There are two types of Leicester sheep, the Bakewell or true Leicester and the Border Leicester. The Bakewell type of Leicester in general appearance is white in color, large, long-wooled, very wide of back, and tends to be long Fig. 201. A Border Leicester ram owned by Alexander Cross, Knockdon, Kilmarnock, Scotland. Photograph by the author 432 SHEEP of leg. The head from the ears forward is covered with a soft white hair, the skin having a shght bluish tint and small black spots often occurring on head and ears. The face is of medium length, the nose is frequently Roman in form, with black skin at nluzzle, and the ears are thin, somewhat large, and delicate, standing more or less erect. Neither rams nor ewes have horns. The neck tends to be short and is not much elevated in carriage. The body is very wide of rib but often lacks in depth, the pro- portion of breadth to depth being striking. The breast is usu- ally quite prominent, both in extension and thickness, and the hind quarters frequently are not so large as they should be, being peaked. The legs tend to be long and fine of bone. The temperament is quiet and gentle, such as might be expected with the large breeds. The fleece is excellent for coarse wool, medium long, and usually lies over the body in fine spiral locks. Usually no wool extends beyond the ears, and the legs are not commonly woolcd below knee and hock. The size of the Leicester is large, though this is the smallest of the long-wooled breeds. Average-sized mature rams weigh from 225 to 250 pounds and the ewes from 175 to 200 pounds. The pure-bred Leicesters as mutton producers do not rank high. When mature they are too large for common market demands, and unless killed before twelve months of age produce too fat a mutton. Neither is the quality quite equal to the best standard. Wrightson states that the Leicester is best fattened when from twelve to fifteen months old, when the carcass weighs about eighty to one hundred pounds. At three of the American Fat Stock Shows held at Chicago the following figures were secured, showing the best records made by Leicester fat wethers. Age 969 days, weight 300 pounds, average gain per day from birth .3 1 pound " 600 " " 295 " " " '< " " " ,49 pound " 235 " " 178 " " " " " " " .75 pound In feeding experiments at the Ontario Agricultural College the better Leicester high-grade, fat, shorn yearlings weighed 242 pounds and made an average daily gain of .54 pound. Cross-bred or grade Leicesters are regarded with favor by some superior sheep feeders. A compact, easy-feeding Leicester ram, used on ewes of Merino character, will sire sheep of more scale THE LEICESTER 433 and easier fattening quality than where Merino rams are used. In France a type of Leicesters termed DisJiley Merinos has been developed by using Leicester rams on a Merino ewe foun- dation, these sheep now showing little of Merino character. Robert Taylor of Nebraska has used Leicester rams on middle- wool ewes on the western range with signal success. In both 1903 and 1904 Mr. Taylor won the grand championship at the International Live Stock Exposition on car-load show of lambs, these being a cross of Leicester rams on grade Hampshire ewes. In fact, it is conceded that cross-bred Leicester mutton is produced more economically, matures earlier, and is of bet- ter quality than the pure-bred, although the size is somewhat lessened. In this connection it is interesting to note that the Leicester as improved by Bakewell has served a most important part in improving some of the British breeds in the days of early development, its blood being freely used on the Southdown, Cotswold, Lincoln, Shropshire, and Hampshire foundations. The Leicester as a wool producer yields a fine grade of long wool. Randall states that after the first shearing it will average about 6 inches long and will weigh 6 pounds. Professor Shaw states that the fleece should average from 9 to 1 1 pounds weight, while the 1894 edition of the Complete Grazier, by Youatt, places it at an average of 7 pounds. George Benedict of Nebraska, a breeder of pure Leicesters, in 1893 wrote, "The average weight of fleeces for ten years is 11 pounds." The fleece of the Leicester being naturally fine and open weighs comparatively light. If grade Leicester ewes are bred to middle- or fine-wool rams, the fleece of the offspring is commonly finer, more compact, and shears heavier than that of the pure-bred. Fig. 202. A very choice Border Leicester ram bred by Mr. Smith of Leaston, Scotland. Sold in 1901 for ^122 ($600). Photograph from the owner, J. R. C. Smith 434 SHEEP The breeding qualities of the Leicester are only moderate. None of the largest breeds are strongly prolific, and no doubt the early policy of very close in-and-in breeding followed by Leicester breeders injured the fecundity of the breed. Careful management will no doubt secure fair results. Mr. Benedict, above referred to, reports 136 per cent increase in his Leicester flock. The Leicester as a graz- ing or range sheep ranks as only fair. Leicesters will not flock equal to the Merinos. They require better range and more abundant pasture, are not suited to rough ground, and in winter lack the constitution to withstand roughing it without shel- ter. The open fleece is objectionable where much snow or cold rain prevails. In the so-called corn belt, where properly protected, with abun- dance of roughage, grain, and roots, this breed may do very well. The popularity of the Leicester in America to-day is quite secondary, although in the middle of the last century it was looked on with favor in the eastern states. Very few are now owned in the United States, notwithstanding the extended his- tory of the breed here. A few are kept for show piu-poses and some for cross-breeding, but this large type does not suit the modern demand for a hardy, smaller class of quick-feeding sheep, not too fat when finished. More Leicesters are fed in Canada than elsewhere in America. The distribution of the Leicester is wide. Since the days of Bakewell it has been more or less distributed over Europe, Aus- tralia, New Zealand, Tasmania, and North America. It is not a Fig. 203. Grand-champion Leicester ewe (Bor- der Leicester) at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904. Owned and exhibited by A. W. Smith, Maple Lodge, Ontario. Photo- graph by the author THE LEICESTER 435 common breed to-day, however, in any part of the world, even in England, its native home. There are small flocks kept in each of the Canadian provinces, but more in Ontario than elsewhere. In the United States the breed is mainly represented in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. Organizations in behalf of Leicester sheep date back consider- ably over a century. In the time of Bakewell the Dishley Society was organized to support this great breeder in establishing a new breed. This society had various meetings and adopted dif- ferent resolutions. No. 4, passed in 1790, provided that " secrecy be kept by all members respecting the business of these meet- ings, except to absent members." Resolution No. 13 provided that " no member shall let a ram, share or part of a ram, to any ram breeder residing within thirty miles of Leicester, not being a member, who hired a ram of Mr. Bakewell last season, 1789." This society existed many years and was very influential. At the present time there is a Leicester Sheep Breeders' Society in England. In this country we have the American Leicester Fig. 204. A group of Border Leicester yearling rams owned by J. R. C. Smith, Scotland. Photograph from the owner Breeders' Association, estabUshed in 1888, which has issued four volumes of flock books up to 1904, registering about 7000 head. The Border Leicester breed of sheep belongs to the Leicester family, but differs from it somewhat in type. The origin of the Border Leicester has been credited to the Culley brothers, who first used Leicester rams (obtained from Bakewell) on Tees- water ewes. Some authors have regarded the Border Leicester 436 SHEEP as originating from a cross of Leicester rams on Cheviot ewes, the result of the cross finally assuming a pure form of a variety of the Leicester. In 1767 the Culleys moved into northern Northumberland county, England, to Fenton, near Wooler, among the Cheviot Hills in the border country between England and Scotland. In this region they developed the Border Leices- ter, which became very popular. In 1806 they retired and their flock was dispersed, being purchased by various breeders. There are to-day flocks in the border region directly descended from Culley rams. The Mertoun flock of Lord Polwarth, said to have been established in 1802, has long been and is to-day perhaps the most famous in Britain. The characteristics of the Border Leicester sheep in compari- son with the Bakewell Leicester are interestingly shown by Professor Wrightson as follows : The differences between the Leicester and Border Leicester are to be chiefly seen in the head, which in the Border Leicester is white and boldly carried, the nose slightly aquiline, the muzzle full, the nostrils wide, and the ears erect. The head is clean and free from wool, as is pretty well shown by the fact that they suffer from flies settling on their polls in summer. The English Leicester, unless trimmed and shaved for show, usually carries a tuft of wool on his head, which protects it from flies, and he is also wooled in the shanks. The English Leicester has a bluish-white face, whereas the Border Leicester's face is clear white. In carcass the Border Leicester is the larger and longer, and the belly is not quite so full in outline, being carried rather more lightly. It may also be added that the flesh at the nose is black, that black spots frequently occur in the white hair on head and ear, and that this is a heavier, more leggy type than the Bakewell Leicester. Border Leicester rams crossed on Cheviot ewes make a cross which has long met with much favor in the British market. In the hill country the half-breds and three-quarter-breds feed extremely well on rather scant fare oftentimes, and produce a strictly choice mutton. Each year in the hill country between Scotland and England large numbers of cross-bred sheep of this stock find their way into the best British trade. The Society of Border Leicester Sheep Breeders has an organ- ization in Britain, but in America tlie Border type is registered in the American Leicester flock book. CHAPTER LIX THE COTSWOLD The name Cotswold is derived from a combination of circum- stances. In early times sheep were folded in shelters locally known as "cots" or "cotes," and were pastured on the wild, treeless hills of the region, which were termed "wolds," from which the name Cotswold was evolved. The native home of the Cotswold sheep is in central south- western England, in the county of Gloucester, which touches salt water on its lower side leading up from the Irish sea. The Cotswold hills extend southwesterly nearly through and to the southern borders of the county. These hills are of variable soils, often poor in quality, gravelly or clayey in character with much lime, grow a short pasturage, and yield moderate crops of wheat and roots. The climate is moist and temperate, well suited to large sheep, especially on the lowlands. The Cotswold is of ancient lineage. In 1464 King Edward IV of England, says Stowe in his Chronicles, granted permission "for certain Coteswold sheep to be transported into the country of Spaine, which have there since mightily increased and multi- plied to the Spanish profit." In 1842 Low wrote that Cotswold sheep inhabited the district beyond the memory of the living generation. However he believed that this breed was developed from a large type common in Warwick and Oxford counties adjoining, which it in some respects resembled. It is improbable that the Cotswold has a long ancestry on the hills of Gloucester, for a big breed of this type would not naturally thrive on hills comparatively poor in production. Yet the region in which this sheep developed became a noted wool-producing section, dating back to days of Roman conquest in the second century. Gervase Markham, writing in the sixteenth century, referred to Cotswold sheep as having long wool and large bones. It is generally 437 43« SHEEP conceded that the breed of to-day is much improved over the old type, this improvement having been largely secured by using Leicester rams on Cotswold ewes. So indiscriminately were they used between 1780 and 1820 that we are told not a Cots- wold flock was spared. The Leicester blood reduced the size and constitution, but improved the symmetry, producing better bodies, finer wool, more quality, and earlier-maturing sheep. During the last century the families of Smith of Bibury, Hewer Fig. 205. lluultuu'b 945 — 39250, an imported Cotswold yearling ram, owned by the Ohio State University. This ram is in thin flesh with about five months of fleece. Photograph by the author of North Leach, Lane, and Game materially improved the breed by judicious selection and some in-and-in breeding. On the dis- persion of the Hewer flock various breeders purchased and established flocks which are numbered among the important ones of to-day in England. The introduction of Cotswold sheep to the United States probably first occurred in 1832, when Mr. C. Dunn, who lived near Albany, New York, imported a ram. In 1834 Isaac May- nard of Coshocton County, Ohio, brought the first Cotswolds THE COTSWOJ^D 439 to that state, but within three years most of these had died. In 1840 W. H. Sotham imported a flock of 19 to New York, near Albany, for which he paid $110 each. This same year Erastus Corning and Mr. Sotham made two large importations of a cross- bred Cots wold-New Leicester sheep from the Hewer flock at North Leach, Gloucestershire. In 1836 J. C. Haviland of Duchess County, New York, began breeding Cotswolds, and continued his flock many years. In 1837 they were first brought to Kentucky, where they were popular for many years and seemed well suited to the conditions there. Along in the early forties there were a number of flocks of Cotswolds in the Atlan- tic coast states, where they met with some favor, if on the more fertile lands. With the depreciation of Merino values about 1 870-1875 Cotswold and other mutton sheep grew in favor and considerable flocks developed in the Mississip})i \'alley states. Characteristics of the Cotswold. The hcadoi the Cotswold is a distinguish- ing feature, being horn- less, usually white, but frequently slightly mixed or spotted with gray or brown, is dark at the nostrils, broad between muzzle and eyes, having a tendency to a Roman nose, and with curls or locks over the forehead, often extending to the nostrils. This forelock is rather a distinctive feature of this breed. The back carries the same great breadth as the Leicester and Lincoln, though the body often lacks depth and appears leggy, especially behind. The heart girth is often striking, showing much thickness. Fream states that at a show some years ago in England two of the winning two-year-old rams girthed five feet and five feet four inches Fig. 206. A very choice Cotswold ewe, winner of first prize in class at the Ohio State Fair in 1 905 and sweepstakes Cotswold ewe at the Illinois State Fair, 1906. Owned by Wilson Bros, of Indiana. Photograph by the author 440 SHEEP respectively. T\\q. fleece covers the body in rather large locks or curls, very similar to the Lincoln, naturally parting along the back and hanging down the sides to considerable length. The legs have much the same color marking as the head. In quality this breed ranks well, and m general appearance has a carriage which Cotswold men regard as distinguished. Professor Wrightson states that the Cotswold was often described by the late Professor Coleman when teach- ing at the Royal Agricultural College [which is in the Cotswold district of England], as a sheep which could " look over a hurdle," that is, carried his head high and well poised on a somewhat erect neck. This is said to be accompanied with a tendency to be " ewe necked " and low in the rumps, or " down at both ends," as I have heard Professor Coleman repeatedly say. He knew the Cotswold sheep well, and was himself a Cotswold man, so his opinion carries weight. These faults have been corrected in the best flocks there can be no doubt, but they e.xist in second-rate animals, as is most evident in rough weather, when the animals are viewed at a disadvantage. In carriage the Cotswold is a sheep of dignified appearance, with considerable alertness of expression. The size of the Cotswold is large, ranking very close to the Lincoln and often equaling it. A mature Cotswold ram in moderate flesh should weigh from 250 to 275 pounds, and the ewe from 200 to 225 pounds. Select show animals often weigh much more. The Cotswold as a mutton sheep is rather ordinary. The quality of the mutton is inferior in sheep two years old or over, the fiber lacking fineness and the percentage of external fat too great on well-fed animals. The Cotswold is most desirable for the table up to twelve months of age, producing a very good grade of lamb. The Cotswold as a feeder ranks well. In various feeding experi- ments the wethers ha\e made heavy gains. In 1852 Sir John B. Lawes reported on important sheep-feeding experiments at Rothamsted, in which he showed that forty-six Cotswold lambs made a total gain of 29284 pounds between December i and April 17, a weekly increase j^er head of 3 pounds 2I ounces, and an increase for each 100 pounds live weight weekly of 2 pounds 2 ounces. Twenty of these lambs, fasted weight, dressed out 61.48 per cent. In extended experiments h\- this investigator THE COTSVVOLD 441 the best results in feeding were secured on the Cotsvvold, giving a more economical production than on the Leicester, Hampshire, Sussex, or cross-breds. At the Iowa experiment station, in two breed trials with fattening lambs, the Cotswold made the heavi- est gain, averaging .62 and .50 pound daily respectively, consum- ing less dry matter to secure a pound of gain than any other breed in each trial. In per cent of dressed carcass the Cotswold lambs showed an average of 54.9 and 53.57 respectively, a fair record. From figures collated by Henry of records at the Ameri- can Fat Stock Shows at Chicago between 1879 and 1882, Cots- wold wethers showed the following gain from birth : Year Age Average Weight Average Daily Gain 1881 .... 1878 .... 187S .... 933 days 535 " 170 " 281 pounds 220 " 152 " .31 pound .41 " .89 " The general testimony is that the Cotswold is a superior feeder, and Wallace writes that it is well suited for feeding on stiff land, even when pretty wet, although the last part of the statement is very c|uestioi"iable. The value of the Cotswold in crossing and grading is moderate. Used on native sheep or grade Merinos, extra scale and better mutton quality may be obtained, with more fleece. Formerly Cotswold rams were considerably used in the central west on common ewes, but the demand for a smaller type of mutton and a compact fleece caused the discontinuance of this practice. The Cotswold as a grazing sheep ranks high where pastures are abundant, but on hilly or rough land it is not a satisfactory breed. This breed does best in the northern plain sections of America, where plenty of grass, roots, and grain may be grown. From its quiet temperament and heavy weight, like the other long- wool breeds, it may be fed to great advantage on rape or turnips for a limited time, on restricted areas within hurdles. The breeding qualities of the Cotswold are fairly good, though some authorities rank the breed as superior in this respect. None of the large breeds, however, are strongly fecund, though they arc excellent nurses and produce large lambs. A.A2 SHEKP The Cotswold as a wool producer, as has already been dcsif^- nated, has long had high rank. The fleece is of a lustrous charac- ter with a tendency to coarseness, and on mature sheep may attain a length of 12 to 14 inches, but is somewhat shorter than that of the Lincoln. Eight to ten inches is a usual length. Many flocks show an average weight of fleece of over 10 pounds. George S. Baber of Kentucky for years kept about forty breeding ewes, which averaged 10 pounds of wool per head. For years C. L. Day of Wisconsin had a large flock and the fleeces aver- aged about 1 1 pounds each. Wallace places the yield of fleece for ewes at 6 to 8 pounds, and Wrightson says that in " crack " flocks the fleeces may run to 9J pounds, and many fleeces have been shown weighing close to 14 pounds, but these are excep- tional. In selecting breeding rams one well covered on belly and scrotum should be sought, shearing a heavy, relatively compact fleece, showing plenty of crimp and quality. The distribution of the Cotswold has been rather widespread in the past. It has seemed particularly suited to Gloucestershire and adjoining sections of England, and while flocks exist outside of that locality, the breed is not common. It has been exported to Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Russia, Canada, and the United States. In this country it has had a wide distri- bution, and twenty-five years ago was a prominent breed in some sections, notably Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. At the present time Wisconsin and Ohio have superior breeding flocks, but Ontario, Canada, leads in this respect. The demand for smaller mutton with less external fat and for a medium or fine wool has materially injured Cotswold development in America. Organizations for promoting Cotswold sheep are maintained in England and America. The Cotswold Sheep Society of f^ngland was organized in 1892, and has published a number of volumes of its flock book. The American Cotswold Sheep Association was organized in 1878, and has published twelve volumes of flock books up to 1905, registering nearly 35,000 sheep. CHAPTER LX THE LINCOLN The native home of Lincoln sheep is in the county of Lincoln, on the east coast of England by the North Sea. The soil is of a clayey character. The land is slightly hilly in places, but also has considerable lowlands of rich pasturage. The small cereals, grass, and roots are the staple crops. The climate is moist and fairly temperate, though rather cold alongshore in winter. The origin of the Lincoln dates back very many years. There had long existed in Lincolnshire a large, coarse type of sheep much like the old Leicester, with white face and legs, heavy head, large neck and prominent dewlap, long and hollow of back, with flat ribs but good loin and deep belly. The skin was especially thick, the fleece long and coarse, the size very large, and the flesh coarse and inferior. This old-fashioned type was improved by the use of Leicester rams of the new sort, such as Bakewell had produced. Much jealousy had existed between Leicester and Lincoln breeders in those days, and the Lincoln gradually developed into the largest, longest fleeced breed of sheep in Britain. The early type was slow to mature, but Leices- ter blood produced quicker feeders and generally improved the symmetry and quality. The breed, however, did not have a wide reputation like the Leicester, and until the middle of the last century was known but little outside of Lincolnshire. The introduction of Lincoln sheep to America dates back over a century. Prior to 1796 it is stated that some of the old Lincolns were taken to Mas.sachusetts, but, not thriving on the hills, were generally abandoned. In 1825, however, A. A. Law- rence of the same state "imported 6 Southdowns and 10 Lin- colnshires." In 1829 Mr. Pickering, also of Massachusetts, imported two rams and two ewes. It is reported that during the ocean voyage a fleece of 19 pounds was removed from one 443 444 SHEEP of the rams. In 1834 Isaac Maynard brought the first Lincolns to Ohio from the east. At Buffalo it is said he was offered $500 for his Lincohi ram. In 1836 Leonard D. Clift of Carmel, New York, imported some Lincohi sheep. One pair was sold to go to Virginia and one to Ohio for $250 each. Later importations were made by Mr. Clift. The Lincoln has since then been brought occasionally to the United States, though in but a small way. Characteristics of Lincoln sheep. The color of the Lincoln is white, although the face frequently has a grayish or darker shade along the bridge of the nose. The head is large and hornless, is often broad between muzzle and eyes, tending to Roman charac- ter, the cars are large and broad and are dotted or mottled in color. The Lincoln has a very broad, level back, is covered with a firmer flesh than the Leicester, and shows a greater com- parative depth of rib than that breed, not appearing so leggy. ■ i i .'1 Lb-L Fig. 207. Dowsby 350 Guineas, first and champion Lincoln ram at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1S97. Bred by Henry Dudding, owned and exhibited by S. E. Dean & Sons, Dowsby Hall, Folkingham, England. Photograph by the author The rump is broad and level, and the hind quarter of a thick, meaty character as a rule, and when heavily fed this is often patchy. The legs are in suitable proportion to the rest of the body, but appear rather large and coarse. The sheep in general appearance impresses one as massive. The zvool covering is in rather coarse THE LINCOLN 445 spirals or curly locks which naturall)- part along the back and hang down to considerable length on the sides. A short foretop, or group of locks, occurs in good specimens of the breed, more than with Leicesters and less than with Cotswolds. The size of the Lincoln represents the largest of the British breeds of sheep, though Wallace states that it does not exceed Fk;. 