Te Aatiidianall al Ppa OE ES er el er et ST ee ~ OO ae ~~ 3 See ebre eon eee geet $-t-e-t 9-800 & 50 OS eae Ab ee = ? of yoEtoers iene ee = 1 ETE Sale eC eOE 9,7 CNET Saat p 0 eet SE So eS hee Ce a ere La ee en on ag ea tere Se arte See RS SE oD nae ature elt OSB Ee 4 is Cs i=} ie 2 v 2 4 a + j a | a | A n re Me { = | | on » aa ye | ag oy \ i " . a ; Xen ieeiaes ais uy Si! FE} s CAX. 1 j ‘ + Vel } ‘') 2 ’ ' ; | . i’ — PELE i I. See { Rea EASD EY bn PRACTICAL, wk epeE oP oth: Oey Lie tiara ANI KARADA t Rieorses CATILE. Sat EPeaNnD SV UNE. OrIGIN, History, IMPROVEMENT, DESCRIPTION, CHARACTERISTICS, MERITS, OBJECTIONS, ADAPTABILITY SOUTH, ETC., OF EACH OF THE DIFFERENT BREEDS, WITH HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT, — INCLUDING — MEDHODSSOF PRACTICAL BREEDERS IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. ay OF CONGS 3k™ =i IM GALOIS AAR BAD NU COUAGHITE Meany JAN 24. 1889_ y BY GHOMWr CU RERISH ei sn At PROFESSOR OF AGRICULTURE IN THE AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS. PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, CoLLEGE STATION, BRAzos County, TEXxas. 1888. om = ~ A 7 A I - ° 2 ut Bo is 1 oa o a y, > _Copyricut, 1888, By GEO. W. CURTIS. (Au Ricuts RESERVED.) , PREFACE. From early boyhood I have been a lover of good stock, familiar with the every- day, practical work in handling and feeding; and when, as a student in one of our agricultural colleges, my attention was first drawn to the need for a suitable text-book on domestic animals, 1 began a more extended study, with the purpose in view which I have since striven to accomplish. In presenting this volume to the public, I desire especially to acknowledge the kindly encouragement received from my co-workers in the line of agricultural instruc- tion. Many, like myself, have been giving lectures to their students on the subjects treated in these pages, and, from very lack of time, the lectures have been incom- plete and unsatisfactory. The urgent requests which have reached me, especially during the past year, have greatly encouraged me to push forward the work. From another class—the general stockman and farmer—has come a still more urgent demand for information of this character. I have received many inquiries which these pages will answer, and, while the successful stockman is one who understands his work, I trust all will find much of interest and something of profit in their perusal. The statements of actual methods pursued by successful breeders in different parts of the country, will be found of very great value. There are many young farmers, and perhaps some older ones, who are in need of information of a practical kind regarding the “ points” in handling stock, and for all such, the letters from prac- tical men given in the Chapters on Care and Management, are worthy most careful study. In all assertions as to average weights for the different breeds, it must be remem- bered that animals are frequently found which exceed the weights given, and others, just as frequently, which fall below them. It is very difficult to make statements of this kind which will not be subject, perhaps justly, to criticism from partisans of the several breeds; but it has been my aim to give what I believe to be the truth, regard- less of whose shoulders it may strike most heavily. The statements regarding ease of acclimation in the fever belt, are made after a very careful study of the subject for the past five years, and an extensive correspond- ence with breeders and importers of northern bred stock—especially cattle—in the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico. It is believed that full credit has been given for every quotation; but I desire to make especial mention of the Agricultural Press—from many papers I have quoted —from all, derived something of value which has aided me in my work. The follow- ing list, while it does not include all, represents most of the periodicals, devoted wholly or in part to live stock, to which I am in any way indebted: Twazf, Field and Farm, New York; Breeder's Gazette, Chicago; ational Live-Stock Fournal, iv PREFACE, Chicago; American Agriculturist, New York; Western Agriculturist, Quincy, Ill.; Canadian Live Stock Fournal, Hamilton, Ont., Canada; American Sheep Breeder, Chicago; Herds and Ficcks, Chicago; Hoard’s Dairyman, Fort Atkinson, Wis.; Spirit of the Times, New York; Country Gentleman, Albany, N. Y.; Rural New- Yorker, New York; Southern Cultivator, Atlanta, Ga.; American Farmer, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Farm and Home, Springfield, Mass.; Breeder's Fournal, Beecher, II1.; Texas Farm and Ranch, Dallas; Texas Live-Stock Fournal, Fort Worth; and the Texas Stockman and Farmer, of San Antonio. To many breeders I am indebted for information respecting various matters of interest, and to each I would express my appreciation of the aid thus kindly given. Among others to whom I am indebted in a personal way, I can not fail to mention at times severely strict—direction, I owe much of whatever I have since been able to accom- my father, Lyman J. Curtis; to the early training on the farm, under his plish; the later instruction of my valued friend, Professor S. A. Knapp, is remembered with pleasure and profit. Of more immediate importance, has been the faithful assist- ance of my wife; without her aid, relieving me from all details of correspondence and clerical work, it would have been impossible to publish this volume for at least another year. To my co-worker, Professor F, A. Gulley, I am indebted for valuable sugges- tions; to Professor Louis L. McInnis, Chairman of our Faculty, for various courtesies; and to my assistant, Mr. J. F. Duggar, and Foreman of Farm, Mr. J. H. Alsworth, I return thanks for relief from routine work which would otherwise have required my personal attention. THE AUTHOR. STATE AGRL. AND MECHL. COLLEGE, COLLEGE STATION, TEX. August, 1888. GoONnTEN Ts. Raha FP lRiSin. THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF HORSES. CHAPTER I. PAGE IPERCHERONS! cele crcaiincetnacitiaat cleleteta Bees 8 CHAPTER II. UREN CHUL) RENE ar et ehay e\slaloncinleia’s cle ievereeeniater: 12 CHAPTER UI IBEUEGIANS) «/cc1c 010) sie1e E.cle Monsnom@udneoDoaocoé 15 CHAPTER IV CLV ESWAT ES ira crt faveleie eid o/s) crcls Wa careers 17 CHAPTER V. EINGUISH SHIRES keer tisiereicncieyerajejo 21.8 dare 22 CHAPTER VI. SUREOLKS LUNCH wrens etete cieicie stoe'c ccc aeiete 25 CHAPTER VII. CLEVELAND Bays ....... Sea bl CHAPTER VII. RRUION GET GOA GH victors cle ajcleteis cle siereye sve s\seheinre 30 CHAPTER IX. THOROUGHBREDS tere ateieivictois's wis ate’ ix s’eiae.0 «i010 CHAPTER X. AMERICAN TROTTERS........... CHAPTER XI. ORLOFF TROTTERS CHAPTER XII. SHEDLAND) PONIES) ).iciclecic eicicisle'sis1s cw edenca CHAPTER NII. WVAEISS ETMENONLEDS «2 otete ye etree n,c7s) ekdlerera\ sisyevevaiciers CHAPTER XIV. EEX OOR SE ONES cies lepers tareleteicieterehetatciiaisiste es CHAPTER XV. IVES CANE ONDE jclctereleiate cisials ofcla win tn eieyeleie's CHAPTER XVI. ENIDVAIN SE ONITESS mee ets loess eters oi etelelcateleveleiste ce) Vole. CHAPTER XVI. LUINTSTON SELECTION, (\CARE AND MANAGEMENT: acy. «lacie cies csi sae «celasaveeew oscie dese PART SECOND. THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF CATTLE. CHAPTER XVIIL PAGE FLOUSTEIN-THRTESTANS Mpeaietraeieieciciae ts 80 CHAPTER XIX. UES HWS gases eeralaraycrn cl oveletetel istete fete nels niece sce 86 CHAPTER XX. GUER NSE S yotspoleles pores ian he etiake oie arn ieiats 91 CHAPTER XXI. LAY RISHURES (5 cyeiwrstersiey = oinveVelciais aieyeo 700 ia 316.5% 93 CHAPTER XXII DUTCH BELTED! sc yce cite or ocist car vei soo000 Us) CHAPTER XXIII. AMERICAN HOLDERNESS 102 CHAPTER XXIV. IS ROWING IS WISS orsraict versie Great «piers erarsietaverererere 105 CHAPTER XXV. IBRUGIIDAINTE SS ejafeler s/s iejetern ele Bate dysiore'a sieteraiwisiele 108 CHAPTER XXVI. IKGERIRTES fcc etree cisisiers Sielsieteys were wieleweiersyesis 110 CHAPTER XXVIL. CHAPTER Nortu-WAvets-Biack CHAPTER PEMBROKES...... HEREFORDS . GALLOWAYS..... vi CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXVI. PAGE ASBERDEEN=ANGUS Mee eieiecertieeeiie tice 148 CHAPTER XXXVII SS USSES eerie cps einer eens Gien esis, aloes 152 CHAPTER XXXVIII. SIMMENTHAL) serie eal vote sroiciae «celeron 154 CHAPTER XLII. Hints on SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT PART THIRD. THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF SHEEP. CHAPTER XLII. PAGE MEE RUN OS 55, role sio? oxovorere erates -slalelarsrnierere enema 176 AZWOOGS ~ aisieicic cies PAA OrIOa CO ATORDO OOO . 