208. Gibson's 155-10S58, grand-i.i]aiu|iiuii l.iiii_uln ram at the Louisi- ana Purchase Exposition, 1904. Owned and exhibited by J. T. Gibson, Denfield, Ontario. Photograph by the author the Cotswold. The author has seen a Wensleydale ram that was comparable with the larger Lincoln. The average Lincoln, how- ever, probably weighs heavier than does the average of any other breed. Rams of this breed sometimes attain a weight of nearly 400 pounds, and when in good flesh will easily weigh very nearly 300 pounds, while the ewes average close to 275 pounds when mature. The Lincoln as a mutton producer does not rank high. The size is too large, too much fat is produced, and the quality is not the best. When killed during the lamb period a more acceptable class of meat is produced. While the carcass dresses out very well, there is too great a degree of waste in fat and bone to suit 446 SHEEP modern trade. In feeding experiments at the Iowa experiment station Lincoln wether lambs in one trial made an average daily gain of .55 pound and in another trial of .46 pound. The price paid for the carcass was $4.50 and $5.25 per hundred, compared with ^4.75 and ^5.75 respectively, the highest price paid. The Lincolns dressed out 55.7 and 51.08 per cent in the carcass, which was about an average of the breeds tested. Comparatively few feeding experiments with Lincolns are recorded. The Lincoln as a feeding sheep ranks very well. With suitable and abundant food it matures early and will fatten rapidly. Its temperament is very quiet and docile, well suited to folding or the feed lot. The Lincoln as a grazing sheep is best adapted to moderately dry upland meadows, where food is abundant. In the hill coun- try the breed has never made a success and has not secured a foothold. Some English writers have called attention to the eminent fitness of the Lincoln to the meadows of Lincolnshire, but further note the fact that they soon deteriorate in most other parts of England. In the Argentine, where great pastures of superior quality exist, Lincolns are at present meeting with much favor. The cross-bred or grade Lincoln is to-day an important factor in the British mutton market. A large number of Lincoln rams are used on the common ewes of the Argentine or on the grade Merino ewes of Australia. A visit to the yards at Birkenhead, England, where shiploads of live sheep are received from the Argentine, shows the prevalence of Lincoln blood. These crosses, or grades, make a big, growthy lamb which fattens easily and furnishes a large chop or leg of mutton, more acceptable in the English than in the American market. Lincoln rams have been used to some extent on Merino grade ewes on our western ranges, yet not in a large way. The Lincoln as a wool producer is of special interest. No breed probably furnished so long a fleece. Wrightson reports samples of Lincoln wool in his possession 2 1 inches long. The rules of the National Lincoln Sheep Breeders' Association require a growth of at least eight inches of fleece during one year. The weight of the fleece, which is naturally coarse, may in the case THE LINCOLN 447 of a ram reach 30 pounds. The average weight of fleeces on Lincohi wether lambs in the Iowa feeding experiments was 12.9 and 10.4 pounds respectively, the heaviest of the ten breeds under trial, and yielding the largest income from sale, viz., $1.79 and $1.56 respectively. A mature ewe should produce close to 15 pounds, and a ram 18 to 20 pounds. In fineness of quality this ranks slightly better than the Leicester. Compared with the Leicester fleece it is longer, is in larger spirals or curls, and Fig. 209. A Lincoln ewe, first prize in class at the Ohio State Fair, 1905. Owned and exhibited by J. R. Bickett, Xenia, Ohio. Photograph by the author covers the belly better. Wrightson states that the wool is very bright and lustrous when shorn, giving the name "luster wool." This feature, however, disappears when the sheep are bred away from their native county. The massing of the wool in flakes or strands upon the animal is characteristic of the breed, but the fiber is hair-like and " lashy " if separated and compared with the fiber of Merino wool. The breeding quality of the Lincoln is not of the first rank. Ewes are good mothers but produce only a fair amount of milk and are not of more than average fecundity. 448 SHEEP The distribution of the Lincoln is largely limited to Lincoln- shire and adjoining east counties in England, while it has been extensively exported to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentine Republic, Russia, Canada, and the United States. At the present time an extensive trade exists between British breeders and South American buyers, Lincoln rams being heavily shipped to the Argentine. In the United States the breed has never secured much foothold, neither has it seemed so well adapted to our conditions as to those of Canada or England. Lincoln sheep are mainly kept in Ontario and other Canadian provinces, and in Michi- gan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio, several flocks being kept in each of these states. Sheep of this large type cannot thrive satis- factorily during the hot, dry summers so common in the central United States. No doubt they will do better on the upper Pacific coast, in Oregon and Washington, where the climate more nearly resembles that of England. Organizations to promote Lincoln sheep interests exist in Eng- land and America. The Lincoln Long- Wool Sheep Breeders' Association, with headquarters in England, in the native county of the breed, supervises the welfare of these sheep in Great Britain. This association was organized in 1892, and has pub- lished 15 volumes of flock books up to 1906. The National American Lincoln Sheep Breeders' Association was organized in 1 89 1, and has ]:)ublishcd two flock books up to 1906. The important breeders and improvers of Lincolns are still to be found in Lincolnshire. Mr. Henry Dudding of Riby Grove, Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire, is the most distinguished improver of to-day, and has done much for the breed. The Budding family Fig. 210. A Lincoln ewe lamb of very superior character at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1904. Her fleece swept the ground. Photograph by H. B. Arbuckle, from the A'at/oiial Stockman and Farmer THE LINCOLN 449 have bred these sheep for one hundred and fifty years, and have won the highest honors attained by the breed, and maintain the largest flock in the county. S. E. Dean & Sons are also very prominent breeders in Lincolnshire, having a large flock of superior sheep from which extensive exportations are made. The prices paid for Lincolns are among the highest realized for any breed of sheep. Since the South Americans and Australians began to purchase rams for home trade high prices have ruled, the supply being limited. The ram sales of Lincolnshire are now world famous. On July 26, 1898, Mr. Henry Budding's sale established a new record for England. One ram sold for ^1050 ($5120), and 52 rams brought an average of ^86 19 s. ($423.50). At the 1905 sale of Mr. Budding a new record was made, 31 yearling rams bringing ;^28oi 8 s., and average of about $440 each. The second-prize ram of the Royal Agricultural Society Show of 1905 brought $2500, while another ram sold for $2100. Again, in 1906, the annual sale of Mr. Budding at Riby broke all previous records and proved of international interest. One ram sold for ^1522 los. (about $'j6oo), the highest price on record. In all 56 yearling rams realized over $42,000, or brought an average of over $750. Twenty-three yearling ewes averaged about $85. Each year the Budding sale attracts world-wide attention. CHAPTER LXI THE KENT OR ROMNEY MARSH The native home of the Kent sheep is in southeastern England in the county of Kent, in the district known as Romney Marsh. This is a low, level, marshy, alluvial plain about on sea level, the sea being held back by strong walls. The climate is moist and P'iG. 211. A Kent or Romney Marsh ram, fir.st prize in class at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1904. Owned and exhibited by Charles File. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephews, Berkham- sted, England mild and the region .sparsely settled. Here a comparatively large number of sheep are maintained on the land. The early type of Kent sheep was rather comparable with other breeds in being deficient in rib, heavy of bone, long of leg, and coarse of wool. In 1855, referring to these as Romney Marsh sheep, Professor Wilson thus describes the breed : 450 THE KENT OR ROMNEY MARSH 451 The head and legs are white ; the head long and broad, with a tuft of wool on forehead ; no horns ; neck long and thin ; breast narrow with mod- erate fore quarters ; the body long with flatfish sides and sharp chine ; loins wide and strong ; the belly large ; thighs broad and thick ; and legs and feet large, with coarse bone and muscle. They are very hardy and are well adapted for the bleak and exposed district of the Romney Marshes. They also bear stocking closer than other breeds, as it is not unusual to see six or eight fattening sheep placed to the acre. The improved breed produces sheep ready for market at from two to three years old, weighing from 120 to 140 pounds. The fleece is valuable, weighing on the average eight pounds. The modern type of Kent sheep is a decided improvement over the breed as described by Wilson. The head is white and is fre- quently bare of wool and also hornless. Careful selection and breeding has reduced the size somewhat, but has produced a sheep more compact of frame and more easily fattened than the old sort. The back is broader, the ribs are longer, the coupling shorter, and the leg of mutton heavier and of excellent quality. In the improvement of the breed the fleece has been refined to a marked degree. The adaptability of the Kentish sheep to low- lying lands has caused it to be regarded with favor in eastern England and in some other sections, for it seems freer from foot rot than most breeds ; in fact, it is claimed that this breed on Romney Marshes is not affected with this disease at all. The Kent sheep in America is almost unknown. A few indi- viduals have been brought here in the past, but the importations have not succeeded in obtaining a permanent and satisfactory foothold. In 1904 a few poor specimens were imported and exhibited at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, but persons familiar with the breed criticised them severely. There is no question but what Kent sheep have merit in their native county, and are suited to certain regions in the United States. In Australia the breed has met with favor and is imported to the British colonies to some extent. CHAPTER LXII THE BLACK FACED HIGHLAND The native home of Black Faced Highland Sheep is the more elevated section of Scotland, especially in the Highlands, in the counties of Perth and Dumbarton. Here this breed has been bred on the heather-topped hills, where the winters are rough and cold, for certainly one hundred and twenty-five years or more. The origin of the Black Faced Highland Sheep is unknown. Sheep of this sort have been known for a long period of time in Fic. 212. A Black Faced Highland ram, first prize in class at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1904. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephews, Berkhamsted, England the Highlands, where in earlier days they were not very pop- ular. The fact that this breed was extremely hardy and could endure on the higher mountains even better than the Cheviot gave it a foothold a half century or so ago, which it has since held. 45- THE BLACK FACED HIGHLAND 453 The introduction of Black Faced Highland sheep to America first occurred in June, 1861, Hugh Brodie importing one ram and two ewes for Brodie & Campbell, New York Mills, New York. In 1867 this flock and its increase was purchased by T. L. Harison of Morley, St. Lawrence County, New York. Isaac Stickney of New York also imported a small flock about 1867 for his farm in Illinois. Other than these very few of these sheep have ever been brought to America. Characteristics of the Black Faced Highland sheep. Both sexes have horns, those of the males being rather large, taking one or two spiral curves. The ewes' horns are small, thin, and curved, Fig. 213. A group of Black Faced Highland sheep. Photograph by H. B. Arbuckle, from the A'atioiial Stockman and Farmer but not spiral. The face is covered with hair, not wool, of either a solid black or a mottled white and black color. The nose is strong and prominent, the nostrils wide and black, and the ears short and small. The body is that of the typical mutton sheep, though not of heavy flesh type. The fleece is very long and coarse, often kempy, and very loosely covers the body. The breed belongs to the long-wool group, and the fleece is specially used in making carpets and coarse woolen goods. In temperament the breed is very wild and independent, quite unlike the heavier lowland sheep. In size Black Faced sheep are small to medium. The special value of the Black Faced Highland sheep is based on its hardy character and ability to withstand very rough 454 SHEEP exposure in winter in mountain regions where food is scarce ; and also for its mutton, which is popular in the British market because of its superior flavor and fine quality and grain. The fleece is not very valuable, and on ewes averages 3^ to 4! pounds unwashed. Cross-bred or grade Black Faced Highland sheep meet with favor in Scotland, giving a heavier fleshed type with the good quality of mutton of the pure-bred. Robert Wallace states that the produce of a Black Faced ewe by a Leicester ram is called a " cross " or " mule," and by a Cheviot ram a " half long." The latter name is given because. a Black Faced is sometimes termed the "short " sheep and a Cheviot the "long" sheep. As ewes these sheep of mixed breed are good milkers. The distribution of Black Faced Highland sheep is mainly over the Highlands of Scotland and in a small degree on the higher of the mountain regions of north England. Large num- bers are bred in the Highlands, and this with the Cheviot occupies most of the space at the Scotch shows. There is no flock-book society to promote the breeding of this sheep. The special field for Black Faced Highland sheep in America should be the mountain regions east and west, but more espe- cially the higher sections of the lower Alleghanies, where grass grows in aljundance. The Cheviot, however, is almost equally hardy and is far better suited to the American market. CHAPTER LXIII THE ANGORA GOAT The native home of the Angora goat is in the district of Angora in Asia Minor. Angora, the principal city, is about 220 miles south by southeast of Constantinople, Turkey. This is a mountainous region 2000 to 4000 feet high, lying south of the Black Sea, forty degrees north latitude passing through it at Angora 200 miles from the sea. The climate has wide extremes of heat and cold. The rainfall is rather variable but light. The soil is frequently poor and free of vegetation. Forests occur to a considerable extent also. It is probable that this goat has inhabited this region for many centuries, dating back to days before the Christian era. Several varieties of goat in Angora are reported, each located in a special district. These according to Gatheral are the fol- lowing : (a) Yavan-Ova, having a heavy, lustrous fleece ; {b) Chorba, producing a very soft, fine mohair ; (c) Chnbouk-Ova, remarkable for length and fineness of fiber ; (d) Aycish, white of fleece, but lacking luster ; (c) Jocvas, having a bright, showy, but kempy fleece. Other varieties are also referred to. The introduction of the Angora goat to America dates back to 1849, when the Sultan of Turkey presented Dr. James B. Davis of Columbia, South Carolina, with nine choice animals. These were long known as Cashmere goats, but evidence seems to show that they were true Angoras. These goats and their prog- eny were sold later to various people, but especially to Colonel Richard Peters, who bought in 1854. They were shown quite extensively and attracted much attention. From the Davis importation flocks became established over considerable terri- tory in many states. In 1863 large flocks were reported in Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Maryland, New 455 456 iHE (;OAT York, and Massachusetts. A number of other importations followed that of 1849. In 1861 Mr. W. W. Chenery of Belmont, Massachusetts, made two importations, and later others in 1866 and 1867. About 1867 Messrs. I. S. Diehl and C. S. Brown imported 160 head and placed them on the farm of Mr. Brown at Newark, New Jersey. A number of other importations followed the above, notably that of John S. Harris of California in 1 876 Fig. 214. Hobson's African, first in aged Angora buck class at the I>ewis and Clark Exposition, Portland, Oregon, 1905. Weight of fleece 18.V pounds at thirteen months old, selling for $1.50 per pound. At head of the flock of William Riddell & Sons, Monmouth. Oregon. Photograph from L. A. Webster and Dr. W. C. Bailey of California in 1901, both of which gentlemen made personal selections in Asia Minor. A description of the Angora goat of improved type is quoted from the late Professor George F. Thompson, a well-known American authority on this animal : The Angora goat is smaller than the ordinarj- common goat. It weighs from 60 to 100 pounds, although some are frequently found that weigh considerably more, especially if fat. The back should be straight, with THE ANGORA (;OAT 457 shoulders and hips of equal height. A sloping rump is very objectionable. The chest should be broad, indicating good constitution, and the body round, legs short and strong. The head should not droop, but be clean-cut, with bright eye and broad muzzle ; avoid a pinched nostril. The horns are grayish, never black ; in the buck they are heavy, with an inward twist, inclining backward and to tiie outside. The doe's horns rise immediately upward and backward, slightly outward, with very little inclination to twist. In most animals the ears are pendent and from six to eight inches long, with an average width of about two inches, and well pointed. In some animals tlie ears are fox-like, — short, pointed, and pricked. There appear to be no other differences between the goats having the different kinds of ears. The fleece of the animals should be pure white, although there are colored Angoras. No colored spots on the skin should be tolerated. The fleece should cover the entire body, — as dense on the bellv and neck as on the back and sides ; should extend to the ears and jaw. While some are breeding for the topknot and for mohair on the face and lower legs, this is not an evi- dence that the animal is better than another that may not have the head and face covered. The mohair should grow to the length of about ten inches during a year, and hang in tight ringlets or wavy curls. The curl should extend entirely up to the skin. The Angora goat sheds its fleece each spring if not shorn. Some are hornless, though such are rather uncommon. The Angora has no strong musky odor, like the common goat, except- ing in the case of the male during the breeding season. The fleece of the Angora goat is commercially known as mohair. It differs from wool in having no exterior scales and not possessing the felting quality. Mohair is somewhat coarser than fine wool, but it is longer and much stronger. An average fleece weighs about three pounds. Riddle & Sons of Monmouth, Oregon, report that their buck Sultan, sweepstakes at the Lewis and Clark Exposition in 1905, sheared a fleece weighing i8j Fig. 2 1 5. Pasha Columbia, a great Angora sire and show buck, costing $1050, at the head of the flock of Mrs. M. Armer, Kingston, New Mexico. Photograph from the A'atioiial Stockman and Farmer 458 THK GOAT pounds, which they claim makes it the heaviest fleece on record. This mohair Hes over a short coat of hair known as kemp, which is hard and white, sometimes attaining a length of four inches. Kemp is a very objectionable fiber, as it is coarse and will not take the dyes used with mohair. Its presence in American flocks is materially due to the influence of common goat blood on which the Angora has been much crossed in the past. Very careful selection of breeding sires helps to greatly reduce this difficulty. The prices of mohair differ according to the demand and qual- ity- In Hradford, luigland, the mohair manufacturing center of the world, the price has ranged from 23 to 92 cents a pound since 1856, though during the past twenty-five years it has ranged low rather than high. In 1 90 1 the aver- age price in the United States was about 25 cents. Late in 1905 choice comb- ing mohair was quoted in Chicago at 34 to 36 cents a pound. The value of the Angora as a mutton producer is not regarded commercially as very important. The flesh of the fat young Angora makes excellent mutton, although comparatively few find their way into the markets. Sold in the stock yards Angoras usu- ally bring a lower price than sheep. Some Angora breeders are enthusiastic over the superior quality of the mutton. Wethers may be shorn for some years and then fattened and sold for mutton. The Angora as a renovator of brush land has a distinct value. The goat is naturally a browser and not a grazing animal. In brush lands he is in his element, lie eats the slender tips and twigs and destroys young trees and brush very effectually. In Michigan, Wisconsin, and some other states large tracts of Fig. 216. Aztec 10664, the champion Angora goat of the 1902 shows. Bred by I). C. Tay- lor & Son and sold for $ 1 400 to Kemble Bros, of Iowa. Photograph from the Aa^/oj/a/ S^hn-_- i" ,!i ,j.i !|il- Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904. Sold by A. J. Lovejoy & Son, Roscoe, Illinois, for $2500 to W. S. Corsa of Illinois. One of the most famous sires of to-day. Photograph from Professor William Dietrich, Illinois University According to various early authorities there must have been con- siderable variation in color, size, and type of the early Berkshire. Prominent improvers of the early Berkshire were Richard Astley of Oldstonehall, who is credited by Professor Low as being the great improver of the breed, and Lord Barrington, who died in 1829. Sidney, who was a leading pig authority, in i860 wrote that Lord Barrington did a great deal toward improv- ing the Berkshire breed, the improved stock of that time nearly all tracing back to his herd. The methods of these two breeders do not seem to have been made public, and little is known of 474 THE PIG them. A half century ago William Hewer of Sevenhampton, Wiltshire, was a leading breeder and improver. Important modern improvers of the Berkshire in England as well as America are worthy of record here. In England, Russell Swanwick at Cirencester and the late Heber Humfrey at Abing- don for years bred with signal ability and did much for the breed. In America N. H. Gentry of Sedalia, Missouri, has long held a most distinguished place as a Berkshire breeder. In a list of prominent American breeders during the last twenty-five years of the nineteenth century high place should be accorded to the names of James Riley and I. N. Barker of Indiana, M. K. Prineof Iowa, A. J. Lovcjoy of Illinois, and J. G. Snell of Ontario, Canada. The introduction of the Berkshire pig to America first took place in 1823, according to A. B. Allen, who credits John Brentnall, ^H ffipPI^II i« ^^H Ws^g^^. H ||HB K " jSBjH^iH."'^ ^^^^B^^^^^^^^hBh^ ' i»*'^ -^^^^^'^j Fig. 222. Lyneham Lad, first-prize aged Berk.shire boar ut the Koyul Agri- cultural Society of England Show, 1904. Owned and e.xhihited by Sir Alexander Henderson. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephews, Berkhamsted, England an English farmer, who settled in the English neighborhood in New Jersey, with this importation. In 1832 Sidney Hawes, another English farmer, brought some Berkshires to America and settled near Albany, New York. Allen states that he owned pigs descended from each of these importations. In 1838 a few THE BERKSHIRE 475 pigs of the breed were imported to Canada. In 1839 Messrs. Bagg and Wait, English farmers who had settled in Orange County, New York, made a large importation, and this firm made several other importations later on. In 1841 A. B. Allen brought over forty head after carefully examining British herds, and later made other importations and did much to popularize the breed. Fig. 223. University Lee 72621, second-prize Berkshire boar in class over six and under twelve months at the Ohio State Fair, 1902. Sire of the grand- champion pen of barrows at the International Live Stock Exposition, 1905. Bred by J. M. Hodson of Ohio, and used in the herd of the Ohio State University. Photograph by the author The Berkshire soon moved west. In 1835 a boar and sow were brought to Butler County, Ohio, from Albany, New York, while the Bagg and Wait importations soon found a market in Ken- tucky, Tennessee, Mis.souri, and the South. Important families of Berkshire pigs arc worthy of note. Among these are the Duc/icss, of which Royal Duchess 900 by Othello 259 is the founder; the Sal/ic, descended from Sallie I by Duke of Gloucester I ; the CJiaTvicr, descended from Royal Charmer 9082 by Exor 3891 ; the Lcc, descended from Minnie Lee 14606 by Exor 3891 ; the Nora, descended from Nora B. 14052 by Liverpool Bob 104 17. In these families will be found the names oi many of the most illustrious animals of the breed that have lived in America. 476 THE PIG Famous Berkshire boars in the history of the breed in America make up an extended list. Among those prominent mainly for their influence on the breed are Othello 259, Lord Liverpool 221, Charmer's Uuke 13360, Longfellow 16835, Baron Lee IV 33446, Lord Premier 50001, Governor Lee 47971, Combination 56028, Royal Windsor 22889, Model Duke 17397, Columbia's Duke 33855, and Masterpiece 77000. Of these Longfellow is regarded by many as the most distinguished sire of all, the greatest Berkshire boar that was ever bred in America, in his overshadowing influence on the breed. Characteristics of the Berkshire pig. The face of the modern Berkshire should be of medium length and gracefully dished ; excessive dish of face is not to be encouraged. The ears are carried erect or pointed slightly forward, often drooping consider- ably with age. The typical Berkshire dack is not so broad as that of the Poland-China, but is quite level and of moderate breadth, with considerable length of side, the ribs being fairly arched and long. The rum/> should be rather long and level, with the tail set high, though there is some tendency to shortness and droop- iness. In the correct type the entire back outline shows less arch than is characteristic of some of the other breeds, with square- ness at the hind quarter. The jow/ is only moderately full, the shoulders of medium thickness and breadth, and the hams rather deep and thick, well turned in the twist, though not excessively so. The legs should be fairly short, though frequently individuals are too leggy. The bone is of fair quality, and Berkshires prob- ably stand as well on their feet as any of the breeds of to-day. The color of the Berkshire has changed somewhat from early times. A black body generally, with a white streak in the face, more or less white on the tail, and four white feet make up the " six white points " generally characteristic of the breed. White frequently occurs, however, on the jowl or on the front arm or at the armpit by the shoulder. These colors need not occur in this exact degree, and if a white spot occur on the body else- where, there is no clause to disqualify in the American Berk- shire Herdbook. The color markings of English show Berkshires were studied by Mr. Heber Humfrey some years ago at the Royal Show at Windsor. Quoting from Mr. Humfrey's report : THE HERKSHIRK 477 We examined every Berkshire in the show. Taking them at all ages, there were 139 animals. We took the generally accepted standard of " four white feet, white tip of tail, more or less white in face, and a little or not, as the case may be, under the jowl, on the point of the elbow, or inside the ear," and we found on looking through our notes that we had marked i 19 down as within the limits of this standard. Only half a dozen were described as having serious defects in the marking; the remaining 14 had only a single small spot, generally on the shoulder or between the ears ; one or two were on the sides, but several of them not large enough to attract notice if we had not been looking for them. Out of the half dozen which we thought might be ruled out of competition, only one had a second objection : this was a spot on the front and another on the back of the ham ; the second had a large sandy and white spot on the bottom of the shoulder ; a third had a black foot ; Nes. 4 and 5 had black tails, and the 6th a white ear. The writer knows of a registered boar in service with a white spot of three inches diameter on the back, and within recent years has seen a boar in the show ring and in service with hair noticeably tinted copper color. While these are only fancy points, uniformity of breeding would be promoted by the adop- tion of fixed standards of color markings, disqualifying when the color fell without the limitations. The British Berkshire Society in 1893 suggested that judges disqualify pigs notably irregular in marking or with black face or foot. The size of the Berkshire pig may by classed as medium to large. In 1842 Low wrote that " the true Berkshires are of the larger races of swine." In 1893 Professor Long wrote : Thirty years ago . . . some of Mr. Sadler's prize pigs under seven months old weighed 240 pounds each, although they were turned out into an orchard daily while fattening. The same gentleman exhibited, and won the first prize at Baker Street with a fat pig which weighed 856 pounds, the length of her body being 6 feet 4 inches and her girth 7 feet 6 inches. At that time, however, the ordinary weight of a well-bred Berkshire bacon hog was, when ready for the butcher, about 50 stone of 8 pounds (400 pounds), but for the curing of the best hams these were generally considered a little too large. The Berkshire is often advertised under the name " Large Eng- lish Berkshire," but in England but one Berkshire breed exists, and the title " Large English" is rather uncalled for and some- what misleading. Young pigs at six months old should easily weigh 175 pounds, and at one year about 300 pounds. The ordinary mature boar in breeding condition should weigh 500 478 THE PIG pounds, and the sows 400 pounds. Lord Premier 50001 at seven years old weighed 890 pounds, King Lee 27500 at ten months weighed 420 pounds, while the famous Longfellow 16835 at 17 months weighed 726 pounds. The adaptability of the Berkshire to environment is of the first class. The breed is found growing successfully and meeting with favor in the colder, more northerly sections of America, where the winters are severe, and in the warmer southwest and Fig. 224. A yearling Berkshire sow, a prize winner at the Toronto Exposi- tion, 1905. Owned by Wilham Wilson, Brampton, Ontario. Photograph from Professor G. E. Day more temperate regions. Walker, however, in discussing the adaptability of the Berkshire to climate says : A.s far as our own actual experience goes, Berkshires do not prove nearly so profitable in the north of England and in Scotland as in tlie south, and this harmonizes with our remark that they love warmth and a genial clime. In .spite of this opinion it is doubtless true that no breed of swine is bred and fed under more varied conditions with the success that is attained with the Berkshire. The early-maturing qualities of the Berkshire are very good. There are those, however, including the author, who do not give them first rank in this respect. Individual Berkshires may fatten rapidly and mature early, but in a broad comparison of breed THE BERKSHIRE 479 maturity the Poland-China would have the advantage, while many would accord first place to the Duroc-Jersey and Chester White. The Berkshire as a grazing pig ranks high wherever fairly tried. On the clover fields of the middle West they thrive to perfection, while rape pasture in the more northerly sections seems well suited to them. In general pasturage in America Berkshires quite hold their own. Writing of the Berkshires as foragers, Walker states that they are hardly surpassed so long as in a temperate climate. He says : You may see herds of a score or two each, any year towards October, running over the wide stubble fields on the borders of Wiltshire, nearly average pork, and yet they have made their growth and their flesh pretty much on waste material, i.e. shed corn, weeds, roots, pasturage, and so on. The Berkshire as a feeder and fattener has had extensive trial both in Europe and in America. In the records made a high place has been accorded the breed. Numerous American experimental stations have used pigs of the breed in feeding experiments from which the following records are quoted. In 23 trials, involving 123 Berkshires fed at eight institutions iii the United States and Canada, it required 369 pounds of feed for each 100 pounds of gain in live weight, the Tamworth, Chester White, and Poland- China surpassing the Berkshire in this respect. In breed tests at the Iowa Experiment Station the Berkshire made an average daily gain of .98 pound, the Poland-China .90, and the Chester White .89 pound, the cost per 100 pounds gain being $2.33, $2.23, and 1^2.46 respectively. At the Ontario Agricultural Col- lege the average of trials for four years show almost identically the same daily gains, requiring a less amount of meal than any other breed, that is, 378^ pounds for 100 pounds of gain. At the Massachusetts Experiment Station seven Berkshires, fed 140 days, made an average daily gain of 1.16 pounds each, requiring 289 pounds of feed for 100 pounds gain. From the records quoted above or published elsewhere it may be seen that the Berkshire as a feeder ranks well, though the average of breed trials do not give it first place. Among British authorities on swine Professor Long takes high rank, and in his Book of the Pig he writes of "its comparative slowness as a feeder," and says that it is generally found that a fast-feeding Berkshire has not 48o THIC PIG only alien blood in its veins, but that, when killed, it exhibits far too large a proportion of fat. The quality of Berkshire pork, viewed from the standpoint of the American market, is of the very best class. Fed in the same manner, in comparison with the Poland-China, Chester White, and Duroc-Jersey, the Berkshire will show a class of meat with a larger percentage of lean than any of them. In feeding experi- ments conducted by the author at the Indiana station, in a com- parison of Berkshires and Poland-Chinas bearing on the influence of food on carcass, the larger percentage of lean to fat in the Fig. 225. A pure-bred Berkshire barrow, bred by the Ohio State Uni- versity, one of the grand-champion pen at the International Live Stock Exposition, Chicago, 1905. Photograph by the author Berkshire was strikingly shown. The meat of this breed has a fine grain and, when not all corn fed, a desirable blending of fat and lean. In certain localities where select sausages are made Berkshire pork has been relied upon for securing superior quality. Where properly fed this breed makes a bacon pig of high class, and is so regarded in Great Britain, though it may not be the equal of the Large Yorkshire or Tamworth in this respect." The cross-bred or grade Berkshire, where fair samples of pigs are used in breeding, merit high praise. A cross of Berkshire boar on Poland-China sows produces offspring that feed rapidly and sell well, the two breeds blending admirably. This cross gives more vigor and a better feeder. Also a cross of the THE BERKSHIRE 481 Berkshire on the Chester White female is productive of a better feeder than the sire, with a class of pork superior to that of the dam. The great value of the Berkshire in crossing is amply- demonstrated from the fact that the blood of the breed has been used to improve that of other breeds for over a century, and no doubt has done much to help the most prominent breeds of to-day in their early stages. Sidney states that Fisher Hobbs, who did much in improving British pigs, used the Berkshire as a cross on his Essex pigs, and thereby size and condition were materially affected. In fact, so strong was the Berkshire influ- ence that some twenty-eight years after the cross was made some Fig. 226. Three pu it- bred Ikik^hires, the pen of grand-champion barrows over all pure-breds, grades, and crosses at the International Live Stock Exposition, Chicago, 1905. Bred and exhibited by the Ohio State Uni- versity. Photograph by the author of the young Essex reverted to their alien ancestor, and were, in reality, exact types of the true Berkshire pig. Mr. W. H. Wykes, an experienced breeder, according to Long, finds that the best crosses are made by the Berkshire on the Black Suffolk and the Tamworth. The value of the Berkshire boar in grading up a herd is unquestioned. Feeders of such blood always command the top market price in America. The fecundity and prolificacy of the Berkshire is of a fair degree of merit. An extensive study of the relative prolificacy of three breeds of swine (the Berkshire, Poland-China, and Chester White) by Dr. A. W. Bitting shows that the average size of 400 Berk- shire litters was 8.22 pigs, while 600 Chester W'hite litters averaged 8.96 pigs and 1086 Poland-China litters averaged 7.45. These records were based on herdbook figures of sizes 482 THE PIG of litters. There are many large litters of Berkshire pigs, and litters of ten are not uncommon. Walker states that about seven or eight at a farrow are reckoned an average family for even the older sows. William Ashcroft, a successful English breeder, is quoted by Professor Long as saying that the tendency to pro- duce medium litters, of say six to eight, may be corrected by breeding less closely. " If unrelated stock pigs are used," says Ashcroft, "the litters will come pretty regularly twice a year, and average about eight to eleven." In the United States the tendency with the heavily corn-fed sow is to produce smaller litters than would be the case with a less-fattening diet. In general the Berkshire is not lacking in fecundity. As nurses and mothers the sows may be regarded as in the first class. The prepotency of the Berkshire is of high merit. Being one of the oldest breeds, long bred with care, its prepotency has become well established. No breed of swine has a more beauti- ful conformation, and where bred pure this is easily transmitted from generation to generation. The style and finish of the Berkshire are worthy of comment. By many it is rightly regarded as the aristocrat of the swine family. The symmetrical outline, with pricked-up ear and well- turned head, give an attractive finish and style which assists materially in making this breed popular with many people. The distribution of the Berkshire pig is very widespread. It is found in various parts of England, although more generally in the south section. It is also found to some extent in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. On the continent of Europe the breed is not so com- mon, although it has been more or less exported to the various European countries. In the British provinces of Canada and Australasia the Berkshire is common. In the United States no breed is more widely distributed than this, and it is generally found all over the Union, although it is perhaps most common in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wiscon- sin, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Organizations for the promotion of the Berkshire pig exist in England and the United States. The American Berkshire Swine Breeders' Association was organized in 1875 at Spring- field, Illinois, since which time to January, 1906, twenty-five THE BERKSHIRE 483 herdbooks have been published, including the registration of 90,000 pigs. The National Berkshire Record Association was organized March i, 1893, at Indianapolis, Indiana. This society up to 1905 had published seven herdbooks, including the regis- tration of about 9000 animals. This organization is now defunct. The British Berkshire Herdbook, published by the British Berk- shire Society, first appeared in 1885. Twenty volumes have thus far appeared, registering about 10,000 animals. High prices for Berkshire pigs have been paid to a limited degree. In 1889 Mr. N. H. Gentry sold the yearling boar Model Duke 17397 at private sale to Andrew Smith of Cali- fornia for ^750. Mr. Gentry paid $700 for Lord Liverpool 221 in England, and states that he sold about $7000 worth of his direct offspring, and also received about $1500 in cash for his services on sows sent him by breeders from all over the country. Along in the seventies the boar Robin Hood 801 was sold for $1400 by T. S. Cooper of Pennsylvania to W. C. Norton of Pennsylvania. The three-year-old boar Columbia's Duke 33855 sold at the Reuben Gentry auction on November 16, 1898, at Springfield, Illinois, for $1200 to Berry & Juneman of Barclay, Illinois, the highest price ever paid at auction for a Berkshire pig up to that time. In 1903 Mr. G. C. Council of Illinois paid Mr. N. H. Gentry $1500 for the boar Lord Premier 50001 by Baron Lee IV 33446. This boar died in 1905, after which Mr. Council bought Premier Longfellow 68600 of Mr. Gentry for $2000. In 1905 Mr. A. J. Lovejoy of Illinois sold the boar Masterpiece 77000 to W. S. Corsa of the same state for $2500. In the summer of 1906 James Ourollo of Missouri sold to F. W. Morgan of Wisconsin the Berkshire boar Lord Bacon 87415 for $3000. This boar was sired by Speculator 80081, a son of Masterpiece. On August 29, 1906, at the auction sale of G. C. Council of Illinois, the boar Lord Premier's Rival 92805 sold for $3200 to I. L. Weirick of the same state. Lord Premier 2d 92708 at the Council sale was sold to Overton Hall Farm of Tennessee for $1600, the highest price yet paid for a Berkshire under 12 months of age. Many Berkshire pigs have changed hands at $100 to $500 per head. CHAPTER LXVII THE POLAND-CHINA The locality in which the Poland-China pig originated is in Butler and Warren counties in southwestern Ohio. This is an undulating region with a prevailing clay-loam soil, excepting in the river bottom. The Great Miami flows through Butler County, the valley of which is twelve miles wide and very fertile. The Little Miami Ri\er drains the greater part of Warren County. Corn, wheat, oats, grass, and clover are grown exten- sively in these two counties, which cover about 850 square miles. Hamilton County, Ohio, and Union and W^aync coun- ties in Indiana were also associated wath early Poland-China development. All these five counties are grouped together. The climate is fairly temperate both summer and winter, typical of the central Wx^st, east of the Mississippi. The origin of the Poland-China pig is not clearly understood. In the past considerable discussion has taken place concerning the accuracy of statement of various persons regarding the blood used in the early days of the formation of the breed. Radical difference of opinion has existed on this point. In important essentials the history of the establishment of the breed is very well understood. The early breeds or types of swine of the Miami Valley were known as the Warren County pig, the Russian, Byfield, Big China, Irish Grazier, and Berkshire. Each of these and perhaps others assisted in forming the Poland-China breed. Previous to 1 8 16 two breeds were known in the Miami Valley, the Russian or Russia and the Byfield. The Russian pig is described as generally white, with long, coarse hair, a long and coarse head, with a narrower ear than the common pigs of the region had. The breed possessed a superior length and height, the bone was large and fine, and 4S4 THi: POLAND-CHINA 485 the pigs stood well 011 their feet, and were quiet of temperament. These pii;s sometimes reached large size. The Byfield pig was of two types, both being white in color. One was very large, with long, flat sides and heavy, lopped ears ; the other was more refined, with small ears pointing noseward, with broad back, deep chest, large jowl, short nose, dish face, and thin hair. Previous to 18 16 the Russian and Byfield breeds were very generally bred and their blood mingled with the common pigs of the community. The Big China breed of pigs was introduced into the Miami Valley in 18 16, one boar and three sows having been brought from Philadelphia by John Wallace, a trustee of the Shakers' Fig. 227. Globe Perfection, first-prize Poland-China boar in the yearling class at the Ohio State Fair, 1905. Bred and exhibited by Edward Klever & Mather, Bloomingburg, Ohio. Photograph by the author Society of Union Village, Butler County, whose members had much to do with the development of the Poland-China breed. The boar and two sows were white, while one sow had some sandy spots in which were small black spots. This was a medium-sized breed of unknown ancestry, of fine form, small head and ears, short legs and fine bone, and superior feeding qualities. Shepard thinks this may have been the Grass breed 486 THK VIC. known in Maryland, Virginia, or Pennsylvania, or the Bedford or Parkinson hog. Used on the Russian and Byfield crosses the Big China produced very superior feeders and much improved the character of Miami Valley pigs, resulting in what became widely and favorably known as the IVarreu CoiDity hog. Between i8i6 and 1835 the swine industry of southwestern Ohio had a great impetus, due to the beneficial effects of this cross. The Berkshire as an element in Poland-China evolution first attracted attention in 1835, when Munson Beach of Lebanon, Butler County, introduced some pigs of this breed from New York State. These Berkshires had erect ears, were stylish in appearance, and at once met with much favor. Others soon in- troduced Berkshires, and up to 1842 they were extensively used on the Miami Valley pigs. The Berkshire gave more symmetry, greater activity, more quality, and the black color to the Warren County hog. The Irish Grazier as a factor in Poland-China history was in- troduced into Warren County by William Neff of Cincinnati, who imported from Ireland in the fall of 1839. This was a white, thinly-haired hog, varying somewhat in size and type. The Neff stock had an erect ear, a long body with superior back, excellent legs, and very fine hams. For several years Irish Grazier stock was mingled with the Miami Valley mixture, but the pure-bred stock soon became extinct, not, however, until it had assisted in the improvement of the Warren County hog. Mr. Cephas Hol- loway, who from 18 13 for very many years lived in the Shaker community at Union Village, stated that "the two breeds — the Berkshires and Irish Graziers — were extensix'ely used in mak- ing crosses by our best breeders of swine in Warren, Butler, Hamilton, Clinton, and Montgomery counties." In 1871 Mr. Tytus, an extensive pork packer from 1836 to i860, said, "The Warren County breed was greatly improved by crossing with the Berkshire and Irish Grazier." From 1845, at least, up to the present time, it is claimed, no foreign blood has been used in the development of the Warren County pig, or what later became known as the Poland-China. The adoption of the name Poland-China has an important his-, tory. The name "Poland " or '* Poland and China " had been given THK POLAND-CHINA 487 to herds of Miami Valley pigs by certain breeders as early as along in the sixties. Mr. Ayers McCreary and Mr. D. M. Magie claimed that their pigs were a combination of Poland and Big China blood. Mr. A. C. Moore of Illinois, who formerly lived in Ohio, also termed his pigs Poland and Chinas. These men in particular, and some others, claimed that a Poland breed of pigs had been used, ])resumably introduced to America by Polish settlers. Much controversy developed over the accuracy of the claim that such a breed as Poland had ever been used in Warren County. More or less investigation followed, and no satisfactory evidence seemed to support the claim. Evidence was secured, however, to show that in one neighborhood an individual used the word Poland " to designate the progeny of a particular ani- mal that had been obtained from Asher Asher, who was a Polan- der by birth and who many years ago resided for a time in Butler County, some five or si.x miles south of Monroe." After an investigation of this subject of origin of the breed a committee reported to the National Swine Breeders' Convention at Indian- apolis, Indiana, in November, 1872, on the origin of the Poland- China breed, and the report was accepted. In this report no recognition was given to the influence of Poland blood, but the committee recommended that " in view of the difificulties in making a change in the name of any breed, that the said name of Poland-China be recognized as the accepted name of said breed." The improvers of the Poland-China pig in the earlier days of its development represented numerous intelligent farmers and stockmen particularly in the Miami Valley. The Shakers of Union Village in Warren County were most prominent in this work, and the herds of various breeders who later obtained distinction traced back to Shaker breeding. John Harkrader of Springboro, Warren County, wh(j has been classed as one of the originators of the breed, developed a herd generally recognized as being of great merit, from which descended much prepotent blood. Most prominent among the promoters of the breed forty years ago were D. M. Magie of O.xford, Butler County, Ohio, who claims to have originated the Poland-China ; Alexander Young and James Duffield of Somerville and John Irvin of Darrtown, all of 488 THE PIG Butler County, Ohio ; and A. C. Moore of Canton, Illinois. Magic and Moore extensively advertised the breed and did much to bring it before the public. The herds of L. N. Bonham, estab- lished at Oxford in 1871 ; of Edward and J. M. Klever at Bloomingburg, established in 1873 ; of James Ilankinson, Car- lisle Station, established in 1870; of W. C. Hankinson at Blue Ball, established in 1857 or 1858; of J. Douthett at Xenia, Greene County, established in 1863 ; and of Noah Coler & Son at Liberty, established in 1868, were prominent among the Ohio herds of influence thirty years or more ago. Poland-China sows of note date back many years. The fol- lowing were early foundation sows : Bessy Pugh 88, Lady Pugh 5 16, Lady Rue 518, Old Warner Sow 714, Queen Duffield 804, Queen of Black Bess Tribe 808, White Bess 1000, and White Face 1002. In addition to these early ones of special promi- nence are F's Black Bess 304, foundress of the noted Black Bess family ; The Old Harkrader Sow 950 ; Graceful i 554, foun- dress of the Graceful family; Beauty 2558, dam of Tecumseh 4339 and foundress of the Tecumseh family; Cora Shellen- berger 2880, dam of Success 1999, a famous sire ; Lady Duffield 3776, dam of Tom Corvvin 2d 2037, foundress of the Corwin family ; Bess Stribbens i 168, foundress of the U. S. family ; Sunshine 96140, dam of the noted Ohio boar Ideal Sunshine 37885 ; Bessie Wilkes 80820, dam of Chief Perfection 32199, the head of the Perfection family ; and Galena 99316, a famous show and brood sow of recent years. Much of the best Poland- China blood traces back to The Old Harkrader Sow 950. Poland-China boars of note make up a long list. P^specially prominent among these as great sires are Alex No. i, Butler 93, John 3d 311, World Beater 12 13, Perfection 447, Young Per- fection 631, Old Sweepstakes 253, Success 1999, Tom Corwin 2d 2037, Give or Take 1 585-1667, Tecumseh 4339, Ideal Black U. S. 29505, Ideal Sunshine 37885, Chief Perfection 39931, and Chief Perfection 2d 42559 A-45395. The last-named is regarded by many as the greatest Poland-China sire in the history of the breed. Farrowed in 1896, he was still in active service in 1905, with a long list of distinguished progeny and their descendants. I THE POLAND-CHINA 489 Of more recent boars the following are quite celebrated ani- mals : Perfect Perfection 80971, Thickset 71221, Perfection I Know 77521, Perfection ¥.. L. 71635, and High Roller 84255. Characteristics of the Poland-China pig. The /lead is of medium length and breadth in good specimens, with a rather full jowl below. The face is classed as straight, the nose and space from below the eyes to nostrils being free of dishing. The checks tend to be rounding and full and frequently are somewhat seamed. The ears should be fine and break over at the top third into a Fig. 22S. Miss Roosevelt 13844S, first-prize Poland-China sow in class six months or under at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904. Shown by Shellenberger & Keller of Ohio. First prize in class at Ohio State Fair, 1905. Owned and exhibited by Charles E. Keller, Newark, Ohio. Photograph by the author neat droop ; thick, heavily attached ears are objectionable. The neck of the Poland-China tends to be short and thick, tho. shoulders a bit prominent but well covered, the back strongly supported with a gradual yet moderate arch the entire length, the loins and ribs being thickly covered, wide, and strikingly arched in well- fattened specimens. The sides have but a moderate length, with an excellent depth. The i-ump is of medium length but is fre- quently somewhat low, so that the entire upper line of the pig from ear to tail has a more curved outline than some other breeds. The hind quarter is characterized by great thickness of flesh, the 490 THK PKr hams being thick for the entire length from top to bottom, with a full, deep twist between. The legs are shorter with this breed than with some others, but too refined a bone and not the strongest of pasterns are common. When heavily fed and made to carry much weight for the age, the feet are frequently poorly supported at the toes. Taking the entire form into consideration, no breed shows such compactness and great meat-producing capacity on such short legs as does the Poland-China. Its most characteristic features to the onlooker are the color, straight nose, droopy ear, very broad and curved back, superior hams, and short legs. The color of the Poland-China pig has undergone something of an evolution. Originally the use of white pigs formed a leading feature in the development of the breed, but the advent of Berk- shire blood caused a change to a darker type. Thirty years ago large white or sandy markings were common on the body. Twenty-five years ago many "spotted" pigs were registered in the OJiio Poland-China Record, although at this time black pigs with white points were receiving special attention. The older breeders were attached to the lighter colors, but the solid black color with white feet, tail, and face met with show-ring favor and attained a popularity which has held up to date, although white elsewhere argues no impurity of blood. This uniform color marking is said to be largely due to the influence of the boar Tom Corwin 2d 2037. The size of the Poland-China pig classes it among the middle- weight breeds. Formerly very large weights were attained, but the modern demand for a more refined and smaller market type has caused the development of less scale. Pigs fed for market will easily attain 200 pounds at six months, while 250 pounds is not a rare weight with good feeders. Boars at one year old should weigh about 300 pounds, and sows 250 to 275. At full maturity boars should easily weigh 500 pounds and sows 400 pounds in breeding form. Among some of the well-known Poland-China boars Chief I Know 11992 weighed 650 pounds. Model Boy 13959 650 pounds, and Lookout 32451 700 pounds in breeding form at maturity. The adaptability of the Poland-China to environment is at least medium. On the lower lying lands within the corn belt THK POLAND-CHINA 491 in the Mississippi Valley it has prospered exceedingly. In the rouL;her, cooler sections in the northeast or on the more hilly lands it has not done so well. As a breed, however, it readily adapts itself to a range of conditions comparable with other breeds. The early-maturing qualities of the Poland-China are of the first rank, and it has long been famous for this quality. No other breed will finish off so early in fat form as will this. In an address on the Poland-China, Mr. L. N. Bonham, a leading authority on the breed said : To show that this breed had, in 1870, attained unsurpassed excellence in their readiness to fatten at any age, and their rapid growth, we quote the weights of two lots of pigs fattened when eleven months old. One lot of 30 averaged gross 384 pounds " " " 10 " " 410 " " " " 38 " " 528.89 " " " " 2 " " 719 " The net average of this last lot of 40 pigs was 531 pounds. In the change in the market from a larger, older type of fat hog to a smaller, younger one weighing about 225 pounds the Poland-China has been a leading element in meeting the new demand. On the great Chicago hog market Poland-China blood to-day is a most prominent and leading feature, due largely to the ability of feeders to mature this breed early. So strongly has this habit become fixed that a tendency exists with breeding stock to mature too early and so not attain the most desirable scale and size. The Poland-China as a grazer is well suited to blue grass and clover pastures, where it h;is long been a common figure in the mid- dle West. The general custom of the western farmer is to pasture his jMgs in the summer season, and this breed long ago showed its suitability for this pur{)ose, keeping easily with little grain. The Poland-China for feeding and fattening is the most popular and common breed at this time in America. What has already been stated shows that the early-maturing qualities have a valu- able application in the feed lot or stye. As based on extensive feeding experiments, the breed will show unusually good gains at very fair cost. In 22 tests involving 96 pigs at eight experiment stations and agricultural colleges, as reported by Rommel, it 492 THE PIG required 357 pounds of feed for 100 pounds of jj^ain with the Poland-China, surpassing the Berkshire, Large Yorkshire, and Duroc-Jerscy. At the Iowa Experiment Station, in a breed trial including sows and pigs before and after weaning, it cost ^3.15 per 100 pounds of gain before weaning and $2.23 after wean- ing with the Poland-China, materially surpassing the Berkshire, Chester White, Duroc-Jersey, and Tamworth, being excelled by the Yorkshire only. In feeding trials at the Ontario Agricultural College the Poland-China made an average daily gain of .9 pound, Fig. 229. Orpha 62532, an excellent Poland-China sow foniKi l\ ..wmJby the Illinois University. Photograph from Professor William Dietrich requiring 401 4 pounds of grain for 100 pounds of gain. In the Ontario trials the economy of gain by the Poland-China was the poorest of any breed, which is rather an unusual result. The following figures, published by Henry in Feeds and Feeding, indicate the value of the Poland-China as a feeder. Station Tested at Days Feu Weight at Becinninc; Daily Gain Feeu per too Lb. Gain Per Cent Dkessed Carcass Massachusetts . . . Vermont Michigan Wisconsin .... Dnturin 134 160 154 224 I 17 30 11). 34 " 81 " 100 " 1. 3 1 lb. 1.20 " 1.20 " 1.04 " T.o;; " 307 lb. 371 " 514 " 524 " 507 " 81.7 84.0 84.7 77-18 THE POLAND-CHINA 493 These figures arc very creditable. It is noteworthy that the per cent of dressed carcass secured by the Michigan station shghtly excelled all other breeds at the different stations. The character of Poland-China meat has been subject to criti- cism from certain sources during the past few years. The export trade has called for a lean type of bacon, such as is only pro- duced by a lean type of pig, or one that is fed a nitrogenous ration. The Poland-China produces rather more external fat than do most other breeds. This is readily seen in comparing the car- casses of pigs of this breed with those of other breeds. There is more lard, more mechanically separable fat, and a greater thick- ness of surface fat. In a carcass study of the Poland-China and Berkshire made by the writer this was clearly shown. This has also been demonstrated at the Wisconsin station, where the loin fat of the Poland-China was 1.75 inches thick, the back 2.5 inches, and the shoulder 2.75 inches, exceeding in thickness both Berk- shire and Yorkshire. The American trade, however, does not object to this fat, nor is the price paid by the packer any less. So far as the grain and quality of Poland-China meat is con- cerned, when not too fat it compares very favorably with the Chester White and Duroc-Jersey. Fed on a nitrogenous ration, the Poland-China produces a very acceptable carcass for the American market. The cross-bred or grade Poland-China is the most popular pig of to-da)-. Purc-brcd sires on common sows furnish the large majority of the porkers which find their way to the great markets of this country. These pigs fatten rapidly, mature early, and the females show more vigor and greater breeding power than the pure-breds. Poland-China boars crossed with Duroc-Jersey, Berk- shire, or Chester White sows produce offspring which feed better and more rapidly than the pure-breds. If Poland-China sows seem to lack in prolificacy, a cross with a boar of one of the other breeds mentioned will increase the size of litter. The writer has also obtained high-class feeding pigs by mating Large Yorkshire boars to Poland-China sows. This cross fed rapidly and carried ample flesh, vet did not become too fat, dressing out a choice carcass. The lack of fecundity and prolificacy of the Poland-China has subjected this breed to much criticism of late years. Formerly, 494 '1'hp: fig when the type was larger, it is probable that the sows may have produced somewhat larger litters than at the present time. The smaller, fat type of sow will not breed so easily or have such large litters as the larger, more rangy sort. Many breeders of recent years have seriously criticised the fecundity and reproduc- tive power of this breed, and no doubt the great increase in the herds of Chester Whites and Duroc-Jerseys is due to dissatisfac- tion with the Poland-China as a breeder. There is no doubt but what the average sow of the breed produces smaller litters than any other breed well known in our feed lots. Dr. Bitting has shown this to be true in his herdbook record stud}', in which he shows that the average size of 1086 Poland-China litters was 7.45 pigs each, 400 Berkshircs 8.22 pigs, and 600 Chester Whites 8.96 pigs. In a study made by the writer of the litters of 1300 Poland-China brood sows, farrowing 9335 pigs, the average size of litter was 7.4 pigs, essentially the same result as secured by Dr. Bitting. Mr. George M. Rommel, in 1906, published a study of Poland-China fecundity, based on herdbook records covering the years 1882-1886 and 1898-1902. Over 50,000 litters were considered, including 103,458 pigs for 1 882-1886 which averaged 7.04 pigs per litter, and 299,324 pigs for 1 898-1902 which aver- aged 7.52 pigs per litter. These figures seem to show a slight gain rather than loss in the prolificacy of this breed. The distribution of Poland-China swine is mainly through the Mississippi Valley states, notably Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. The breed is common also in other states. Among pigs of this class, in Canada, heavy fat producers are not ]iopular and have but slight hold. The breed has been introduced abroad in a small way. In 1877 Mr. D. M. Magie sent three head to Joseph Munson, Jr., at Liverpool, Eng- land, and in 1898 twelve head were sent to Russia, si.x from the Iowa Agricultural College and six from H. G. McMillan of Iowa. The breed, however, has never met with much favor outside of the United States. This is due to the fact that a leaner type of pork is required elsewhere. Organizations for the promotion of Poland-China pigs are strong and influential. The Oliio Poland-China Record Association was organized at Dayton in 1878, although the first volume of the THE POLAND-CHINA 495 OJiio Poland China Record was published in 1 877 by Carl Friegau and M. J. Lawrence. Twenty-six volumes of this record have been published as a full set. The American Poland-China Record Company was organized in January, 1878, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, publishing the first volume of their herdbook in 1879, since which it has published about forty volumes. The Central Poland-China Association was organized in February, 1880, at Indianapolis, publishing its first volume the same year. The Northwestern Poland-China Swine Association was organized at Washington, Kansas, in 1881. The Standard Poland-China Record Association was organized in 1887 at Marysville, Mis- souri, publishing the first volume of its swine record that year, having published about twenty volumes since that time. The Southwestern Poland-China Record Association was organized at Ripley, Tennessee, in 1896. Two small herdbooks have been published, including nearly 2000 registrations. Several hundred thousand Poland-China hogs have been registered, the American, Standard, Central, and Ohio associations each doing a large business. Recently an effort has been made to amalgamate all the different Poland-China associations into one. This resulted in the consolidation in 1905 of the Ohio and Central Poland-China associations, under the name of the National Poland-China Record. The high prices paid for Poland-China pigs surpass those paid for any other breed of swine. Some of the highest reputed prices paid occurred in the summer of 1903, when at auction sales held in Indiana a number of pigs were sold to companies of buyers on a shares basis. For example, two men owned a half interest in a boar, which they sold by shares, ten shares being issued. Each owner reserved one share and then offered the other eight at auction. Thus ten men came into ownership of a boar, eight giving security in notes or cash, usually the former. By such a plan eight shares of interest in the boar Chief Perfection 2d were sold in July, 1903, for $13,850, eight men bidding off the shares at sums ranging from $1500 to $2000 each. On the basis of purchase the boar was valued at $34,625, an absurd proposition on the face of it. Such sales for a season made a great furor, but soon became discredited and were discontinued. Among noteworthy sales of regular form is that of King Medium 496 THK fk; on December 23, 1896, which sold for ^1025, the hii^hest auction- sale price to that date. Happy Medium 345 1 1 at the Howard & McAllister sale in Iowa, in 1897, sold for )^4000 to the Happy Medium Stock Company. The same year Look Me Over 194 17, another boar, sold for $3600 at the Hart & Minnis sale at Edinburg, Illinois, to the Look Me Over Breeding Association at Stanberry, Missouri. In February, 1897, at the Johnston sale in Iowa, the four-year-old boar Lookout 28901 brought $1600. One of the most notable recent sales is that of Meddler 99999, sold in 1905 to Edward Ware for $3000. Numerous boars of the breed have sold at prices from $500 to $1000 per head. Of high-priced sows, Minnie's Model 102806 sold at $1310, Hadley's Half Sister 87840 sold at ^650, and Moorish Maid 8 1624 and Klever's Choice 74256, each sold at $600, are famous examples. During the winter of 1896- 1897 such a boom in Poland-China prices occurred as to cause a protest from the wiser breeders of the country. Men attended auction sales and purchased at prices far above the intrinsic value of the animals bought. A craze for pedigree seemed to prevail and many ani- mals sold at high figures that were unworthy a place in a credit- able breeding herd. Better judgment soon prevailed, however, and breeders returned once more to a more reasonable basis of values. CHAPTER LXVIII THE CHESTER WHITE The original type of Chester White pig first became promi- nent in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Long ago there existed in both Chester and Delaware counties a large, coarse, white pig. It has even been assumed that the original stock of this sort came over with the early colonists, possibly at the time of William Penn. Captain James Jeffries of Westchester, Pennsyl- vania, in a voyage to England early in the last century (1820), secured a pair of white pigs, male and female, from Bedford County, England. These pigs have been referred to both as Bedfordshire and Cumberland breeds, though the former is the usually accepted title. The boar, which was retained by Cap- tain Jeffries, had been a prize winner in England, and, used on the old white type in Pennsylvania, had a distinctly refining influence. This Jeffries boar was white, though he had bluish or blackish skin spots, and a broad back, excellent hams, short legs, and a refined head with droopy ears. Following the Jeffries importation, Harvey Atwood of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, imported some white Chinese stock from England. This was a sway-backed sort, with short legs, short face, droopy ears, and having black, blue, and sandy spots in the hair, and possessing excellent feeding and maturing qualities. The stock from Jeffries and Atwood were blended together along with the common white pigs of the region, and from this has come the first strain, if it may be so termed, of the Chester White blood. The origin of the so-called Improved Chester White goes back to England also. This has a special application to what is known as Todd's Improved Chester White, and is based on a statement by S. H. Todd, and adopted January 16, 1901, by the American Chester White Record Association. This is the most detailed informa- tion published concerning the ancestry of the improved breed. 497 498 THE PIG In 1S27 W. K. Tovvnsend of East Haven, Connecticut, imported from England some Norfolk Thin Rind pigs. These were black dotted with white, or white belted with black, and were blocky of type, short-legged, fine of hair, and vigorous. Kneeland Todd and his brother Isaac bought a boar of this breed, and a white sow of medium size of a breed known locally in Connecticut as the Grass breed. No doubt this sow was an Irish Grazier. In 1830 the Todd brothers removed from Connecticut to Ohio and brought these two pigs with them. These were bred together in Ohio with considerable success, producing pigs ^K^ A. ^ ^ ■V HebL^..''1£^ .. ^^^H '^^=-^^1 n^i) '^-^ M HHI ji^jj^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> -\jH^ __ ^^E: m^^ Fig. 230. Jackson Chief 4759, grand-champion Chester White boar at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904. Bred and exhibited by L. L. Frost of Missouri. Photograph from the A\itional Stockman ufid Farmer that would dress 365 pounds at nine months of age. In 1833 Joseph Haskins removed from Massachusetts to XWakcman, northern Ohio, and took with him a pair of pigs, a boar of the Byfield breed, and a sow pig similar to the one brought from Connecticut by the Todds. The Todd and Haskins pigs were bred back and forth until 1848. That year Isaac Todd bought from Joel Meade of Norwalk, Ohio, a large white boar which the seller called the Large Grass breed. This was used in his herd on account of its good-feeding and early-maturing quality. In 1862 Isaac Todd secured a so-called Normandy boar of un- known breeding, white in color, said to be of French ancestry. THE CHESTER WHITE 499 This nicked well with his stock, and he produced superior feeders and handsome pigs, with which he attained show-ring success. At the second state fair held in Ohio Isaac Todd with this stock vanquished all competitors in the show ring. In 1865 Todd first introduced Chester White blood in his herd with satisfactory results. At this period his son, Seth H. Todd, took up the work. More Chester White blood was used, and in 1867 the son bought a pair of pure-bred Chester White pigs of George B. Hickman. These were used in the herd and the boar proved a most success- ful sire. From this period on, for about forty years, Mr. S. H. Fig. 231. Purdue Beeler 4755, a Chester White l)oar owned for some time by Purdue University, and an excellent show boar and sire. Photograph by the author Todd bred and improved the Chester White and played a leading part in its development. The claim has been made that Poland- China blood has been used in the improvement of this breed, but this Mr. Todd says "is entirely false" in its application to his own breeding. He rather attributes it to a reversion to the black color found in the Thin Rind or Bedford hog. Besides S. H. Todd, Thomas Wood of Chester County, Pennsylvania, has been an important improver of the breed. The origin of the Ohio Improved Chester White is credited to Mr. L. B. Silver. This person lived at Salem, Ohio, and became interested in improved breeds. In 1865 he made a trip through 500 THE PIG the eastern states to study the pure breeds of swine. The Chester White impressed him most, so that he purchased a specimen and began breeding. Mr. Silver endeavored to estabhsh a uniform type of large size, with superior quality, such as most nearly approached his ideal. From his breeding is descended what is known as the Ohio Improved Chester White (O. I. C.) strain, and all animals known now as O. I. C. W. must trace back to his herd to be eligible for registration in the herdbook promoting this family. Characteristics of the Chester White As its name implies, this breed is pure white in color of hair, although small black or bluish-black spots occur on the skin to a more or less extent. Such spots do not disqualify, but are not desirable in fixing breed character. The head has a straight face, the nose often tends to be long and naifrow, and the ears are drooped forward, breaking over one t jiird /ycb one half the length. Thick, heavy ears are [iP^The body carries a back line of good width tp:be spniewhat arched, though not undesirably _i J?r. bdd^tit-is usually excellent and the shoulders 5^1 slrbng, but the hams may be improved in the TheV'l{*^;jnay be short, but they are rarely sup- on_:the toes' Witli strength, the Chester White being char- "'cally vvea|(Vbf pastern, the toes being too much spread nd theme wclaiiyi ow down. This weakness is due ■) rapid-fattening quality of the ^. pasterns are becoming too common with this breed, not- withstanding the inheritance of strong legs from the old Jersey Red. The body as a whole, back of the ears, to-day resembles the Poland-China more than the Berkshire. The color of the Duroc-Jersey is red, although the shades vary from light to dark. Young pigs are usually a bright red, and with age the 510 TMI': VIG tint changes. Some pigs are a cherry red, a popular color, while others are yellowish red or a shade of chestnut. A very dark red or shady brown, very light or pale red, and black spots on the body skin, are objected to by breeders. Black spots on the belly and legs are not desired but are admissible. The size of the Duroc-Jersey is somewhat variable, due no doubt to the commingling of the blood of the large Jersey Red and the smaller, more refined red breeds. For animals in fair show condition the American Duroc-Jersey Swine Breeders' Association offers the following weights in its ])ublishcd stand- ard : Boars two years old and over should weigh 600 pounds ; sows of same age and condition, 500 pounds; boars 12 months, 350 pounds; sows, 300 pounds; boars and sow^s si.