182 DRAMAS 15.215 6:5 10) 6sreverwsa oie (e eione lop Soe eA eTOTO 183 DIICKIMSONS is sissy. lord oicicemtergrneis oon 186 PEMA? The none aaonad nacKno coseHe : 188 VELL CORO RAE ToCCACHaTIn AGO BUC ODEDC 191 CHAPTER XLIV. HoRNED-DoRSETS........... mlatetstalelotetetorete 193 CHAPTER XLV CHEVIOTS:.2.5.5,.4, w.cctrecicseee Meee Spocan ita CHAPTER XLVI. SOUTHDOWINS | isis coe ne see cements 197 CHAPTER LIT. Hints oN SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT PART FOURTH. THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF SWINE. CHAPTER LIV. PAGE IBERKSHIRES). jis) cf ote ccrienelsiecoaeee eee 226 CHAPTER LV. IPOGAND: CHINAS 2.52 -i1e hetissne Ganon 229 CHAPTER LVI. ID UROG-]ERSHYS\iy a telelais ceteris eeciece 232 CHAPTER LVII. GHESTER-WHULES tee toe Oe 235 CHAPTER LVIII. Topp’s IMPROVED CHESTER-WHITES..... 237 CHAPTER LIX. GOTHEANDS 52). 345s ose wate are oieeee 239 CHAPTER LX. (CUR TIS-\VACTORTAS fer-eiaiciclsayeisl eke aie clientes 239 CHAPTER LXVIII. Hints ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT..............---- ooo 9.000 Adn.oOOO BeOgOnAD CHAPTER XXXIX. PAGE BRAHMINS! (ZEB) neeeetrseeieteeieaene 157 CHAPTER XL. WirstT-HIGHEAN DST ieciecienienine seinen 160 CHAPTER XLI. ‘DEXANS 4:06 oceanic ay Setal state eter accidistese otra 164 Boats Eideicele./3| 62/0) COMTTORTO ey Se eee eee 166 CHAPTER XLVI. PAGE SHROPSHIRES Sc 05. ooo ae iae ABooo yt) CHAPTER XLVIL. FLTAMPSHIRES) fo... 1005sloniesieionenin Soe eon 203 CHAPTER XLIX. OXFORDSHIRESo cs aceleea toe eeceene 206 CHAPTER L. GoOrsWOLDSrsce. pers cee eae stakeerexere 208 CHAPTER LIL. TE RICESTERS the semiotics one ae ieee 212 CHAPTER LI. IGINCOENS 2 s.15 scp sustsie ian eleie oho, SAT CUD SCS CAE 215 55 asics eiterihohousmeRocsve ye eyevelreae ec okela wlenc/arere Nana vereTe 219 CHAPTER LXI. PAGE DAVIS“ VACTORIAS 5s 51512 co.cc /eve'e)o-0 afe1creielelevetion 240 CHAPTER LXII. CHESHIRES....... BOOnHER Sod xs ato podoone. me CHAPTER LXIIL. SMALL) YiORKSHIRIES jelc« . ON ig cada SS5coo Gab daadubosHaU geo OOOO ON 64 WIESE IPRONDES 2 qc) ce isyoieleysieisias i= sel isieie (OD. SUL ice Boououpncomarerar ooGUon COLO Ea DOOnE 66 IETXIMOOR) PONIES © |= ‘ere(s|sysicic bio oie: evote-c:<)s'0\s's i" Mis Goug ennanodn moa soos oneeoBAGBeos DTIC 67 MEXICAN Ponies (MUSTANGS)......... Gi DO Grd doubaganeage coh Gado Ds seenby Oude 67 NDIA APONTE S sce eicicte)« mic sfeleis , «/siesicteve erste Pe! DAVIES GamoouDCLe ce OO Uae BO Sor AOGUe Pae So 69 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT. Ghia ter Sa W pleases fey er ae retommpayet lee isieystefes aacucts loos Toe ayleasie sicisleiee:s ileieieies 72 8 PERCHERONS. CHAPTER I. PER CHERONS. The Percheron is an old French breed, long noted for rapid and effective draft work, and always supposed to owe much of its excellence to Eastern blood. When steps were taken to compile the Percheron Stud Book of France, careful enquiry revealed a much greater predominance of Arabian blood than had been previously claimed. It was then found that puts it— as Mr. Sanders, in his treatise on Horse Breeding, “What the Darley Arabian was to the English Thoroughbred, and the gray Arabian Smetanxa to the Orloff, the gray Arabian Gallipoli has been to the Percheron horse of France.” Du Hays (American Translation of the Percheron Horse), after expressing his belief in its descent from Arabian blood, says: ‘““We cannot, however, find in history, the written positive proof that the Percheron is an Arab, but we believe it easy by fair historical deduction, to prove what he is in fact.” The same author, speaking of the improvement of the breed, states that: “The Percherons must have been especially modified by contact with the breed of Brittany, where their striking characteristics are now met with in a large number of individuals.” In Volume I, of the American Percheron Stud Book, we find this statement: “Aside from the history and traditions of the country, the Percheron horse himself furnishes unmistakable evidence in his form, disposition, color and general characteristics, that he is closely allied to the Arab.” Again, from the same source, we quote: “As the immense draft horses of the North (Flemish) were closely allied to, if not identical with, the large breed that prevailed in Normandy and La Perche, prior to the modification produced by the introduction of the blood of the Arabian and the Barb, heretofore alluded to, it was very natural, that, when the Percheron breeders found it desirable to increase the size of their horses, their eyes should be turned toward this kindred race, from which other countries had already drawn so heavily for the same purpose. Accordingly we find that mares in large numbers were taken from these northern departments, and from Belgium, under the various names of Belgians, Boulonnais, Mares of Picardy, etc., and were bred to the stallions of La Perche. Stallions from the same country were also extensively introduced, under various names and of slightly differing types. But, notwith- standing the multiplicity of names arising from the different departments in which they had been bred, and the slight variation in form that existed, they were, after all, nothing more nor less than the Flanders Draft Horse—the same blood that had already exercised so potent an influence upon the horse stock of Great Britain.” To sum up then, briefly, there is ample proof of the use of the celebrated Arabian stallions (both gray) Godolphin and Gallipoli, in the formation of the Percheron breed; and there is little doubt that—like the heavy British breeds—it owes its superior size to crosses with the large horse of Flanders. Importations to the United States of what are now claimed to have been Perch- "I ‘udu AA SWVHNOG “AA “W Aq paumo pu payiodut fyyot palvoz fyou[q ‘uojoa "(GGZ) 123) ‘LNVITITING ‘NOIT1IVLS NOYSHOUSd ‘9 a UAy We Z — PERCHERONS. by SINT } I) i Ce 10 PERCHERONS. erons, were made as early as 1851, but they were called simply French Horses. In 1866 Mr. W. S. Ficklin, of Charlottesville, Va., imported several Percheron horses under their proper name; and in 1868 William T. Walters, of Baltimore, returning from France, after a sojourn of several years, brought with him a considerable number of these horses; he also caused to be translated and published that interesting little work the “Percheron Horse,” by Du Hays, from which we have quoted. And now a word in regard to the Perchero-Norman controversy. In 1854, one of the stallions imported in 1851, under the name of French Horses, was sold to Messrs. Dillon & Co., of Normal, Ill. This horse was exhibited with many colts of his get at county and state fairs, under the name “ Norman,” and soon obtained a high degree of favor among horsemen of Illinois and neighboring States. In this way began the confusion of names which has continued more or less urabated until within the past few years, and is, even now, a matter of considerable uncertainty and vexa- tion. When the first steps were taken to form an American Stud Book in 1876, it was proposed to adopt the name “ Norman.” For reasons which he considered satis- factory, Mr. Sanders, Secretary of the Association, changed the name to “ Percheron Norman Stud Book,” the Association afterward ratifying the change. Many breeders of French horses, however, were in favor of the term Norman, and accordingly withdrew from the offending society and began the publication of the National Register of Norman Horses; all draft horses imported from France being eligible for record. There was, if such were possible, greater confusion than before, the names Norman, Norman-Percheron, Percheron-Norman, Percheron and French Draft, obtaining equal prominence, and, indeed, were used interchangeably as synony- mous terms for the same breed. In 1883, the Soctete Hippigue Perchonne was organized in France, and the Per- cheron Norman Society immediately, and wisely, adopted the name by which the breed is recognized in its native country. The name was thus changed to the Per- cheron Society, and their record, the Percheron Stud Book of America. Thus the matter of nomenclature rests for the present; each breed has its partisans; both are valuable. While we do not propose to decide between them, yet we cannot forbear noticing this fact: the Norman Register admits all draft horses imported from France. The Percheron Society requires that all animals imported after January Ist, 1884, must be recorded in the Percheron Stud Book of France. The value of this restric- tion, in preserving the purity of the Percheron breed, is at once apparent, and can- not fail to attract favorable notice from all lovers of thoroughbred stock. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS : Color varies, gray—-mostly dappled—predominating, while there are many pure blacks and bays, and all shades of gray, from the darkest iron to almost pure white. The body is low, square, and full in all points, with magnificent head, and a neck which, for beauty, would not disgrace the proudest of Barbs. Legs are short in proportion, and while very massive, are yet fine and close knit. Percheron breeders claim almost perfect immunity from bone and leg diseases, such as ring-bone, splint, wind-galls, ete. Our own experience with the breed, particularly with the half blood colts from native mares, has not justified an admission of this claim, and we feel “TIT foude yy SWVHNOG ‘AN WN Aq paumo pur (¢/sT) poytodurr feysp papeos fyoviq “410joD PERCHERONS. 11 (ZOv)) 61S AGIVISGV ‘SYVIN NOYSHONAd -_ =: 12 FRENCH DRAFT (NORMAN). compelled to state that some breeders, and many who have used the Percheron grades for heavy farm or other work, have expressed a belief that the Percherons are even more subject to these troubles than some of the other breeds. The Percheron is a draft breed, mature stallions weighing from 1600 to 2100 or 2200 pounds, and their get from ordinary mares weighing from 1200 to 1700 or 1800 pounds, when grown. They are quick, active and intelligent. Some have thought them vicious, and we have known a number of ill-tempered representatives of the breed; but it is more than likely that the troublesome temper was caused by unskillful or vicious” grooms. Quite a number have been brought to Texas from Northern States, and some imported direct from France; while they stand the as do some of their climate as well as any of the large breeds, yet we cannot say partisan breeders—that they acclimate with perfect safety. Our illustrations, kindly furnished by Mr. Dunham, of Oak Lawn Farm, Wayne, Ill., represent Brilliant, perhaps the most noted draft stallion ever imported to America, and Adelaide, one of Mr. Dunham’s finest mares. “Oak Lawn” is one of the largest breeding establishments in the world, and its owner spares neither time nor expense to keep up and constantly improve the quality of his stud. CHAPTER II. FRENCH DRAFT (NORMAN). From the chapter on Percherons will be gathered somewhat of the author’s ideas as to the name and present status of the Norman or French Draft. As there stated, the term French Draft includes not only the Percheron, but also the other heavy families, or breeds, of French horses. We can see much good sense and con- siderable necessity in perpetuating the registry of French Draft horses; many have been, and are still being, imported to the United States, which are not eligible to record in the Percheron Stud Book, by reason only of nativity in another province than Perche ; and many of these horses stand as individuals, and produce a progeny 3 second to none of the modern draft breeds. The National Register of Norman Horses admits all draft horses of thorough French blood, no matter to what breed or family they may belong. We can see no just cause for the apparently intermin- able wrangle between those who set themselves up as champions of, and authority on, respectively, the French Draft and Percheron breeds. The former includes the latter, and the latter is now undoubtedly more closely bred and limited as to registry than the former. There is no foundation that we can see for claiming that any breed should have exclusive credit for improvement in American draft horses, and there is no doubt that very many of the French Draft horses now in the United States have no superior among even the most select Percherons. The precise origin of the French Draft horse would be hard to trace; so many strains or families, all bred out from a common center, and improved in whateyer “RENCH DRAFT (NORMAN.) SI ‘ruodiq jo qauura feel pareoz 2 yIeIq “10]OD “1%Z) GSES ‘LNVN3YdNS ‘NOITIVLS Liavud HONSY4S ‘eMO] 'EsOO[eySO ‘AAVTITA\ F YAONIAdS ‘sassayy Aq poyodurt fasuvsyZ JO SinodUOD [eUOIwN 7” ‘OST “TRPAIW pue * 14 FRENCH DRAFT (NORMAN). tte ae | , "ih | li Hine TLR th : / / || nt f | eh A ay ess ad LE ITT FRENCH DRAFT STALLION, FARCEUR, 5356 (140). Color, dapple gray; foaled 1882; weight, 2,000 lbs.; winner First Prize at Nat’] Concours of France 1886; imported by Messrs. SPRINGER & WILLARD, Oskaloosa, Iowa. BELGIAN DRAFT. 