\ months of age, 150 pounds. Many large animals of the breed are found to-day. Mr. S. E. Morton, owner of the boar Ohio Chief 8727, states that, properly fitted, he could easily be made to weigh over 1000 pounds. No doubt the breed averages somewhat smaller than it did a quarter of a century ago, due in part to the general market demand for a smaller class of hogs. The environment best suited to the Duroc-Jersey is on the farms of the middle West, within the corn belt, where clover pasture is also a feature of swine husbandry. Here the breed is found to-day in its most perfect form. In the warm climate of the South, however, the Duroc-Jersey has met with great favor, not seeming to be unfavorably affected by the dry, warm summers, especially as regards skin troubles. In Canada the breed has but a small foothold, due to the demand for the bacon type of pig. The maturing qualities of the Duroc-Jersey are distinctly high class. Pigs easily mature at six months of age to dress out 175 pounds. At the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station nineteen pigs at an average of 214 days weighed an ax'cragc of 197 pounds each. These are not unusual records and are such as may be secured by any competent feeder with fair representa- tives of the breed. From the breeders' standpoint the Duroc- Jersey presents no essential advantage over other popular breeds in regard to the sows or boars reaching carlv breeding form. The Duroc-Jersey as a feeder may naturally be clas.sed with the Poland-China, Berkshire, and Chester White. In the THE DUROC-JERSEY 511 Mississippi Valley states it has been well received by the feeders, especially in recent years ; yet when it comes to cost of pro- duction in gain, published breed tests of experiment stations make the Duroc-Jersey a comparatively costly feeder. Rommel (|uotes the results of eleven different feeding tests at various experiment stations, in which it is shown that it required 418 pounds of feed for 1 00 pounds of gain live weight by the Duroc- Jersey, 49 more than were required by the Berkshire, 61 more than the Poland-China, and 71 more than the Chester White. At the Iowa Experiment Station, however, the cost for 100 Fig. 236. Col. Gladness 13577, first-prize Duroc-Jersey boar at Ohio State Fair, 1906. The owner refused $500 for this pig at the time of the show. Owned and exhibited by A. E. Foster, New Salem, Ohio. Photograph by the author pounds of gain with Duroc-Jerseys was $2.27, compared with $2.33 for the Berkshire and $2.46 for the Chester White. In several years of testing at the Ontario Agricultural College the Duroc-Jersey more than held its own with the Poland-China. The Duroc-Jersey as a grazer seems suited to such pasture as other breeds will do well on, and for this reason is a favorite to-day with many farmers. On both blue grass and clover it thrives well. The slaughter test of Duroc-Jersey pigs is essentially typical of that of the corn-fed hog of the Mississippi Valley. In feeding 512 THE ITC; trials of breeds of swine at the Iowa station, where the carcasses of each breed were carefully studied, the Duroc-Jerscy yielded less lard than any other breed except the Chester White. There was a total of 20.35 pounds lard and more total guts than any other breed excepting Berkshire, though the difference was not great. In killing, the Yorkshires led with 79.18 per cent dressed meat and the Duroc-Jerseys fifth with 77.05 per cent. The quality of Duroc-Jersey meat may at least be regarded as good, compared with Poland-China or Chester White, when the same kind of food is used. Duroc-Jersey pigs are not discrimi- nated against in the market, although the class of pork produced by them in the corn belt is not the equal of that resulting from less corn feeding. For many years the red hogs of Saratoga County, New York, commanded a premium in the Albany market, then a great pork-packing center. This was due to the superior excellence of Duroc meat, produced from rations of potatoes, oats, and peas and clover pasture. The cross-bred or grade Duroc-Jersey pig is finding its way extensively into the market. Among farmers pigs from common sows sired by Duroc-Jersey boars feed well. They not only feed well, but if mated with Poland-China blood, produce increased size of litters as a result. The cross on Poland-China or Berkshire stock will be harmonious, if such a cross is desired. It is better, however, to use the Berkshire male on the Duroc- Jersey female, to secure the highest-class meat. The breeding characteristics of the Duroc-Jersey are considered distinctly superior. Twenty years ago Colonel Curtis wrote that young sows had from seven to ten pigs and old sows from ten to eighteen, while twelve and fourteen strong pigs at one litter were not at all uncommon. Rommel, in a report on Duroc-Jersey fecundity, published in 1906, based on herdbook figures, shows that 21,652 litters, comprising 200,574 pigs, averaged 9.26 pigs l)cr litter. This is a most excellent record and reflects great credit on the prolificacy of this breed. The distribution of the Duroc-Jersey is now \ery widespread. It has long been a popular breed in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and certain sections of the South. In recent years it has grown much in favor in the Mississippi Valley, although bred THE DUROC-JERSEY 513 here for a long time in a limited way. At present the breed is in much favor in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Michi- gan. Each year an increase of interest is shown in the auction sales of the pure-breds and in the exhibits made at the fairs. Organizations to promote Duroc-Jersey pigs date back to 1883, when the American Duroc-Jersey Swine Breeders' Association was established, the first annual meeting being held at Chicago, November 15-16, 1883, at which time Colonel F. D. Curtis of New York was elected president and C. H. Holmes of Iowa secretary. In 1885 this association published its first herd Fig. 237. A yearling Duroc-Jersey boar owned by E. S. Kelly of Ohio. Photograph by the author record, since which time to 1904 fifteen volumes had been issued, including the registration of about 6500 boars and 15,000 sows. On November 20, 1891, the National Duroc-Jersey Record Association was organized at Geneseo, Illinois, with J. M. Stonebraker of Illinois as president and G. W. Philippo of Illinois as secretary -treasurer. This association published Vol- ume I of its herd record in 1893, since which time a total of 19 volumes have been issued to 1906, including the registration of many thousands of boars and sows. A capital A after the registration number of a Duroc-Jersey pig indicates its registration in the American Association, and an A^in the National Associa- tion. Each of these organizations has been very prosperous. CHAPTER LXX THE CHESHIRE The native home of the Cheshire pig is Jefferson County, New York, in the north-central part of the state, on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. The chmate is quite cold and rough in winter, and the conditions as a whole are not ideal for swine raising. The origin of the Cheshire dates back to about 1855. The cause for the use of the name of the breed is unknown. About 1855 Messrs. Hungerford and Brodie of Jefferson County imported from England a Yorkshire boar of the large or middle class. This was used upon sows in the county, and soon after White Suffolk blood was mingled with the descendants of this boar. Early in the si.\ties A. C. Clark of Belleville and S. P. Huff slater of Watertown began to show pigs of this class at the fairs. Later, in 1870, Mr. Clark won the Packer's Prize of $500 for the best pen of pigs exhibited at a fair at St. Louis, Missouri. The name Cheshire, or Jefferson County, was officially adopted in 1872 by the Swine Breeders' Convention at Indian- apolis, Indiana. The evidence indicates that the breed is the result of constant crossing and breeding of Large Yorkshires and White Suffolks to the white pigs in Jefferson County. In 1876 Colonel F. D. Curtis, a prominent New York live-stock authority, wrote Mr. F. D. Coburn that he knew "of but one breeder of these pigs in Jefferson County." Mr. J. H. Sanders bred these pigs pure for about seven years in Iowa, and wrote Mr. Coburn as follows : I produced all the different types of the Yorkshire from tlie Large York- down to the Lancashire Short-face. . . . The type which I finally succeeded in fixing upon the Cheshire.s, as bred by me, was almost identical in size, form, and quality with the most approved Berkshires. Indeed, so marked was this resemblance in everything but color that they were often face- tiously called " White Berkshires." 514 THE CHESHIRE 515 About 1873 E. W. Davis began to imiM-ove this pig and added nuic'h to the permanence of tyjie. Characteristics of the Cheshire. This breed closely resembles in form the Yorkshire of the middle class. The face while dished is not extremely so, and the ears, which are small and fine stand erect or point slightly forward. The back is wide and very slightly arched, the Cheshire scale of points requiring it to be "long, broad, and straight nearly to root of tail." The body as a whole has considerable length but often lacks depth. The Fig. 238. A Cheshire barrow, one of a pen exhibited by Cornell University at the International Live Stock Exposition, 1905. Weight at eight and one-half months 353 pounds. Bred by E. S. Hill, Freeville, New York. Photograph from Mr. Hill shoulders and hams are regarded as of the thick-fleshed, well- develcjped sort. The kgs show considerable refinement of bone, frequently to an undesirable extent. The /:t/ and pasterns are only moderately strong. The color of the hair and skin is white. Black spots may occur on the skin of pin-e-breds, and while objec- ti(jnable do not disqualify. Both skin and hair are regarded as of superior quality bv those who arc familiar with the breed. The size of the Cheshire pig is about medium, though it has been classed by Professor Shaw as the smallest of the middle-sized 5i6 THE PIG breeds. This is hardly in accordance with the standards of the Cheshire Swine Association. The standard of excellence in Volume I of the herdbook states that when grown and well fattened the hogs should show a dressed weight of from 400 to 600 pounds. That represents a heavy-weight hog. There are said to be numerous instances on record of pigs dressing over 400 pounds when nine months old. The Cheshire barrows shown at the International Live Stock Exposition in 1905 were a heavy-weight lot and gave no impression of being of a small breed. One of these at eight and one-half months weighed 353 pounds. The Cheshire is said to weigh heavy for its size. Mr. A. H. Bates, once a prominent breeder of swine, has the following to say in a letter which is quoted from the Cheshire Ilcrdbook : I find that buyers are not able to guess the weights of Cheshires. One lot of thirteen culls I offered at 325 lbs. each. The buyers thought they would not weigh over 300 lbs. They averaged 390 each. Another lot of twenty culls I offered at 150 lbs. average. They weighed 185^ lbs. on the average. 1 have found it will not do to sell Cheshires by guess. The quality of Cheshire meat ranks high. Sanders, writing of those he bred, stated that " their meat was most excellent, tender, and juicy." Others have rendered similar testimony. The flesh is fine grained, and, with hogs not fed too much corn, is of a desirable bacon type. Cross-bred or grade Cheshires are not common, but are looked upon with favor in some localities. Where superior and prepotent boars are kept they may be used on common sows to material advantage, securing a high class of pork. The Cheshire as a feeder is not well known. But few have been tried in the great swine-producing sections of the coun- try. Only experiment stations in the eastern states have fed Cheshires experimentally. The Maine station reports in 1890 a comparison of breeds of swine, Cheshires gaining daily 1.23 pounds, Yorkshires 1.14, Chester Whites 1.08, Poland-Chinas i.oi, and Berkshires i.oo. Two pigs of each breed were used, one of each sex, and they were fed from five to eight weeks. The Berkshires ate the least food to make a pound of gain, and the Che-shires the most. Experiments in 1891 at the Maine THE CHESHIRE 517 station also showed more food required for the growth of the Cheshire than for that of other breeds. The fecundity of the Cheshire is above medium, the sows breed- ing readily and producing fairly large litters, especially as com- monly fed in the eastern states. The Cheshire as a grazer is not well known, for it has been in the main a stye-fed breed. It should, however, do well on good pastures. Shaw credits the breed with fair grazing qualities. The fact that the Cheshire has never secured much of a hold in the great swine-producing sections of our country, although intro- duced there, would argue that it had not satisfactorily adapted itself to western conditions. The Cheshire Swine Breeders' Association, organized in 1884 in New York State, promotes the purity and welfare of this breed. The association published its first volume of a herd record in 1889, since which three others have been issued up to and including 1906. The distribution of the Cheshire pig is mainly in the eastern United States, with New York the leading state interested in the breed. Herds are also owned in the New England states, Penn- sylvania. Ohio, and elsewhere, though in but a slight degree. The popularity of the Cheshire is distinctly local, it being one of the least-known breeds in America, being rarely seen on the market or at agricultural fairs west of New York. The late S. M. Shepard, a well-known western judge and authority on swine, states that following the exhibit of Clark at St. Louis in 1870 the breed did not gain much in favor beyond the state of its origin. CHAPTER LXXI THE VICTORIA The origin of the Victoria breed of pigs is accredited to two sources, which are as follows : I. The Davis Victoria pig. George F. Davis of Dyer, Lake County, Indiana, combined the blood of the Poland-China, Berk- shire, Chester White, and Suffolk, crossing these and then prac- ticing careful selection to secure a definite type. This work P"iG. 239. A Victoria sow, first in class at the Ohio State Fair, 1905. 15red and exhibited by George Ineichen of Indiana. Photograph by the author began about 1870. The descendants of this breeding represent the present-day Victorias in this country. 2. TJic Curtis Victoria pig ong'm:ited with Colonel F. D. Curtis of Kirby Homestead, Saratoga County, New York, about 1850. The native hog containing a strain of the Irish Grazier and the Byfield breed were first used, and their descendants were crossed on the Yorkshire. What was termed Suffolk blood was also used, but this was probably the Yorkshire or a close relative. Careful 5'8 THE VICTORIA 519 selection by Colonel Curtis, who was a prominent stockman in his day, resulted in the development of a white breed much after the Middle Yorkshire type, with slightly dished face and erect ear. The Swine Breeders' Convention at Indianapolis in 1872 approved of a committee report commending the Victoria. In this it was stated that pigs of this breed if pure should have a direct descent from a sow named Queen Victoria, which may be regarded as the mother of the family and from which the breed probably takes its name. So far as the writer is aware the Victoria stock of Curtis ancestry is now no longer in pure-bred existence. Characteristics of the Victoria pig. The head is moderately broad, the face has a medium dish, the ear is of small to medium Fu;. 24 ■ A 'J I ' iMp I il j)i i/i- wiiiniiii; \ ii tdi ui^, 1 u ril .iiul t.-xln 1 m n i i i\ ( .ci iige F. Davis & Son, Dyer, Indiana. Thotograph from the Actional Stock- matt ami Farmer size and is carried very erect. The body is broad and deep, the back level, and the tail set on at a line nearly with the level ©f back. The sJiotddcrs and Jiams carry a considerable thickness and fullness, and the length and depth of side meat is very good. The length of leg is only moderate, and the quality of bone and hair is fair. In general conformation one is reminded of the Middle White of England. The size of the Victoria places it in the medium group with the Poland-China and Berkshire. At maturity the sows should weigh 450 pounds and the boars 600. The average weights for Victorias shown at the American Fat Stock shows at Chicago from 1878 to 1 88 1 inclusive were 460^ pounds for sows one year and under two, 331 pounds for sows under one year, and 326 pounds for barrows between six months and one year old. 520 THE PIG The adaptability of the Victoria is to the middle West where good pasture is provided and plenty of grain always available for finishing. The Victoria as a feeder has not been extensively tried. Mr. Davis, the originator, fed and showed these pigs with much suc- cess for many years, beginning with local fairs in Indiana and Illinois in 1878. From observations by the writer, however, no special advantage seems to exist in the pigs of this breed as feeders. In fact it may be questioned if the Victoria will feed equal to the standard, popular breeds of the present day. The quality of Victoria pork will rank well among other breeds. At the American Fat Stock Show at Chicago the breed has killed out well in the carcass tests. In 1882 at this show the prizes for the best carcasses of swine were awarded on Victorias exhibited by Scheldt & Davis of Indiana. The cross-bred or grade Victoria pig is not well tried in the American feed yard and its value is not commonly known. The breed is not yet well suited to crossing with pure-breds. owing to its own comparatively recent origin, but the grade should sell satisfactorily on the market. The breeding qualities of the Victoria are very good and they produce fair-sized litters, in fact the claim is made that large litters are common. A special argument in behalf of the Victoria has been that as a white breed it is not so suscciHible to skin disease, such as sun- burn, mange, itch, etc., as are other white breeds, especially in the vSouth and Southwest. The promotion of the Victoria pig is championed by the Vic- toria Swine Breeders' Association, organized in Indiana in 1886. In 1887 the first volume of the Victoria Szvinc Record was issued, containing 103 registrations. The distribution of the Victoria pig is mainly in Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois, though herds also exist in various other Mississippi Valley states in a small way. The breed is not growing rapidly in public favor and is shown but little at live-stock shows and agricultural fairs. CHAPTER LXXII THE ESSEX The native home of the Essex pig is in the county of Essex in eastern England, lying just northeast of London. The land is level or rolling and the climate temperate and moist. The early native type of Essex pig is said to have been of mixed color, black and white, with white shoulders, nose, and legs. It was roach-backed, flat-ribbed, had long legs, a sharp head, was coarse in bone, was a large feeder, and had a nervous disposition. The improvement of the Essex pig was first secured by Lord Western, form- erly an Essex squire, who, when in Italy in 1830, purchased a pair of black Neapolitans, male and female, and brought them to ICn gland. The Nea- politan was then crossed upon some well-selected pi^s such as were common in Essex, with most satisfactory results. It is also thought that Black Suffolk and Berkshire blood was used. The white coloring was entirely removed and a black Essex-Neapolitan pig of improved form resulted, with shorter head and legs, more quality, and fattening much more readily. These improved pigs were very popular for a time. They were inbred, however, at least in Lord Western's hands, and became of enfeebled constitution, lacking in fecundity and in size. The establishment of the Improved Essex breed was accom- plished by Mr. Fisher Hobbes of Boxtcd Lodge, a tenant of 521 Fig. 241. An Essex boar owned by Joseph Featherstone & Son of Ontario. Photograph from Professor G. E. Day 522 THE ITG Lord Western. Even prior to 1840 he began to use Essex- Neapolitan boars on hardy, high-class Essex sows. By careful selection and mating he developed what became famous as the Improved Essex breed. Lord Western died in 1844, and on his death Hobbes purchased his best breeding sows. This improved form had more size and constitution than the original Essex- Neapolitan, and for more than twenty years this was maintained by selection from three distinct families. In 1840 Mr. Hobbes received first prizes on a boar and sow at the Royal Agricultural Society Show at Cambridge, which gave the breed much fame. Since the time of Mr. Hobbes this breed has becomedistributed in England, especially in Suffolk County, adjoining Essex, where the leading breeders reside. In England to-day the Essex is generally known as the Small Black breed or Black Suffolk. The introduction of the Essex pig to America dates back to early in the last century. The old-fashioned type of Essex, it is thought, was owned about 1820 in Massachusetts, John Prince having a cross-bred sow, part Essex, part Chinese. In 1839 Henry Parsons of Canada imported and kept Essex pigs near Massilon, Ohio. In 1886 S. M. Shepard wrote that of recent years a number of importations had been made and a few herds kept in New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, and a few other states. One of the extensive breeders and importers of twenty-five years ago was William Smith of Michigan. At the present time one hears little of the breed in America, neither is it often seen in the exhibits of swine at the fairs or live-stock shows. Characteristics of the Essex pig. This breed has certain very distinguishing features. The color is entirely black. The head is rather short, \h^ face is slightly dished, \.\\q fore/iead \s broad, and the ears are small, fine, and carried erect. The j'ozvl is rather broad and full. The neck is short, the back very broad and somewhat short and strongly carried, while the sides are deep and short. The shoulders are well laid and thickly fleshed, and the hams are thick and deep and of superior merit. The legs, which tend to be rather short, show bone of fine quality. \n form the Essex is distinctly of the thick-fleshed, fat, chunky sort, and perhaps no breed in England has been fattened to so THE ESSEX 523 high a degree. Owing to excessive flesh development the litters gradually became weak and enfeebled constitution finally resulted. The size of the Essex pig is small compared with the Poland- China or Berkshire, ranking among the smaller breeds. In i860 Samuel Sidney wrote that "with age they attain considerable weight and often make 500 pounds at 24 months old." The P^mperor, a boar bred by Fisher Hobbes, Sidney states is 2 feet 8^ inches high at the shoulder and 6 feet i inch long. Mr. F. D. Coburn quotes William Smith, an extensive breeder of Essex in Michigan, that these pigs often reach a weight of 400 to 500 pounds. Dr. Chase of Kansas places their weight, under ordinary treatment, when full grown, at 250 to 275 pounds. The special field for the Essex seems to be in the hands of the small breeder or feeder. This is the case in England as well as in America. The type is not so well suited to severe conditions as some other breeds. The maturing qualities of the Essex are noteworthy, the breed having been famous for early maturity since the improvement first effected by Lord Western. Feeders easily mature at six months. The Essex as feeders rank high in combining early maturity with great flesh production. The capacity of the breed to lay on flesh has not been placed on record by American investigators, but it has long been famous as a profitable feeding kind, although producing a fatter pork than is at present in favor abroad. The temperament of the Essex is very docile, which naturally promotes easy as well as profitable feeding. The quality of Essex meat is fine and of excellent flavor, but a large per cent of fat to lean meat prevails, unless care is exer- cised in the kind of foods fed. Mr. J. A. Smith of Ipswich, England, who breeds and shows Essex, is quoted by Professor Long as saying that "one objection which is urged against the breed is their tendency to produce an undue proportion of fat, consumers complaining that the bacon is not sufficiently streaky." The cross-bred or grade Essex pig may be of considerable com- parative value. A half century ago it is said that the Berkshire breed was much improved by Essex blood. In fact Essex blood, as improved by Lord Westel'n and Fisher Hobbes, is said to have been responsible for much of the improvement through 524 THE PIG crossing or grading in the herds of England. It is a well-estab- lished fact that the Essex used on the coarser, rougher type imparts quality and early maturity. The fecundity of the Essex pig became impaired by its exces- sive development in fat production, a criticism made against the breed years ago. Mr. Smith, already quoted, says that his pigs, when properly managed, are very prolific, fifteen or sixteen being frequently in a litter, although ten to eleven is a fair number. The breed, however, does not stand high in this respect, being ranked below the Berkshire. As nurses the Essex sows are regarded as simply medium, not as a rule yielding an abundance of milk. The fecundity of individuals and their capacity to nurse young will depend in a measure on the character of food fed and condition of body. Organizations to promote Essex swine exist in America and England. The American Essex Association was organized in 1887 and has a small following. It has published two volumes of the herdbook and has registered about 1500 animals in these volumes. In England the National Pig Breeders' Association officially represents the breed. The distribution of Essex pigs is quite widespread. They are found in England in a small way in various counties, notably in Essex and Suffolk. They have also been exported to France and other European countries and to Canada and Australia. In the United States a few herds are found in Michigan, Indiana, Texas, Nebraska, Alabama, Ohio, and elsewhere. The breed has met with favor in the South. CHAPTER LXXIII THE SMALL YORKSHIRE The origin of the Small Yorkshire pig, known as the " Small White " in England, is obscure. It has been assumed that it came from Chinese stock, though different to-day from the early Chinese type. Charles Mason of Chilton and Robert Colling of Darlington, Yorkshire, both Shorthorn cattle breeders, are the earliest known persons to have bred Small Yorkshires, then termed Chinese. They owned herds as early as 1818, but noth- ing is known of the parent stock. Following this period the breed met with some extensive distribution in England by Shorthorn breeders. Some strains or families of Small Whites early developed in England. A local breed, known as the Solway in Cumberland, assisted in the improvement of the Small Yorkshire, although this was descended from the Mason-Colling breeding of Small Whites. The Solway also played a part in improving the Large Yorkshire as bred by Mr. Wainman of Carhead. There existed some twenty-five or so years ago, a small white pig known as the Suffolk, which was essentially absorbed by the Small Yorkshire. In Cumberland was another type, some larger than the Small Yorkshire, but of the same general character, the blood of the two being freely mixed. Still another branch, descended from Mason-Colling stock, was known as the Windsor breed. A more modern and very popular strain was developed by Lord Ducie, which really resulted from a judicious blending of Cumberland and Small Yorkshire blood. The introduction of the Small Yorkshire pig to America under that name occurred many years ago. In 1888 Curtis wrote that it was first brought to this country about i860, but did not attract much attention. Colonel Richard M. Hoe of New York and William H. Cole of New Jersey made importations in 1872, 525 526 THE PIG 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, and 1878, and to these importations trace the best-known herds of America. Small Yorkshires were first exhibited at New York and New Jersey fairs in 1875, while in 1876 they were extensively shown in Ohio, Indiana, and at St. Louis and also at the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia. The characteristics of the Small Yorkshire are most striking. This breed among swine is the most highly developed of any from the standpoint of *' fancy" points. The head iw its most fashionable form presents a remarkable development. Th^face is Fig. 242. A Small Yorkshire boar, first in class at the Ohio State Fair, 1905. Owned and exhibited by George Ineichen of Indiana. Photograph by the author very short and broad, and is dished or curved to such a degree in specimens as to point the end of the nose upward. The lower jaw also is curved upward in a marked degree. In this highly dished