15 direction best suited the demands of any peculiar locality, would naturally tend to break somewhat the line of descent. According to Youatt, who wrote in 1831, the Province of Normandy was the one most noted at that time for its horses, the French Government buying annually from the Norman stock for use in the other provinces. Prof. Low, in his great work on the Domestic Animals of Great Britain, pub- lished 1842, noted the same facts, and attributed it to the better grass and food con- ditions found in this province. All the heavy horses of the continent, and through these, of the British Islands, may be traced to the low, rich regions of Middle and Southwest Europe. The old Black Horse of Flanders, doubtless, owed his great size to these natural conditions of vegetation, and may very properly be considered a sort of mile-post—a stepping stone—between the horses left in that country by the warlike nations of Northeast Europe in the frequent invasions west and south- ward, and the modern draft horses of France. The first importation of Norman horses to the United States was made about 1839, but not until 1850-60 were many imported to the Western States; since that time, however, they have become widely and favorably known. In the South they are better known than the Percherons and do as well in all respects. The National Norman Horse Association, organized in 1876, was, in 18S4, changed to, and incorporated as, the National French Draft Horse Association. C. E. Stubbs, of Fairfield, Ia., is the present Secretary. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: As bred and known in the United States, there is so little difference between the French Draft and the Percheron, as to preclude any necessity for statement, other than has been already given in the preceding chapter (which see). The only point to which attention may be called is that there appears to be a wider diversity in color, and a greater variation from type among French Draft than among Percheron horses. In this connection, compare, also, the illustrations of French Draft and Percheron horses, all of which have been carefully selected as representative animals of the breeds in question. CHAPTER III. BEE GAarAGN DUR ZARE i. A comparatively new breed to America, but one which is earning marked dis- tinction on merit alone. The Belgian Draft is a direct descendant of the original Black Horse of Flanders, and has been developed in unison with his neighbor breed, the Boulonnais; indeed the latter bids fair to become a member, part and parcel of the former. There has been more or less activity among Belgian importers to the United States since about IS70. Dr. A..G. Van Hoorebeke, of Monmouth, IIl., was prob- 16 1 hy NY il il i? WA WU hie BELGIAN DRAFT. BELC!IAN DRAFT STALLION. Color, chestnut; foaled 1884; impcerted 1887 by Masston & Son, Minonk, III. CLYDESDALES. 17 ably the first to import, and his early importations in 1866 and next succeeding years were called Boulonnais. Of late years, however, Belgium has insisted, and rightly, on giving her name to her peculiar horse stock, and the Doctor’s later importations, as well as those of Messrs. Massion & Son, of Minonk, Ill., and other reliable im- porters, have been under the name by which they are now recognized, The American Association of Importers and Breeders of Belgian Draft Horses was organized in 1877, with J. D. Conner, Jr., of Wabash, Ind., Secretary. All draft horses imported from Belgium prior to January Ist, IS8S8, on satisfactory proof of same, are eligible to registry. Any horse imported from Belgium after January Ist, 1888, is not eligible to registry, unless previously registered in the Government Reg- ister of Belgium, known as the Society of Belgian Stock Farmers. Animals bred in the United States from registered sires and dams, are eligible to registry under the rather peculiar caption: “Native Full-Bloods.” DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color, generally bay or brown-black, but sorrel, roan and other colors are occa- sionally found. In size, they are about equal to the Percheron, perhaps somewhat larger, say an average of from 1,650 to 2,200 lbs. for mature stallions. The head is small and close fleshed; the neck, short and very powerful; chest, wide and deep; back, short and broad, full over the kidneys; hips, long; legs, short with wide flat bone, heavy muscle, and feet of proverbial soundness. As compared with the Per- cherons, they are more compact—* blocky ”—and more nearly round in the body, but, withal, resemble them so closely in many points as to warrant a second look, from eyen an expert, before passing judgment as to breed of the animal in question. The subject of our illustration is a typical Belgian, and the fact that he was selected by the elder Massion (who attends personally to all selections for impor- tation) is a sufficient guaranty of his excellence in the breed to which he belongs. CHAPTER IV. GL Ye DES DrASL AS 1S: Like the Percheron, the French Draft, and in fact all of the other Draft Breeds, the Clydesdale owes its original merit to the Black Horse of Flanders—a lineal descendant of the great Black Horse of Northern Europe, which, according to Prof. Low, inhabited “in the wild state, the vast regions of marsh and forest, which stretched all through Europe to the Euxine [ Black] Sea.” The first mention we have of large horses in Scotland, is found in a particular edict of ‘Safe Conduct” from King Edward I. issued 1352, and referring to “ten large horses” which were to be taken to Teviotdale. Although it is not definitely stated whence these horses came, yet from the fact that the edict was obtained by the Earl of Douglas, it may be CLYDESDALES. CLYDESDALE STALLION, CILDEROY, 2826 (1438). Color, bay; foaled 1878; imported (1886) and now owned by GALBRAITH Bros., Janesville, Wis, CLYDESDALES. 19 reasonably inferred that the horses were taken from Douglas Castle in the upper portion of Lanarkshire, otherwise termed Clydesdale; and from the additional fact, that the Earl of Douglas was an ancestor of that famous breeder of Clydesdales, the Duke of Hamilton, we may reasonably suppose that these “ten large horses” were an important factor in laying the foundation of the original Lanarkshire breed. And now in relation to the use of the Black Horse of Flanders, we have the following from the retrospective Volume of the Clydesdale Stud Book : “Some time between 1715 and 1720, John Paterson, of Lochlyoch, on the estate and in the Parish of Carmichael, grandson of one John Paterson who died at Lochlyoch in 1682, went to Eng- land and brought from thence a Flemish stallion, which is said to have so greatly improved the breed in the Upper Ward, as to have made them noted all over Scotland.” From the same authority we quote : “The Lochlyoch mares were generally browns and blacks with white faces and a little white on their legs; they had gray hairs in their tails, occasionally gray hairs over their bodies, and invariably a white spot on their belly, this latter being recognized as a mark of distinct purity of blood.” There can be little doubt of the presence of Flemish blood in the present Clydes- dale race. But we are strongly inclined to give credit, not so much to the heavy, clumsy Black Horse, as to the infusion of some lighter but stronger blood, which has given to the breed its well-known courage and action, in marked contrast to the slug- gish movements of the old Cart or Lincoln horse of England. The colors of the Lochlyoch mares—the last of which died out some thirty-five years ago—considered in connection with the predominant bay color of modern Clydesdales, would point toward the old Cleveland horse as a probable factor in improvement, and this view is strengthened by many characteristics common to both breeds. The name of the breed, Clydesdale, would indicate its restriction to that particular locality, but these horses were very generally bred in other portions of Scotland, and obtained their name solely from the fact that, in Clydesdale, they were earlier brought to a high degree of merit and pushed into more prominent notice. Importation to America, both Canada and the United States, has been active and long continued. Through the kindness of Mr. C. F. Mills, Springfield, Ill., the present Secretary of the Association, we are enabled to give the following list com- prising all of the early importations of Clydes: “Tn 1842, Gray Clyde 78, was imported by Archibald Ward, of Markham, Ontario. 