face the eyes are often obscured by rolls of fat about the side of the head. The ears are short, fine, and erect, pointing forward. The jo7vl is naturally very round and highly developed. Thi5 breed is famous for great fat production ; the Jieek short and thick, the back very broad, short, and deeply laid with fat or flesh, the tail set up well on a line with the back, the hams and shoulders heavy and full for the size, and the bone, hair, and quality quite refined. The color is entirely white except for THE SMALL YORKSHIRE 527 black spots occasionally occurring on the skin. In referring to the characteristics of the breed Professor James Long writes : In breeding the Small White pig the breeder should make it his aim to maintain the characteristic points of the variety, the chief of which are form {much in little^, fineness of bone, quantity and quality of hair, short- ness of snout, and aptitude to fatten. As a whole pigs of this breed have great breadth and depth for their size. The size of the Small Yorkshire ranks it as the smallest of the breeds kept in this country. The matured pig will usually weigh Fig. 243. A Small Yorkshire sow exhibited at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1903. Photograph from Professor G. E. Day from 180 to 200 pounds, although Mr. Sanders Spencer has had them weigh nearly 300 pounds at fifteen months of age. Owing to the very compact form individuals weigh more than might be anticipated. The early-maturing qualities of the Small Yorkshire are of a high order, so that the pigs may be fattened at almost any stage of development. The Small Yorkshire as a feeder is easily fattened, but does not make large gains. This has been regarded as a superior sort for making small roasting pigs, as the young things finish off early for this purpose. Some British swine authorities claim that 528 'I'HH PIG pigs of this breed can be brought to excessive fatness on less food by half than any other breed. It will not, however, increase as rapidly in actual gains as the larger breeds. At the Vermont Experiment Station Small Yorkshires made an average daily gain of 1.04 pounds live weight, having an average weight of 201 pounds after 184 days of feeding, starting at 23 pounds. It required 353 pounds of feed for 100 pounds gain, and the carcasses dressed 84.1 per cent. This record somewhat excelled that of the Berkshire. The Small Yorkshire as a grazing pig will do extremely well, at least that is the experience in England. Professor Long states that when a Small White pig is fit for exhibition it gets very little but grass, and that he has repeatedly seen fat pigs of this breed which in summer were entirely grass-fed. The quality of Small Yorkshire meat, while of fine grain and sweet, is not in favor to-day in Great Britain, containing as it does a high percentage of fat. Mr. John Walker, writing in 1905 in Pigs for Profit, says : As far as quality goes these pigs are despised by the butcher because they give such a very small proportion of lean to fat that the pubHc leaves the joints of pork on the butcher's slab, it being so leanless, while the bacon curer will have naught to do with the fat little animals. The cross-bred or grade Small Yorkshire pig is in general an improvement over the pure-bred, if mated to a larger breed, for thereby a better grade of pork is produced and a more hardy and prolific stock results. The fecundity of the Small Yorkshire is about medium, with a tendency to small litters, such as might be expected from a breed tending to excess of fat development. The nursing females pro- duce but a moderate amount of milk. The popularity of the Small Yorkshire has decreased to such an extent that it is but slightly bred to-day in England or America. As a breed it was largely developed by fanciers, often for show. Its excessive fat, however, caused it to become unpopular in the British market, where a lean type of bacon is most in favor. According to Volume XX of the National Pig Breeders' Asso- ciation of Great Britain, only two or three breeders now enter their pigs, while of the Large Whites there are entered 1000 out THE SMALL YORKSHIRE 529 of 1 39 1 . This does not speak well for the pojnilarity of the Small Yorkshire in England. In the United States the breed is very rarely seen at the live-stock shows, nor are there many breeders. The distribution of the Small Yorkshire is mainly in England and the United States, in small herds and in a limited degree, as has been indicated. They are mainly located in the eastern United States, notably in New York, Massachusetts, and Penn- sylvania, with a few small herds in the middle West. Organizations to protect and register Small Yorkshires exist in England and America. The National Pig Breeders' Association registers in Great Britain. In the United States the American Small Yorkshire Club was organized in New York in 1878. This club has registered about 1 500 pigs in the first two and only volumes of the herdbook issued. The American Yorkshire Club, organized in 1893, with headquarters in Minnesota, also registers this breed in the American YorksJiirc Record, of which two volumes have been published. In the herdbooks of this club the Small Yorkshires are registered in a group by themselves, as Class A, the Large Yorkshires being in Class B. Only a few hundred of the Small Yorkshires have been registered in this club, these being mainly in the western states. CHAPTER LXXIV THE SUFFOLK Two so-called breeds exist under this name, one in America, the other in England. The American breed is white, the Eng- lish black. At one time a type of small white pigs existed in England under the name of Suffolk, but it finally became absorbed with the Small Yorkshire, and to-day no such breed as a White Suffolk is recognized abroad. The English Suffolk pig is black, and, as will be seen in the dis- cussion of the Essex pig on page 521, this is known abroad as the Small Black breed, although the names Essex or Suffolk are appropriate and are used to a certain extent. The origin of the American Suffolk pig is no doubt of Small Yorkshire ancestry in England. This breed is said to have been imported to the United States in 1855 by John Wentworth of Illinois. The breed has never had much development in America, and so little impression has it made under the name of Suffolk that, although an association was years ago organized in its behalf, the American Suffolk is not recognized in the October, 1904, list of accredited swine-record associations of the United States Department of Agriculture. Characteristics of the American Suffolk pig. In 1872 the National Swine Breeders' Convention at Indianapolis, Indiana, approved of the following description of the breed, which is republished here as more specific than the published standard of the American Suffolk Swine Breeders' Association. Head small, very short ; cheeks prominent and full ; face dished ; snout small and very short ; jowl fine ; ears short, small, thin, upright, soft, and silky ; neck very short and thick, the head appearing almost as if set on front of shoulders, no arching of crest ; chest wide and deep ; elbows stand- ing out: brisket wide but not deep; shoulders thick, rather upright, rounding outward from top to elbow; crops wide and full, long ribs, well arched out 530 THE SUFFOLK 531 from back, good length between shoulders and hams; flanks well filled out and coming well down at ham; back broad, level, straight from crest to tail, no falling off or down at tail; hams wide and full, well rounded out, twist very wide and full all the way down ; legs small and very short, stand- ing wide apart — in sows, just keeping belly from the ground; bone fine, feet small, hoofs rather spreading ; tail small, long, and tapering ; skin thin, of a pinkish shade, free from color; hair fine and silky, not too thick ; color of hair pale yellowish white, perfectly free from any spots or other color ; size small to medium. The American Suffolk pig in a breed comparison is essentially a Small Yorkshire, although the dish of face may not be always quite so pronounced as with the latter, while the size tends to be slightly larger. Otherwise the two breeds are one to all intents and purposes. The distribution of the American Suffolk pig is mainly in the Mississippi Valley, small herds being kept in Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Several hundred have been registered in Canada. Between one and two thousand American Suffolks have been registered, but thus far no herdbook of the breed has been published. CHAPTER LXXV THE BACON TYPE OF PIG The demand for the bacon type of pig comes mainly from the export trade. Only in recent years has the American swine pro- ducer had his attention actively called to this class. This has been largely due to the demand of the British market for superior bacon. Denmark, Ireland, and Canada furnish much of the bacon consumed in England and Scotland. This bacon requires a liberal Fig. 244. Oak Lodge Royal Canadian, a Large Yorkshire boar owned by the Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph. This boar is in breeding con- dition only, and shows the desirable conformation of the bacon type of pig. Photograpli from Professor ("■. E. Day mixture of lean with fat, and suits the foreign trade much better than the fatter type produced in the Mississippi Valley. In spite of the British demand for this sort the American packers do not pay a premium for it ; consequently the feeder prefers to produce the more rapid-fattening, heavier-fleshed, earlier-maturing lard type. In spite of this fact the production of bacon pigs seems 532 THE BACON TYPE OF PIG 533 destined to materially increase in the future in the United States, for the reason that bacon consumption is rapidly increasing. The general characteristics of the bacon pig as compared with the so-called lard hog are as follows : back not broad, head some- what long, side long and deep, a smoother shoulder, lighter ham, and somewhat longer leg. The general flesh covering is much less fat than with the lard type. In motion the bacon pig is animated and free of action, showing lively temperament. The head varies rather according to breed. Excessive length is undesirable, but the Tamworth often has a very long head. A medium length of nose is preferred, while a broad forehead, with ample width between the eyes, which should be of good size and easily seen, denotes mild disposition. A deep head with strong lower jaw is preferred. Ears of a fine quality, not large, thick, and coarse, but of moderate thickness, covered with silky hair, attached neatly well up on the head, and actively carried, are desirable. The neck tends to be a bit long, but a medium length is sought, with not too much width, blending nicely with head and shoulders. T\\Q.joivl lacks the extreme fullness found in the lard hog, and is free from wrinkles such as often occur with the heavy jowl. This part bacon-pig buyers regard as of little importance. The sJtoulders lie well into the body and do not bulge out prominently, but considerable width and depth, with ample flesh covering, are most desirable. A good specimen of this type never has prominent shoulders. Some extra thickness of skin and heaviness is expected with boars, but no notable heaviness. The/(?;r legs .should be well placed, coming down true, either viewed from front or side, the knees not "knocking in " and toes turning out, the pasterns being strongly carried, and the pig standing up in shapely form on the toes. A fine, hard bone is very important, as evidenced by clean-cut limbs and smooth joints, lacking coarseness and meatiness. A smooth, clean, hard bone is evidence of quality and is associated with the better sort of dressing out in killing. The cJiest may be compared to that of the race horse. It should be deep and full, yet not too broad. As one looks at the front of the pig the breast and brisket appear full and not 534 THE PIG peaked. Viewed from one side the brisket projects slightly beyond the legs. A hidden, retreating brisket indicates a poor constitution. The back should be carried level and show no sag, and the width should be uniformly maintained from shoulder to ham. A strong, nicely arched loin, as wide as any point of the back and smoothly fleshed, is important. A thickness of one and one-quarter to one and one-half inches of fat along the back is regarded as best Fig. 245. A shoulder and ham view of the bacon type of pig, showing the smooth shoulder and neatly tapering ham. Photograph from Profes- sor G. E. Day on the finished fed pig. The back of this type has a moderately arched rib, not flat, giving a body capacity in harmony with the best feeder. The sides are the most important feature, because from here comes the bacon so highly valued in this class. The sides must be long, evenly carried from shoulder to ham, be thick and full at flank, and of moderate depth. A very deep side provides too much belly or cheap meat. The side must be quite smooth and THE BACON TYPE OF PIG 535 free of wrinkles, and be covered evenly with flesh. In touching on this subject the Ingersoll Packing Company of Canada says : The packer calls for the long, lean pigs, as they are the ones that suit best and are most difficult to procure ; tiiis is the only kind that will furnish tlie desired " Wiltshire side," and it will also make any of the other cuts the market calls for. The ;■//;;// and Jiams lack the heavy development of the lard type, but a level, long, moderately broad rump is important. The hams in their lower parts should be long, gradually tapering, not necessarily split up high between, with shallow, neatly turned twist. They should also be broad from front to rear, with a medium thick covering of flesh, tapering to the hocks. The Jiind legs should have all the merits of the fore legs in bone, quality, and smoothness, and in position of pasterns and toes. Besides this the hocks should be well placed, being smooth of joint and neither close nor wide behind. The quality of the bacon pig is most important. This is seen in the clean, smooth bone and joints, and the abundant hair, lack- ing in coarseness, lying close to the mellow skin. Wrinkles should be lacking, and the entire body be smooth and evenly covered with flesh in breeding as well as in feeding stock. The weight of bacon pigs most acceptable in the market is from 170 to 180 pounds, although 200 is not excessive. Danish bacon pigs range from 180 to 220 pounds. The larger type is not approved in Canada, the smaller being preferred. Breeding bacon pigs should show the characteristics associated with se.x, but in general the above description applies to the bacon type. The boar should have a strong, masculine head, neck, and shoulder, the sow a smaller, more refined sort, with more depth of belly than possessed by boar or barrow. CHAPTER LXXVI LARGE YORKSHIRE OR EARGE WHITE The ancestry of the Large Yorkshire clearly goes back over a century. Swine from time immemorial have been known in Eng- land, and a large, coarse, leggy, narrow-backed, white hog was common in early days in that country. In 1789 George Culley referred to what is no doubt parent stock of the breed, as follows : There was a breed of large white pigs with very large ears hanging over their eyes, which a few years ago were very common in many parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire. They were very plain, thin, awkward hogs, with very long legs, but what distinguished them more was two wattles or dugs, not unlike the teats of a cow's udder, which hung down from tlieir throats on each side. Early in the nineteenth century Dickson wrote that the old Yorkshire breed was the worst of the large sort, being long legged and weak loined, with a constitution not of the soundest kind. These were, however, he writes, being improved by Berk- shire stock. In 1842 Low wrote as follows: In Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and generally in the eastern counties there are breeds of large size, of a white color, and with pendent ears. These breeds have been cultivated with more or less care, and have all been affected in their form and characters by crossing. The white pigs of Cumberland County were also closely related to those of Yorkshire and were much intermi.xed. This old type of Yorkshire had a strong coat of white hair, some blackish or bluish skin spots covered with white hair, a large, long head, big ears, and strong bone. It was slow of maturity and was fed up to over 800 pounds. The modernizing of the Large Yorkshire began about the middle of the nineteenth century. Sidney credits the first cor- rect movement to improve by using white Leicesters on old Yorkshires. These Leicesters were large, with smaller heads than the Yorkshire, had erect ears, were fine of hair and light 536 LARGE YORKSHIRE OR LARGE WHITE 537 of bone compared with the others. This cross was improved by breeding the largest and best young sows to Small Yorkshire boars of great fattening capacity. The improvement thus effected mainly took place sixty or so years ago about the cities of Leeds, Keighley, and Skipton in the county of York, and to a con- siderable extent by factory hands and laborers. In 185 i Joseph Tuley, a weaver of Keighley, exhibited a pig at the Royal Agri- cultural Show at Windsor that attracted great attention, and Fig. 246. Holywell Royalty II, a fine example of a Large Yorkshire boar. Bred and owned by Sanders Spencer, Holywell Manor, St. Ives, Eng- land. Photograph from Mr. Spencer later his strain of Large Yorkshires was very popular, and his pigs sold at high prices. At this time the pig breeders of York- shire and Cumberland kept pedigrees of their pigs, which they printed and made much of. The agricultural societies of the region offered prizes to promote the breed, and there was keen competition in the show ring. The various towns had agricultural societies and shows. Regarding these Sidney wrote as follows : At these sho\v.s there is often a row of twenty or thirty fat pigs, worth from £6 to ^12 each, all as white as soap and water can make them, stretched on beds of clean straw, with wrappers of some kind to protect them from the sun or rain, contending for the first prize, ^4 ; second prize, ^3 ; third prize, £2 ; fourth prize, £1. 538 THE PIG At this time Yorkshire was credited with being in the first rank as a pig-breeding county, having the largest white breed in England and the largest hogs in the world. The early improvers of the Large Yorkshire may ])erhaps date from Mr. Tuley, as has been indicated. From a sow Matchless and a boar Sampson, of his breeding, came some of his best Fig. 247. Roger (7203), first-prize and champion Large Yorkshire boar, and winner of the Berkshire Society gold medal, at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1904. Owned by the Earl of Ellesmere. Photo- graph from William Cooper & Nephews, Berkhamsted, England Stock. Mr. W. B. Wainman of Carhead, Yorkshire, used hogs of Tuley blood and added to the merits of the breed, for he produced stock of much quality and sent them to various parts of the world. In his herd selected pigs by careful feeding would attain a weight of about 500 pounds in twelve months. Besides Tuley and Wainman numerous others have long bred and improved this breed, notably Sanders Spencer of St. Ives, Huntingdon County, who for a half century has been a most distinguished breeder. The important characteristics of the Large Yorkshire are as follows : The head is medium long and should have but little upwurd curve. Some prefer a lengthy head, but modern ideas object to too much extension. A broad, strong underjaw is desired. LARGE YORKSHIRE OR LARGE WHITE 539 The cars incline to be heavy and droop forward. They should be fine, of medium size, and be carried well upward and only slightly pointing forward. Loppy ears are objectionable. The body should have considerable length. The back is not broad like that of the Poland-China, but should be of fair and uniform width with considerable depth, the sides being long and deep at the flanks, and full between shoulder and hip. From the American point of view this breed tends to have a weak loin and too narrow a back. The hams arc not expected to be extremely fat and heavy, but should be of good size and thickness, with the thighs well carried down. Thin thighs and cow hocks are very common with this type of hog. The color of the hair should always be white on every part of the body. Bluish or blackish spots occur occasionally on the skin under this white hair, and while objected to by fanciers, do Fig. 24S. Oak Lodge Julia 7th, 2586, a Large Yorkshire sow, winner of first prize and championship at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901. Bred by J. E. Brethour, Burford, Ontario. Photograph from Profes- sor G. E. Day not affect purity of breeding, neither do they disqualify regis- tration. The skin should be pink and healthy. White pigs in America, especially in the sunny West, tend to scurfiness of skin and sun scald, which causes them to be more or less unpopular. The size of the Large Yorkshire places this breed in the first rank. Long writes of a Wainman sow that weighed 1203 pounds. 540 THE PIG In 1 90 1 several sows of the breed were exhibited at the Inter- national Live Stock Exposition, which weighed over 1000 pounds each. Mr. Spencer, in reply to a letter from Professor Long, says : The Large Whites reach, in the heaviest animals, 12 stone (168 pounds) at six months old ; at nine months, 20 stone to 25 stone (280-350 pounds) ; at 12 months, 30 stone (420 pounds); and at 18 months, 45 stone (630 pounds). . . . Sampson VI, a boar bred and exhibited by myself, and winner at the Royal two years in succession, weighed, alive, 9] hundredweight (1092 pounds) at 23 months, and was light in bone and carried but little offal. The modern market demand, however, is for a smaller pig, and Yorkshire breeders are producing a smaller Large Yorkshire type, but few of the big pigs appearing before the public. The early-maturing character of the Large Yorkshire is not pro- nounced. Feeders in the corn belt, used to pigs that will finish off in eight months, find this breed slow to mature. The Yorkshire grows very well but does not fatten as early as the American breeds. At six months of age the Yorkshire lacks the fattened condition possessed by other breeds not of the bacon type. In fact, it never will, as a matter of inheritance, carry so much fat, for it is a leaner sort. Large Yorkshire cross-breds are a very superior type. The Yorkshire boar bred to either Poland-China or Berkshire sows produces most excellent feeders. In experiments conducted by the author with this combination the pigs grew rapidly, fed extremely well, finished off smoothly, and produced the best sort of meat. In numerous cross-breds examined the interesting fact has been brought out that the white color of the Yorkshire is almost invariably predominant. This demonstrates the prepo- tency and fixity of character of the breed. The use of Large Yorkshire boars on our typical American sows should not only P'lo. 249. Holywell Czarina, a Large Yorkshire sow on pasture at Sanders Spencer's, Holywell Manor, St. Ives, England. Photograph by the author LARGE YORKSHIRE OR LARGE WHITE 541 produce most desirable feeders but should also increase the size of litters and thus improve the defective fecundity of many sows. The Large Yorkshire as a bacon producer has special distinction. The breeders of this pig emphasize the value of this character. In Denmark, England, Ireland, and Canada, where bacon pro- duction is an important industry, the Yorkshire and its crosses is the most common blood used. The Messrs. Denny, an English bacon firm, desired to introduce the best type of bacon hog to use on the common stock of Ireland. After some experimental work with the English breeds they sent Large Yorkshires as >'^1^ v^^^^^H|(H|| ■1 f -.»j«r :■ J>a;s,i* - v_. » ^ r^^^Mi 1 J" m Fig. 250. A pure-bred Large Yorkshire barrow, about six moiitiis old, one of the champion pen of the breed at the International Live Stock Exposition, Chicago, 1905. Bred and exhibited by Ohio State University. Photograph by the author the best, as they had the thickest bellies and the most streaky meat. In Denmark the Large Y'orkshire boar is extensively used, in fact it is the standard for breeding to ordinary Danish sows. The William Davies Packing Company of Canada also advocate the use of Large Yorkshires and their crosses for bacon production. Large Yorkshires dress out just fair in slaughtering. In the report of the block test at the Ontario Provincial Winter Fair in 1 90 1 the average percentage of dressed weight of the Yorkshire carcass was 78.4. The fatter pigs dress out somewhat heavier. Mr. Spencer states that this breed will dress out 76 to 82 per cent. Yorkshires fed in the corn belt, with Indian corn as the main food, will no doubt kill out better than if fed barley, peas, 542 TH1-: PIG oats, middlings, and similar fo(xls, such as are used in Canada and Europe. The Large Yorkshire as a prolific breed stands in the front rank. The females from very early days have been noted for producing large litters. Long refers to a sow of Wainman breed- ing that reared 153 pigs in 13 litters, while one of her daughters raised 33 pigs in three litters. Richard Gibson, a prominent Canadian breeder, wTitcs of an imported sow of his that has bred 96 pigs in three years without the least apparent injury to her constitution. James Howard, long an English Yorkshire breeder of prominence, prefers sows of this breed to have 12 teats and emphasizes the importance of her being a good milker. The sows very generally make good mothers. The Large Yorkshires as feeders have not given equal satisfac- tion in America. They do not seem to eat our standard foods with the relish shown by the Poland-China or Chester White. Fig. 251. Holywell Rosador, a Middle White boar, first prize at the Royal Counties Show and at the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scot- land Show, 1899. Bred and exhibited by Sanders Spencer, Holywell Manor, St. Ives, England. Photograph by the author For some years the author has bred and fed the Large Yorkshire alongside three other breeds, and in the comparison the Yorkshire was distinctly at a disadvantage as a feeder. This test included imported, Canadian, and home-bred Yorkshires. Neither does the pure-bred graze equally well with our more common breeds. LARGE YORKSHIRE OR LARGE WHITE 543 The introduction of the Large Yorkshire to the United States occurred prior to 1840, and in 1841 a pair was imported by A. B. Allen and brought to Ohio. Undoubtedly specimens of this breed have been brought to America from time to time for over a century. In 1893 Wilcox and Liggett of Minnesota imported some of the more modern type, and from this and Canadian stock have come most of the present Large Yorkshire stock in this country. The people of Canada have been breed- ing Yorkshires for many years, and the most important herds in America are in that country. The Large Yorkshire's popularity in the United States has not grown in a substantial or even satisfactory way. Undoubtedly it is a superior bacon producer, raises large litters, and is a meri- torious animal. Its slow-fattening character, its usual lean and leggy type, its inferiority as a feeder, and its white color furnish Fig. 252. Walton Jewel II, a Middle White sow, first-prize winner at the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1905. Exhibited by Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart. Photograph from Professor G. E. Day more or less of the objection of the western pork producer. If the people of the United States really had a market for bacon that would justify the feeding of this class of hogs, no doubt the Yorkshire would be more extensively bred and fed. The distribution of the Large Yorkshire is very widespread. Mr. Sanders Spencer has exported them to forty-six different 544 THE PIG countries, including luirope, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North and South America. It is the leading white breed of Great Britain, Denmark, and Canada, and is used more or less in differ- ent European and British settled countries. In the United States it is bred to a limited extent in Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, and other states. The American Yorkshire Club was organized in 1893 for the promotion of the breed. The official headquarters have long been in Minnesota. Up to January i, 1905, two modest herd- books had been published, in which was also registered a limited number of Small Yorkshires, these being grouped as Class A and the Large Yorkshires as Class B. In Great Britain all registered Yorkshires are recorded by the National Pig Breeders' Association. The Middle "White or Middle Yorkshire is of a smaller, fatter type than the Large Yorkshire. It has a more dished head, broader back, is of a fatter type, and more nearly approaches American ideals in pig form than does the Large Yorkshire. Middle Whites arc not a recognized breed in America, though they are in Great Britain. Middle Whites may come from Large Yorkshire litters, being selections of the correct form, or may result from a cross of Small Yorkshire boars on Large Yorkshire sows. No doubt numerous pigs recorded in America as Large Yorkshires would be classed as Middle Whites in England. Under the circumstances it is not always easy to draw the line between the two so-called breeds. CHAPTER LXXVII THE TAMWORTH The native home of the Tam worth is the counties of Stafford, Leicester, Northampton, and Warwick in central England, but notably in Stafford. This is generally a rolling but not very hilly region, with a temperate, moist climate. The ancestry of the Tamworth pig is obscure. Tradition and history refer to a pig of Tamworth type existing early in the last century. Most writers on the pig say but little of this breed and we know almost nothing of its early development. Spencer states that this is one of the oldest English varieties, which fed in large droves on oak and beech mast in the forests of the mid- land counties even before the battle of Waterloo. In an address before a breeders' association at Detroit in 1899, Mr. E. N. Ball stated that the breed was introduced into England from Ireland by Sir Robert Peel about 18 12, but no evidence is found else- where to support this statement. The early type of Tamworth was long of leg and snout, narrow of back, and shallow of body, slow to mature, very active and hardy, and usually of a sandy or reddish color. The improvement of the Tamworth came with the conversion of England into a cultivated region, when farmers wanted a less active type of pig. The opinion seems to prevail that this breed was mainly improved by selection, the breeders seeking to secure a quieter type, fattening more rapidly than of old and yet retain- ing the characteristic color. In 1886 Mr. F. C. Fidgeon of Tamworth, England, who had a considerable knowledge of the breed, iniormed Professor Long that in the nearly sixty years he had known the Tamworth he had never noticed so great a change as from about 1880 to 1886. A generation ago [he says] they were a lean pig, of a very dark red color, which never varied in shade and were provided with a very long snout. Of 545 546 THE PIG late the color has altered in shade, having become a sandy or lighter red, a point which is apparently growing in favor, although I question very much whether this color is as pure as the original dark red, for I believe it has been obtained by a not very distant cross with a white pig. Spencer has also suggested the white cross and NeapoHtan cross. For years the breed was almost unnoticed, excepting by a limited number. In comparatively recent years it has received renewed attention for its bacon value. In 1847 ^ Tamworth sow won Fig. 253. A Tamworth boar, winner of first prize in class at the Royal Agri- cultural Society of England Show, 1904. Exhibited by Robert Ibbotson. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephews, Berkhamsted, England first honors at the royal show, but the breed was not given a special class recognition by the Royal Agricultural Society of England until 1885. The introduction of the Tamworth to America is generally credited to Mr. Thomas Bennett of Rossville, Illinois, who imported some pure-bred pigs in 1882. Professor Shaw states that since 1888 large numbers have been introduced into Canada. Most of the importations to the United States have been from Canada. Characteristics of the Tamworth. The color is red, varying in shade from light to dark, "a golden red hair on a flesh-colored skin free from black" being preferred. In form the Tamworth is large, lean in type, and long in head, body, and leg. The head THE TAMWORTH 547 is notably long of snout, tends to be narrow with straight snout, and the face but slightly dished. The ears are large and should be erect or leaning slightly forward, not breaking over. The back is narrow and long and the sides long and should be deep, but usually are not, based on American standards. The shoulders are usually well placed and carry sufficient breadth but lack in thickness. The hams represent the lean type, lacking thickness at the twist and general development of lower thigh. The legs are long and show considerable strength, and the pasterns are well sustained, the pigs standing easily on the toes. In tempera- ment the breed is active and almost restless, but the disposition seems mild and gentle. The National Pig Breeders' Association of Great Britain lists the follow- ing as objectionable points in the Tam- worth : black hair, very light or ginger hair, curly coat, coarse mane, black spots on skin, slouch or drooping ears, short or turned-up snout, heavy shoulders, wrinkled skin, inbent knees, and hollow- ness at back of shoulders. The size of the Tamworth is large, approaching, if not equaling, that of the Large Yorkshire. The Buffalo Review of August 17, 1899, refers to a Tamworth boar in England, under three years old, which weighed alive 1607 pounds and dressed 1330 pounds. This, of course, was abnormal. The average mature boar will probably weigh about 600 pounds and the sow 450 pounds. At six months old pigs will weigh about 175 pounds. The Tamworth as a bacon pig ranks very high. The claim is made that, owing to dissatisfaction with the fat quality of bacon produced in the average pig in England along in the early eighties, the Tamworth came to the front to supply the necessary lean meat. The sides are long, and in good specimens deep, and have a superior admixture of lean and fat of highly acceptable Fig. 254. A Tamworth boar. Photograph from Professor G. E. Day 548 THE PIG quality. Consequently this feature of its conformation, with the lack of thick external fat, caused the recent agitation in its behalf in England and America. It is but fair to say, however, that in spite of the arguments in behalf of this as a bacon producer, it is bred only in a small way abroad, the Large Yorkshire being the leading bacon pig of both Britain and Denmark. The maturing quality of the Tamworth is inferior, probably being less forward in development than any other breed in America. While growth is constantly made, an early-finished, matured product does not usually obtain. However, some British feeders have argued that the Tamworth will mature early. Mr. G. M. Allender, long a famous British breeder, says, " I find that the Tamworths feed early, and I have hams now hanging which exceed 20 pounds each in weight, smoked and dried, although they were cut from pigs which were only twenty-seven weeks old." The Mitchell Brothers of Birmingham, who won first prize at the Birmingham Fat Stock Show in 1884, informed Professor Long that the Tamworths they exhibited were only five and one-half months old and weighed 12 score per pig, or 240 pounds. These pigs were from a sow twelve months old at farrowing. The feeding quality of the Tamworth is fairly good, the pig making considerable growth for the food fed. Mr. E. N. Ball of Michigan reports on three pigs about sixteen weeks old, which during ninety-seven days gained a total of 340 pounds from 1224 pounds of grain, or 100 pounds of gain for 360 pounds of feed. Rommel of the LTnited States Department of Agriculture, aver- aging the results of feeding six breeds as brought out in repre- sentative tests by experiment stations, shows that in 16 tests involving 92 Tamworths it required 344 pounds of feed for 100 pounds gain live weight. In the Iowa feeding trials on breeds three experiments were conducted, showing daily gains for Tamw^orths of .J"], 1. 00, and 1.05 pounds respectively, the average cost per pound of gain being $2.42, ranking fifth in cost of production among the breeds. The Iowa experiments also showed that the Tamworths dressed out in carcass very well, the average being 78.46 per cent for 14 pigs, comparing creditably with five other breeds, surpassing three of them. At the Ontario Agricultural College, in comparisons of six breeds, covering five years of THE TAMWORTH 549 feeding, 390.17 pounds meal were required for 100 pounds gain, this being the best showing made by any breed but the Berkshire. The cross-bred or grade Tarn worth has considerable merit. Tamworth boars on Berkshire sows are a favorite cross with some feeders in England. When bacon curers complained of Berkshires fattening too heavily the Tamworth cross was resorted to with desirable results. Long reports that the Messrs. Mitchell during two years bred and fed 300 pigs, all by Tamworth boars from Berkshire and Yorkshire sows, that averaged 200 to 240 pounds weight at under nine months old. Tamworth boars. Fig. 255. A Tamworth sow, an excellent illustration of the best type of the breed. Photograph from the Natiotial Stockman and Fanner bred on the fat type of American sows, will produce a very attractive, easy-feeding, highly-marketable porker. Used on Poland-China grades considerable success may be expected. If cross-bred females are used for breeding they will produce much larger litters than will the American breeds. The Tamworth sire is very prepotent, and reproduces his color in a marked degree. The fecundity of the Tamworth is a striking feature of the breed. Mr. Fidgeon reports his sows generally bringing from ten to fifteen pigs at a litter. It is generally conceded in Britain that the Tamworth is unsurpassed for fecundity and size of litter. One of the quoted objections to the breed in England was that it was too prolific, the sows bringing fifty per cent too many 550 THE PIG young ones. It is this renovating quality of fecundity which has furnished important arguments for Tamworth breeders in behalf of the breed. The sows make good mothers and produce an abundance of milk, as might be anticipated with this type. The Tamworth as a grazing pig or rustler has a distinct place. It was for this reason that the breed was originally highly valtied, and this quality still obtains. The pigs are hardy and naturally adapt themselves to pasture and clover or rape. Such feeding is essentially better for producing bacon than fat meat. Criticisms of the Tamworth. Several characteristics of the Tamworth have invoked much criticism in America. The long head, narrow back, and long legs are not looked on with favor by American breeders. The great mass of American stockmen will not accept this type, and do not think it a profitable feeder or desirable sort. Unquestionably it will not feed as satisfactorily for us as will our more acceptable breeds, and from past experi- ence the general evidence shows that the buyer will not pay as much for these pigs as for the common type of the country. It is undoubtedly true that the Tamworth is more prolific and produces a better quality of bacon, but it is not yet demonstrated in the United States that this is a pig the market wants on a serious basis. In 1898, in letters to the Kansas Board of Agriculture, Armour & Company stated that there was no special demand for bacon hogs, while Swift & Company said there was a growing demand, Berkshires being preferred. The distribution of the Tamworth is very limited. The breed is kept in a small way in England, and the same applies to Canada and the United States. Specimens are not commonly shown at the important stock shows of England or in this country. The principal herds in America are found in Ontario, Canada, and in Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa in the United States. Organizations to promote Tamworths exist in England in the authority of the National Pig Breeders' Association of Great Britain, and in America in the American Tamworth Swine Record Association, the latter being organized in Michigan in 1897. The American Association has thus far published one record. The Dominion Swine Breeders' Association of Canada also registers this breed under government supervision. CHAPTER LXXVIII THE THIN RIND OR HAMPSHIRE This breed has been known for many years in the United States under the name of Thin Rind. In 1904, by official action of the American Thin Rind Record Association, this name was changed to Hampshire. The name Hampshire seems ill advised to the wTiter, for the reason that quite a different breed of pigs exists at present under that name in England. It is unfortunate Fig. 256. A pair of Thin Rind or Hampshire pigs. Photograph from John Goodwine, Jr., Potomac, llhnois to have the same name for two different breeds of swine, and is not justifiable. Therefore the author will make use of the word Thin Rind, which is said to have been given on account of the mellow thin skin and soft silky hair. The origin of the Thin Rind breed of swine is quite obscure. Mr. H. F. Work states that this pig was a native of Hampshire, England, early in the last century. About 1820 to 1825 a retired sea captain named MacKay, living near Boston, Massachusetts, is said to have bought some of these pigs in England and taken them to Massachusetts, where they became popular under his name and later became known as Thin Rinds. This breed has 552 'i'HK PIG long been known in Kentucky as the Thin Rind, and it has been assumed that it came from the same source as the MacKay pi<^. In 1835 Major Joel Garnctt is said to have introduced Thin Rinds to Kentucky, having purchased from eastern persons. Some have claimed also that the ancestors of the Kentucky Thin Rind were imported prior to 1842 from Tonquin, China, by a merchant of New Orleans. The author has been unable to secure any absolute information regarding the true ancestry of this pig. No description of any breed has been found in the early English writings which will apply to the Thin Rind of 1835. Characteristics of the Thin Rind pig. The Jicad is of the straight faced type, of medium size, with light jowl. The cars, though erect, incline slightly forward. The back tends to be of only medium width, not thick, and is fairly well supported. The shou/ders are light and well set in, and have fair width. The body as a whole has only moderate depth and length, produc- ing a fair side for bacon. The /lains are lacking in fullness, not possessing the thickness and depth of the more popular Ameri- can breeds. The legs tend to be somewhat long, but the bone is of good quality, while the pasterns and toes are usually well placed. The color of the Thin Rind is usually black, with a white belt about the body, this being known as a " listed " color, or solid black. This white band or list is from four to twelve inches wide, encircling the body just back of and about the fore legs, the latter also being usually white. In discussing the color Mr. H. F. Work says : While the list will long be retained by many of the breeders as the most fashionable color, there are also those who try to run their herds pure black. An ideal color is made up much as one may fancy, and the "color craze " should not exclude worthy animals that are a little " off color," save where spots occur. The breeding of blacks is an absolute necessity when the listed hogs begin to show too much white, so as to narrow the belt. The size of the Thin Rind pig does not place it among the largest breeds, it being about medium in size. Boars sometimes attain weights of 500 pounds, but usually are much smaller. The sows weigh about 300 pounds in ordinary condition. Bar- rows in high flesh attain a weight of 300 to 400 pounds. At the 1903 International Live Stock Exposition John Goodwine, Jr., THE THIN RIND OR HAMPSHIRE 553 won first prize for barrows with five Thin Rinds which averaged 493 pounds each at eighteen months old, one of which won the championship in the slaughter test. The fecundity of the Thin Rind pig is of superior character. The sows usually farrow litters of ten or twelve pigs after the first farrowing, and make excellent mothers and nurses. In this respect they rank with the most prolific breeds of American ancestry. Grade or cross-bred Thin Rind pigs are not common. The use of the pure-bred boar on common sows will result in a more prolific stock, leaning toward the bacon type. Superior Thin Rind boars should add vigor and killing quality to the offsj^ring of a certain class of high-fleshed sows of chunky type. The Thin Rind as a grazer ranks high in Kentucky and else- where, where pigs range more or less for mast, and seek for feed in field and forest. It was this quality, together with that of fecund- ity, which added to the popularity of the breed where known. The quality of Thin Rind meat is distinctly superior. Natu- rally the breed belongs to the bacon class, but when persistently fed corn for generations it loses some of its bacon-producing character. Yet in the slaughter tests these pigs have made a good showing. At the 1901 International Live Stock Exposition at Chicago the second prize for both pens of five barrows of export bacon type, and for carcass weighing 300 pounds or over, was awarded Thin Rind barrows exhibited by Mr. Goodwine of Illinois. At the 1905 International Mr. E. C. Stone won the grand championship in barrow class over all breeds. Thin Rind meat is of excellent grain with a desirable proportion of lean to fat. An organization to promote Thin Rind interests was incorpo- rated by six Boone County, Kentucky, farmers in 1893, they form- ing the American Thin Rind Record Association. At this time about twelve herds of swine of this breed were eligible for regis- tration, mainly located in Kentucky and Indiana. In 1904 this association changed its name to the American Hamp.shire Swine Record Association. No hcrdbook has yet been published. The distribution of the Thin Rind breed is not extensive. It has long been bred and fed in Kentucky, and herds in a small way have been kept in Indiana and Illinois. The popularity of this breed is restricted, but has gained somewhat in recent years. 554 I^W^ ^^^ A FEW REFERENCE BOOKS ON THE PIG Those marked with a * are especially recommended. Jacob Biggle, Biggie Swine Book. Philadelphia, 1S99. *F. D. CoBURN, Swine IIu.sbandry. New York, 1888. Joseph Harris, Harris on the Pig. New York, 1870. *James Long, The Book of the Pig. London, N.D. Ur. Georg May, Die Schweinezucht. Berlin, 1880. *George M. Rommel, The Hog Industry. Washington, 1904. *S. M. Shepard, The Hog in America. Indianapolis, 1896. *Samuei, Sidney, The Pig. London, 1S71. *SANnERs Spencer, Pigs: Breeds and Management. London, 1897. John Walker, Pigs for Profit. London, 1905. *William YouAiTi- and W. C. L. Martin, The Hog. New York, 1863. MISCELLANEOUS LIVE-STOCK BOOKS R. L. Allen, Domestic Animals. New York, 1859. *JoHN Coleman, Cattle, Sheep, and Pigs of Great Britain. London, 1887. *JoHN A. Craig, Judging Live Stock (sixth edition). College Station, Te.xas, 1904. George Culley, Observations on Live Stock. Dublin, 1789. *George W. Curtis, Horses, Cattle, Sheep, and Swine. College Station, Texas, 1 888. R. W. Dickson, An Improved System of Management of Live Stock and Cattle. London, N.D. Sir William Jardine, The Natural History of the Ruminating Animals (The Naturalists' Library, Vol. IV). Edinburgh, 1836. *Live Stock Journal Almanac. London, issued yearly. *D.\viD Low, On the Domesticated Animals of the British Islands. London, 1842. D. G. F. Macdonald, Cattle, Sheep, and Deer. London, 1872. R. O. Pringle, The Live Stock of the Farm. Edinburgh, 1875. G. G. Richardson, The Corn- and Cattle-Producing Districts of France. Lon- don, N.D. J. II. Sanders, The Breeds of Live Stock. Chicago, 1887. *Thomas Shaw, The Study of Breeds in America. New York, 1900. *RoBERT Wallace, Farm Live Stock of Great Britain. Edinburgh, 1889. *Various Writers, The Best Breeds of British Stock. London, 1898. *WiLLiAM YouAiT, The Complete Grazier (revised by William Fream). Lon- don, 1893. INDEX Aberdeen Angus cattle, 213 ; as a daii7 cow, 220; characteristics, 217 ; cross- ing or grading, 220 ; early improvers, 214; geographical distribution of, 224; in America, famous, 223; intro- duction to America, 216; native home of, 213; organizations, 224; origin, 213; prices brought by, 222. Aberdeen Angus steer at International Live Stock Exposition, 222. Aberdeen Angus steers, 221 ; prices brought by, 223. Aberdeen Angus tribes in favor, 216. Action coach horse, 62. Aguirre Merinos, 342. American Merino, 339 ; as wool pro- ducer, 349; breeding qualities, 351 ; characteristics, 348 ; cross-bred or grade, 350; maturing qualities, 352; mutton qualities, 350; show-ring vic- tory, 355 ; size, 349. American studbook, 80. American Yorkshire Club, 544. Anchitherium, 4. Angora Goat Breeders' Association, 459. Angora goat, description, 456 ; distribu- tion, 459; fleece of, 457; introduction to America, 455 ; mutton, 45S ; native home, 455; prices, 459; prolificacy, 459 ; renovator brush land, 458 ; va- rieties, 455. Appenzell goat, 462. Arab horse, 7; characteristics, 12; cross- bred, 13 ; famiUes, 9 ; foundation, 9; in American history, 10; native home, 8; notable, 12; origin, 8; registration of, 13. Arab pony, 148. Arab studs in England and America, 1 1. Arabian, Darley, 15. Ardennais, 113. Ass, the, 155; African wild, 155; an- cestry of, 155; Asiatic wild, 155; characteristics, 155; to America, in- troduction, 160. Australian Merinos, 344. Ayrshire cattle, 287 ; as beef producers, 293 ; as butter cows, 292 ; as milk producers, 291 ; characteristics, 289; cross-bred or grade, 294 ; distribution, 294 ; early improvers, 288 ; introduc- tion America, 289 ; native home, 287 ; origin, 287 ; size, 291. Ayshire herd milk records, 291 ; in pub- lic tests, 292 ; milk for cheese, 293 ; milk records, 292 ; organizations pro- moting interests, 294. Bacon pigs, breeding, 535 ; weight, 535- Bacon type pig, characteristics, 533 ; demand for, 532. Bakewell, Robert, improver of Shire, 125, 429. Bar None (2388), 128. Barb, Godolphin, 15. Baron's Pride (9122), 118. Bates, Thomas, 177. Beautiful Bells, 48. Beef animal, general appearance of, 169; quality of, 173. Beef cattle, fleshing of, 174. Beef type compared, dual-purpose and, 307 ; of cattle, 169. Belgian Draft Horse, American Asso- ciation of Importers of, 137 ; char- acteristics of, 137; cross-bred, 139; distribution, 139; exhibitions in United States, 136; history in America, 136. Belgian horse, 133. Belgium as a horse-breeding country, 133; draft-horse shows in, 135; horse- breeding methods in, 134; Official Draft Ilorse Society of, 133. Bellfounder, 37, 66. Belted cattle. See Dutch Belted. Benedict (10315) 9300. 118. Berkshire pig, adaptability to environ- ment, 478 ; as feeder, 479 ; as grazer, 479 ; as source red swine, 506 ; boars, 476; characteristics, 476; charac- teristics old type, 473 ; color, 476 ; cross-bred or grade, 480 ; distribu- tion, 4S2 ; early improvement, 472; early-maturing, 478 ; families, 475 ; 555 556 INDEX fecundity and prolificacy, 481 ; foun- dation stock, 472 ; improvers early, 473 ; improvers, modern, 474 ; in Poland-China evolution, 486; intro- duction to America, 474 ; native home, 472; organizations for pro- moting, 482 ; pork, 480 ; prepotency, 482 ; prices, 483 ; size, 477 ; style and finish, 482. Big China pig, 4S5. Black Faced Highland sheep, charac- teristics, 453 ; cross-bred or grade, 454; distribution, 454; introduction in America, 453 ; native home, 452 ; origin, 452 ; special field in America for, 454; special value, 453. Black Top Merino, characteristics, 362 ; Spanish Merino, 361. Blake strain, 140. Blythwood Conqueror (14997), i-8- Books, miscellaneous live-stock, 554; on cattle, reference, 332 ; on horse, reference, 167; on pigs, 554; on sheep and goats, 466. Booth family, 178. Border Leicester sheep, 435 ; charac- teristics, 436; in America, 436; or- ganization to promote, 436; rams on Cheviot ewes, 436. Boulonnais, iii. Breton, 1 12. Brienz 168, dairy test, 329. British home Hackney, early, 63. Bronchos, 14S. Broomfield Champion (95), 116. Brown Swiss cattle, 326 ; adaptability, 330; as beef producers, 330; Breed- ers' Association, American, 331 ; characteristics, 327 ; dairy qualities, 328 ; distribution, 330 ; in crossing or grading, 331 ; in United States, introduction, 326 ; native home, 326; origin, 326; size, 328. Bury Chief Victor (11 105), 128. Byerly Turk, 15. Byfield pig, 484. Canadian cattle. See French Canadian. Cheshire pig as a feeder, 516; as a grazer, 517; Breeders' Association, 517; characteristics, 515; cross-bred or grade, 516; distribution, 517; fe- cundity, 517; meat, 516; native home, 514; origin, 514; popularity, 517; size, 515- Chester White pig as feeder, 501 ; as grazer, 503; breeding qualities, 502; characteristics, 500 ; cross-bred or grade, 502 ; distribution, 503 ; meat of, 503 ; organizations to promote, 503 ; origin Improved, 497 ; origin Ohio Improved, 499 ; original type, 497; prices paid for, 504; size, 500. Cheviot sheep as grazer, 417; charac- teristics, 416; cross-bred or grade, 418; distribution, 419; for mutton, 417; for wool, 418; hardiness, 418; introduction to United States, 416; native home, 415; on range, 419; organizations to promote, 420; origin, 415; prices for, 420; prolific charac- ter, 418; size, 417. Clay family, 41. Cleveland Bay horse, 86; as a breed, purity, 87 ; as roadster, 90 ; charac- teristics, 89 ; distribution, 90 ; early purpose, 87 ; half-bred or grade, 90 ; in America, 88 ; native home, 86 ; origin, 86; studbooks, 90. Clyde, alias Glancer (153), 116. Clydesdale horse, 114; as a breed, distribution, 122; breeders' associa- tions, 122; characteristics, 118; criti- cisms of, 123; early history, 114; half-bred or grade, 1 23 ; high prices for, 123; introduction to America, 120; of merit in America, 121 ; ori- gin modern, 114; sires, important, 115, 118; to United States, promi- nent introducers of, 122 ; use English blood on, 115. Coach horse, action, 62 ; sub-classes, 62. Coates''s Herd book, 195. Colling brothers, 176. Cotswold sheep, ancestry, 437 ; as feeder, 440 ; as grazer, 441 ; breeding qualities, 441; characteristics, 439; distribution, 442 ; for crossing and grading, 441; for mutton, 440; for wool, 442 ; introduction to America, 438 ; native home, 437 ; organizations for promoting, 442 ; origin name, 437 ; size, 440. Cruickshank, Amos, 179. Dairy type compared, dual-purpose and, 307 ; of cattle, 243 ; quality of, 248. Darley, Arabian, i 5. Darnley (222), 117. Dartmoor ponies. New Forest and, 148. Davy, John Tanner, 320. Delaine, type, maintenance, 362. Delaine, word, 357. Delaine Merino, 357 ; adaptability of, 364 ; as a feeder, 364 ; breeding (jual- ity, 364 ; cross-bred or grade, 364 ; INDEX 557 Dickinson, 358 ; distribution of, 364 ; mutton value,' 363; National, 359, 360 ; organizations promoting, 364 ; origin, 357 ; types, 357 ; Victor-Beall, 360. Denmark horse, 27. Devon cattle, 319; as butcher's beast, 323 ; as grazers, 324 ; as milkers, 323 ; characteristics, 322 ; distribution, 324; early improvers, 319; in crossing or grading, 324 ; introduction to Amer- ica, 320; native home, 319; organiza- tions to promote, 325; origin, 319; popularity in America, 325 ; size, 323 ; two types, 322. Devon oxen, 324. Dexter-Kerry, 303. Dickinson Delaine, 358 ; characteristics, 359- Dolly Bloom 12770, 2S2. Dorset Horn sheep, as a feeder, 411 ; characteristics, 410; distribution, 413; fecundity of, 412; for crossing or grading, 412; for early lambs, 411; for mutton, 411; for wool, 413 ; intro- duction to America, 409 ; native home, 408; organizations to promote, 414; origin, 408; popularity of, 413; size, 410. Dorset horns protection from dogs, 413. Draft horse, action, 92 ; breeds French, III; general conformation, 92 ; meas- urements, 97. Draft type, 92. Drivers of light harness horses, 53. Dual-puipose and beef type compared, 307 ; dairy type compared, 307. Dual-purpose cattle, demand for, 308 ; two classes of, 307. Dual-puipose type cattle, 307 ; relation- ship size to, 308. Duroc breed red pigs, 506. Duroc-Jersey pig, as a feeder, 510 ; as a grazer, 511 ; breeding characteristics, 512; characteristics, 509; cross-bred or grade, 512; distinction, 508; dis- tribution, 512 ; environment for, 510 improvement, 508 ; improvers, 50S maturing qualities, 510; meat, 512 organizations to promote, 513 ; origin, 507; size, 510; slaughter tests, 511. Dutch Belted cattle, 296 ; adaptability, 298 ; as beef producer, 298 ; character- istics, 297 ; cross-bred or grade, 299 ; dairy importance, 298 ; distribution, 299; introduction to America, 297; native home, 296; origin, 296; pro- motion, 299 ; records, 298. Eclipse, 16. Ellman, John, 378. England, horses introduced into, 15; improvement Jersey cattle in, 251 ; prior to Elizabeth, horse in, 14. English-bred horses, three, 16 ; Merinos, 344- Eohippus, 3. Epihippus, 3. Ecjuus, 4. Escurial Merinos, 342. Escutcheon, 248. Essex pigs, as feeders, 523; character- istics, 522 ; cross-bred or grade, 523 ; distribution, 524 ; early native type, 521 ; establishment Improved, 521 ; fecundity, 524; improvement, 521; introduction to America, 522 ; matur- ing qualities, 523; meat, 523; native home, 521 ; organizations to promote, 524; size, 523; special field for, 523. Exmoor pony, 147. Fleshing of beef cattle, 174. Flocks of Spain, provincial, 341. France, classes breeding stallions in, 76; horse racing in, 72; Percheron shows in, 109. French Canadian cattle, 300 ; breeding qualities, 302; characteristics, 300; distribution, 302 ; grazing qualities, 301 ; hardy character, 301 ; maturing qualities, 302 ; milk production by, 301; native home, 300; origin, 300; promotion, 302. French Coach horse, 72 ; characteristics, 77; distribution and adaptation, 79; grade or half bred. So ; origin, 73 ; source of stock, 73, 74 ; speed records, 78. French Draft Association, National, 113- French Draft horse, 11 1 ; breeds, iii. French horse, history, early, 72 ; Jockey Club, 72 ; methods to promote horse improvement of, 75 ; race track, 78. French Merinos or Rambouillets, 344. Fullerton, William, 216. Galliers, William, 202. Gallipoli, 99. Galloway bulls of distinction, 233. Galloway cattle, 225 ; American im- provers of, 233 ; as a meat producer, 230; as milk producer, 232; associa- tions for promoting, 228; character- istics of, 228; criticisms of the, 229; cross-bred, 230 ; distribution of, 233 ; 55S iNi)i-:x hardiness of, 230; hide of, 230; im- provement of, 225; introduction to America, 227; native liome of, 225; origin of, 225; prepotency of the, 231 ; prices for, 233 ; size of the, 232. General-purpose type cattle, dual or, 307- German Coach horse, 81 ; characteris- tics, 84 ; distribution, 85 ; history, 81; history in America, 83; impor- tant, 85; mares, 85; organization in America, 83; studbook, 85; type, 82. German or Silesian Merinos, 343. Germany, home horse breeding in, 81 ; records horse breeding in, 8i ; super- vision horse breeding in, 82. Glancer (335) alias Thompson's Black Horse, 116. Goat. See Angora. Goat, age milch, 464 ; Appenzell, 462 ; as milk producer, 460; Association American Milch, 463 ; fecundity milch, 464; importations America milch, 465 ; lactation period, 463 ; Langensalzaer, 462; Maltese, 460; Nubian, 462; Saanen, 462 ; Schwarz- thal, 463; Toggenburg, 461. Goats, milk-producing, 460 ; price milch, 464. Godolphin, 99; Barb, 15. Grant, Sir George Macpherson, 215. Green Mountain Maid, 48. Guadalupe Merinos, 342. Guernsey bulls of distinction, 284. Guernsey cattle, 276; as butter pro- ducers, 280; butter records, 281, 282 ; characteristics, 278 ; cross-bred or grade, 283; distribution, 284; im- provement, 276; in beef production, 283 ; introduction to America, 277 ; maturing character, 2S3 ; milk records, 279; native iiome, 276; organizations to promote, 285; origin, 276; size, 279. Guernsey milk, cheese value, 282. Guinea breed of pigs, 505. Hackney horse, 63 ; characteristics, 68 ; color of the, 69; development of, 64; distribution of, 71 ; early British home, 63 ; evolution of, 64 ; half-bred or grade, 70 ; in America, 66 ; pony, T49; Horse Society, 71; soundness of the, 69; speed and endurance, 66; stock, original, 63; use word, 63. Hal family, 42. Hambletonian 10, 38, 39. Hambletonian family, 37. Hampshire Down sheep, associations to promote, 407 ; as grazer, 406 ; cross- bred or grade, 406; distribution, 406; early improvement, 402 ; fecundity, 406 ; for early lambs, 405 ; for wool, 406 ; introduction to America, 404 ; native home, 402 ; origin, 402 ; prices for, 407 ; size of, 405. Hampshire swine. See T/iin Ri)id. Harold (3703), 128. Hereford cattle, 201 ; as meat pro- ducers, 209 ; breeders, early, 202 ; nineteenth century, 203; characteris- tics, 206; distribution, 210; intro- duction to America, 205 ; native home, 201 ; of note in America, 206 ; organizations to promote, 212; origin, 201 ; prices for, 211. Hereford steers in American fat stock shows, 210. Herefords of importance, foundation, 204. Herod (King Herod), 16. Hewer, John, 203. Hipparion, 4. Hitchin Conqueror (4458), 129. Holstein-Friesian, as producer of milk, 269; butter records, 271; milk for cheese, 272. Holstein-Friesian bulls, great, 274. Holstein-Friesian cattle as butter pro- ducers, 269; breeding and maturing power, 274; characteristics, 266; distribution of, 275; families of prominence, 274; grade or cross- bred, 272 ; introduction to America, 264; measurements, 268; native home of, 264 ; official testing of, 270; organizations for promoting, 274 ; origin name, 264 ; records, 270; size of, 268; oxen, 273. Honest Tom (1062), 127. Honest Tom (1105), 128. Horse, connection of modern and pre- historic, 6 ; discovery in America prehistoric, 1 ; distribution prehis- toric, 2 ; evolution of, 2 ; man and prehistoric, 6 ; racing in England, 14 ; reference books on, 167. Horses, number of record-making, 52 ; prices paid for standard bred, 52. Hyracotherium, 3. Improved Black Top Merino, 362. Indian pony, 148. Infantado Merinos, 342. Irish Grazier pig, Poland-China and, 486. INDEX 559 Jack, Catalonian, 157; height for, 159; Majorca, 158; Maltese, 156; Poitou, 158. Jacks and jennets, American Breeders' Association, 160 ; high prices for, 160. Jeffries, Thomas, 204. Jennets, American Breeders' Associa- tion of Jacks and, 160. Jersey bulls siring tested daughters, 261. Jersey cattle, 249 ; as beef producers, 259; as milkfat producers, 255; as producers of milk, 25S ; butter rec- ords, notable, 256; characteristics, 252; distribution, 262; early matur- ity, 262 ; for crossing and grading, 259 ; importation to America, 252 ; in England, improvement, 251 ; native home, 249; organizations for promot- ing, 263 ; origin, 249 ; prices for, 261 ; reproductive power, 262; size, 255. Jersey families of distinction, 260 ; island, purity cattle on, 250; milk for cheese making, 25S ; type, im- provement old, 250. Jersey Red pig. See Diiroc-Jersey. John Bull (i 169), 127. Justin Morgan, 39. Keheilan, 9. Keheilet, 9, 10. Kent sheep, early type, 450; in America, 451 ; modem type, 451 ; native home, 450. Kerry cattle, 303 ; as beef producer, 305 ; as milk producer, 304 ; char- acteristics, 303 ; distribution, 306 ; hardy character, 305 ; in cross-breed- ing, 306 ; maturing characteristics, 305 ; native home, 303 ; organiza- tion, 306 ; size, 304 ; true, 303. Langensalzaer goat, 462. Large white pig, 536. Large Yorkshire pig, ancestry, 536; as a bacon producer, 541 ; as feeders, 542 ; characteristics, 538 ; cross-breds, 540 ; distribution, 543 ; early improv- ers, 538 ; early-maturing, 540 ; intro- duction to America, 543 ; popularity in United States, 543; prolificacy, 542; size, 539; slaughter test, 541. Leicester sheep as grazer, 434 ; Bake- well type, 43 1 ; Border type, 435 ; breeding qualities, 434 ; characteris- tics Border, 436 ; cross-bred Cheviot- Border, 436 ; cross-bred or grade, 432 ; distribution, 434; for mutton, 432; for wool, 433 ; improvement, 429 ; in America, Border, 436 ; introduc- tion to America, 430 ; native home, 429 ; origin, 429 ; organizations to promote, 435 ; organization to pro- mote Border, 436; popularity, 434; size, 432. Lincoln sheep as grazers, 446 ; breeders and improvers of, 448 ; breeding quality, 447 ; characteristics, 444 ; cross-bred or grade, 446 ; distribution, 448; for mutton, 445 ; for wool, 446; introduction America, 443 ; native home, 443 ; organizations to promote, 448 ; origin, 443 ; prices for, 449 ; size, 445 ; Lincolnshire Lad II {1365), 127. McCombie, William, 214. Maltese goat, 460. Mambrino Chief, 38 ; family, 38. Man and prehistoric horse, 6. Martin's Boxer strain, 141. Matchem, 16. Merino sheep, Aguirre, 342 ; American, 339 ; as wool producer, American, 349 ; Australian, 344 ; Black Top Spanish, 361 ; breeding qualities American, 351; characteristics, 335, 348; Class A, 333; Class B, 334; Class C, 334; conformation, '^IZ''' cross-bred or grade American, 350; Delaine, 357; distribution, 352 ; drives in Spain, an- nual, 340; early improvers, 346; Eng- lish, 344 ; Escurial, 342 ; exportation from Spain, 343 ; fiber, fineness, 350 ; fleece to body, relationship weight, 349 ; German or Silesian, 343 ; Gua- dalupe, 342 ; Improved Black Top, 362 ; Infantado, 342 ; introduction to United States, 344 ; mania for, 346 ; maturing qualities, American, 352 ; mutton qualities, American, 350; native home, 339 ; Negrette, 342 ; organizations to promote, 352 ; origin, 343 ; origin. Delaine, 357 ; Paular, 341 ; Rambouillets or French, 344 ; rams, famous, 353 ; Saxon, 343 ; size, American, 349 ; show-ring victory, 355 ; Swedish, 343 ; three classes, ZZZ'^ type, 333; ^vool, 338; prices for, 354 ; subtypes or families, 355 ; use of three classes, 335. Mesohippus, 3. Messenger, 37. Middle White or Middle Yorkshire swine, 544. Middle Yorkshire or Middle White swine, 544. 56o INDEX Milch goat. See Goat. Milk veins, 247. Miss Russell, 48. Mohair, prices of, 458. Morgan family, 39. Mule, 161 ; a hybrid, 161 ; as carriage or saddle animal, 165; best type of, 164; characteristics, 162; color of, 164; distribution of, 161 ; endurance of, 164; in history, 161 ; Poitou, 165; raising in United States, 161 ; resist- ance to disease, 165; sex of, 166; temperament of, 164. Mules, classification, 162: levee, 163; lumber, 163; mine, 163; plantation, 162; prices paid for, 166; railroad, 163. Mustangs, 148. Mutton conformation, 375. Mutton type of sheep, 375. National Delaine, 359, 360. Negrette Merinos, 342. New Forest and Dartmoor ponies, 148. Nivernais, 112. Norfolk Red Polled cattle, 310; amal- gamation Suffolk and, 310. Nubian goat, 462. Ohio Importing Company, 183. Orloff horse, characteristics of, 54 ; color of, 56 ; cross American trotter and, 57; importations of, 56; origin of, 54 ; speed of, 57 ; trotter, 54 ; types of, 56. Orohippus, 3. Oxen, Devon, 324. Oxford Down sheep, as feeders, 398 ; characteristics, 396 ; cross-bred or grade, 398; distribution, 400; for wool, 399 ; introduction to America, 396 ; native home, 395 ; organiza- tions to promote, 401; origin, 395; prices paid for, 401 ; prolific quality, 400 ; size of, 398. Pace, explanation of, 49 ; interchange- able, trot and, 49. Pacer, the, 49; ancestry of the, 49. Pacers, sires of trotters and, 47. Pacing, brood mares, list of trotting or, 48 ; families, money-winning trotting or, 52 ; horse, conformation of, 50 ; records, 51 ; standard, 50. Packington Blind Morse, 127, Parahippus, 4. Paular Merinos, 341. Percheron horse, 98 ; Associations, American, 104; cross-bred or grade, 107; deterioration, loi; distribution in America, 107; early type, 100; history in United States, important, 106; improvement in France, 104; introduction to United States, 106; origin, 98 ; original home, 98 ; popu- larity of, 1 10; prices paid for, 109; Society of France, 104 ; type about 1877 of, loi ; type of to-day, 102. Percheron shows in France, 109. Percheron sires, famous, 108. Percheron studbooks, 105. Picardy, 1 13. Pig, American type, 467 ; bacon type, 532- 533; books on, 554; breeding bacon, 535 ; Byfield, 484 ; disposition fat type, 471 ; fleshing quality, 470; general appearance, 467; hair, 471; Russian, 484 ; weight bacon, 535. Pilot, 42 ; family, 42. Pliohippus, 4. Poitou, 165. Poland-China, adoption name, 486. Poland-China pig, adaptability to envi- ronment, 490 ; and Irish Grazier pig, 486; as feeder, 491 ; as grazer, 491 ; boars of note, 488 ; distribution, 494 ; early-maturing, 491 ; evolution, Berk- shire in, 4S6 ; characteristics, 489 ; color, 490; cross-bred or grade, 493; fecundity and prolificacy, 493 ; im- provers, 487 ; meat, 493 ; native home, 484; organizations to promote, 494; origin, 484 ; prices for, 495 ; size, 490 ; sows of note, 488. Polled Durham cattle, 197; distribution of, 200; double standard, 197; herd- book, American, 200; origin word, 197; popularity of, 200; prepotency, 200 ; promotion of interests of, 200 ; requirements for registering, 199; single standard, 197. Polo pony, 146. Ponies, 146; New Forest and Dart- moor, 148. Pony, Arab, 148; Exmoor, 147; height of, 146; improvement of Shetland, 152; Indian, 148; Polo, 146; Welsh, 146; Welsh mountain, 147. Portuguese pigs, 505. Position legs horse, proper, 61. Prehistoric horse, i ; and man, 6 ; exist- ence of, I ; color of, 5 ; connection of modern and, 6. Premier {2646), 128. Price, John, 203. INDEX 561 Prince of Wales {673), 116. Prince William (3956), 128. Protohippus, 4. Protorohippus, 3. Przewalskii's horse, 6. Quartly, Francis, 319. Racing in England, horse, 14. Kambouillet sheep, the, 366; ancestry, 366; as mutton producer, 371; as wool producer, 372; breeding quali- ties, 372 ; characteristics, 370 ; cross- bred or grade, 372 ; distribution, 373 ; early maturity, 373 ; French Merinos or, 344 ; hardy quality, 373 ; improve- ment, 367 ; introduction to United States, 368 ; native home, 366 ; or- ganizations to promote, 373 ; prices for, 374 ; size of, 371. Red or sandy-colored pigs in America, 505- Red pigs. See Duroc-Jersey. Red Polled cattle, 309 ; amalgamation Suffolk and Norfolk, 310; as beef producers, 314; as butter producers, 316; as milk producers, 315; char- acteristics, 312; in crossing or grad- ing, 316; deficiencies of, 317; distri- bution, 318; groups and tribes, 311 ; introduction to America, 312; milk records, 315; native home, 309; or- ganizations promoting, 318; origin, 309; weight, 314. Red swine, Berkshire as source, 506. Roadster type, 33. Romney Marsh. See Kent. Russian pig, 484. Saanen goat, 462. Saddle animal, mule as carriage or, 165. Saddle horse, American, 26; Breeders' Association, American, 32 ; charac- teristics of, 28 ; foundation stock American, 27 ; gaits of, 28, 29 ; his- tory, American, 26; influence Thor- oughbred on American, 26. Saddle horses, famous, 28; prices paid for, 32. Sandy-colored pigs in America, red or, 505- Saxon Merinos, 343. Schwarzthal goat, 462. Scotch Clydesdale Horse Society, 122. Shadingfield strain, 141. Shales, The Original, 65. Shetland ponies, of interest, 1 54 ; prices paid for, 1 53. Shetland pony, 150; ancestry, 150; characteristics, 151 ; improvement of, 152 ; in America, use of, 153 ; native home, 150; organization, 154; type of, 150. Shire horse, characteristics, 129; breed- ing in England, 124; critics in Amer- ica of, 130; demand for the, 131; distribution of the, 131 ; early history, 124; importations to America of, 130; importers of, 132; in crossing, use of, 131; in show ring, 132; modern, 126; old-fashioned, 125; organizations to promote the, 131 ; origin of, 124; Robert Bakewell, im- prover of, 125; Society, 131; stal- lions, important, 127 ; varieties of the, 126. Shorthorn cattle, as butcher's beast, 187; as milk producer, 190; at Louisiana Purchase Exposition dairy test, 192; breeders, other important, 180; characteristics, 184; color of, 186; dairy records, 191; grading or crossing, 1S9; herdbook, American, 195 ; imported to America, first, 183; improvers of the, 176; origin of, 175 ; original home of, 175 ; quality of, 187 ; steers at International Exposition, 188; steers in show ring, 188. Shorthorns in America, men who have promoted, 196; of interest, indi- vidual foundation, 180; prices re- ceived for, 193. Shropshire sheep as grazer, 392 ; char- acteristics, 389 ; cross-bred or grade, 391 ; distribution of, 393 ; early im- provers, 388 ; early-maturing, 392 ; fecundity of, 391 ; for general pur- pose, 393 ; for mutton, 390 ; for wool, 392; introduction to America, 388 ; native home, 387 ; orraniza- tions to promote, 393 ; origin, 387 ; prices for, 394 ; size of, 390 ; vigor of' 393- Silesian Merinos, German or, 343. Small white swine, strains or families, 5-5- Small Yorkshire pig, as a grazer, 528; characteristics, 526; cross-bred or grade, 528 ; distribution, 529 ; early- maturing, 527; fecundity, 528; in- troduction to America, 525 ; meat, 528 ; organizations to promote, 529 ; origin, 525; popularity, 528; size, 527, 562 INDEX Southdown sheep, 378 ; adaptability of, 384 ; as feeder, 383 ; breeding qualities, 384; characteristics, 381; criticism, 385 ; cross-bred or grade, 384 ; distribution, 385 ; early im- provers of, 378 ; for wool, 384 ; in- troduction to America, 381 ; mutton, 3S3 ; native home, 378 ; nobility breeding, 380 ; organizations pro- moting, 385; original stock, 378; prices for, 386; size of, 382. Spain, annual Merino drives in, 340; exportation Merinos from, 343 ; pro- vincial flocks of, 341 ; sheep hus- bandry in, 339. Spanish Merino, Black Top, 361. Spanish red pigs, 505. Spanish sheep, two groups, 340. Standard-bred horses, prices paid for, 52. Standard-bred trotter, what is a, 44. Standard Delaine, 360. Standard pacing, 50. Studbook, Thoroughbred, 24. Suffolk and Norfolk Red Polled Cattle, amalgamation, 310. Suffolk Down sheep, as feeder, 423 ; characteristics, 422 ;• cross-bred or grade, 423 ; distribution, 423 ; fecun- dity, 423 ; for mutton, 423 ; for wool, 423; introduction to America, 421; native home, 421; organizations to promote, 424; size, 422 ; origin, 421. Suffolk horse, characteristics, 142; cross-bred, 145; distribution, 145; draft horse, 144; early career, 140; fecundity and longevity of, 145; for- eign blood to improve, 140; founda- tion, 140; history modern, 141; in America, history, 142; native home of, 140; studbook, 145. Suffolk pig, characteristics, American, 530; distribution, American, 531; English, 530 ; in breed comparison, 531 ; origin, American, 530. Suffolk Red Polled cattle, 309. Sussex cattle, 234 ; beef properties, 235; characteristics, 234; cross-bred and grade, 236 ; distribution, 236 ; early-maturing and grazing value, 236; introduction to America, 234 ; milk- giving qualities, 235; native home, 234; origin, 234; promotion of, 237 ; size, 235. Swedish Merinos, 343. Swine, of Miami Valley, 484; type val- ued in United States, 467. Swiss cattle, races, 326. See Brmun S'wiss. Tam worth pig, ancestry, 545 ; as bacon, 547 ; as a feeder, 548 ; as a grazer, 550; characteristics, 546; criticisms, 550 ; cross-bred or grade, 549 ; dis- tribution, 550; early type, 545 ; fe- cundity, 549; improvement, 545; in- troduction America, 546; maturing quality, 548; native home, 545; or- ganizations to promote, 550 ; size, 547- . Thin Rind pig, as a grazer, 553; char- acteristics, 552; distribution, 553; fecundity, 553; grade or cross-bred, 553 ; meat, 553 ; organizations to pro- mote, 553; origin of, 551 ; size, 552. Thoroughbred horse, 14; color of, 21 ; conformation of, 20 ; distribution, 21 ; height, 21 ; influence on American saddle horse of, 26; origin of, 17; speed of, 22, 23 ; studbook, 24 ; tem- perament, 21 ; weight, 21. Thoroughbred sires, famous, 24, 25. Thoroughbreds, importationsto America of, 19; names famous, 17; prices of, 21 ; prominent American, 19; prominent British, 18. Toggenburg goat, 461. Tom Hal, 42. Tomkins family, 202. Trot, explanation of, 49. Trot and pace interchangeable, 49. Trotter, American, 36; cross of Orloff and American, 57; definition standard- bred, 44; in America, early use, 36; speed of the, 46; type of American, 43- Trotters and pacers, sires of, 47. Trotting, blood in America, source, 36. Trotting families of note, 37. Trotting horse, history of English, 36. Trotting or pacing brood mares, list, 48. Trotting or pacing families, money-win- ning, 52. Trotting records, fast, 47. Trotting register, 44. Tunis Sheep, Breeders' Association, 428 ; characteristics, 426 ; cross-bred or grade, 427 ; distribution, 428 ; fecundity of, 428 ; for early lambs, 427 ; for mutton, 427 ; for wool, 428 ; introduction to America, 425 ; native home, 425 ; origin, 425; size, 427. Turk, Byerly, 15/ Type of cattle, beef, 169; dairy, 243. Type, quality of dairy, 248. Udder, 246. United States, mule raising in, 161. INDEX 563 Veins, milk, 247. Victor-Beall Delaine, 360. Victoria pig, adaptability, 520; argu- ment for, 520; as a feeder, 520; association for promoting, 520; breeding qualities, 520; character- istics, 519; cross-bred or grade, 520; Curtis, 518; Davis, 518; distribution, 520; origin, 518; pork, 520; size, 519. Watson, Hugh, 214. Webb, Jonas, 379. Welsh mountain pony, 147. Welsh pony, 146. West Highland cattle, 238 ; as beef producers, 240; breeders' organiza- tion, 242; breeding qualities, 241; characteristics, 238 ; cross-bred or grade, 241 ; distribution, 242; hardi- ness of, 240 ; introduction to America, 238; milking qualities, 241; native home, 238 ; origin, 238 ; size, 240. William the Conqueror {2343), 128. Wright strain, 141. Yeksa Sunbeam, 281. Yorkshire Coach horse, 91. Yorkshire pig, ancestry Large, 536 ; Small, 525. 3A77