1845, Sovereign 181, was imported by R. Johnson, Scarboro, Ont. 1847, Marquis of Clyde 101, was imported by Thomas Summerville, Whitby, Ontario. 1850, Cumberland 106 was imported by David Roundtree, Jr., Weston, Ontario. 1854, Bay Wallace 5, was imported by William Cochrane, Claremont, Ontario. 1855, Clydesdale Jock 33, was imported by John R. Torrence, of Markham, Ontario, and Jock of the Side 760, by Simon Conner, of Markham, Ontario. 1856, Merry Farmer 20, was imported by Mrs. A. Ward, of Markham, Ont., and Byron 197, by James Dalziel, of Chesterfield, Ont. 1857, Rob Roy 90, by Thomas Irving, Montreal, Quebec; and Black Douglas 27, by William Miiler, Pickering, Ontario. Prior to 1860 a number of very choice Clydesdale stallions were im- ported into Ohio by Fulling*on & Co., none of which have been recorded.” Since 1860 their introduction has been very rapid, and the number bred in America has more than kept pace with imported stock. The Clydesdale Society of America was organized in 1877, and the first volume CLYDESDALES, “SIM ‘o][IAsouuf “soug HLIvudivy Aq paysoduir yO STET parvos ‘spoq saw {SL8T parvog ‘pz uvuisdoy, CLYDESDALES. 21 of the American Clydesdale Stud Book, was issued in 1882; imported animals, to be eligible, must be recorded in the Clydesdale Stud Book of Great Britain and Ireland; and American bred stallions or mares must trace to recorded sires or dams, or have four or five recorded top crosses. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN CLYDESDALE: Color, either bay, brown or black, with usually a white strip in the face—* blaze” and more or less white on the feet and lower parts of the legs; occasionally there is found a dun, chestnut, or even sorrel. The color which may be called peculiar to the breed, is a light bay, fading to still lighter bay at the flanks, between the thighs, and forward on the belly line. In size they are classed with the large breeds, stal- lions ranging from 1700 to 2100 pounds, and mares from 1200 to 1600 pounds. In appearance the Clydesdale horse is a large, tall, rangy animal, with a long head; medium neck; strong legs, heavily fringed with hair below the knee; and long slant- ing shoulders—the latter, a point well worth noticing as inclining toward greater activity than is usual with the large breeds. As compared with the Percheron or the French Draft, the Clydesdale horse is longer legged, longer bodied, and of more quiet temperament. Our observation and experience with the half blood colts from native mares, fully bear out the assertion that they are, almost without exception, kind, quiet, intelligent and easily broken. One very prominent characteristic is their naturally fast walk. The American far- mer is not slow to appreciate the superior value of a team that will plow three acres of ground in a day, as against one that with the same plow, will turn but two acres; and this fact has done much to advance the interests of the Clydesdale in America. The tendency of late to widen the breach between Clydesdales and English Shires has induced breeders of the former to look more to appearance and action, and gradually lower the average in weight—thus leaving to breeders of the latter a market demand for great weight and appearance, with action somewhat in the back ground. A point to which many object is the fringe of long hair at the fetlock already referred to; the objection, however well founded, has caused certain breeders ‘to attempt a reduction of the characteristic—with what success, remains to be seen. In the South, the Clydes are, perhaps, not so well known as the French Draft; but the few shipments made are said to have done remarkably well. It is claimed, indeed, that no other horse of the heavy breeds can so well endure the Southern climate. The engravings give an accurate idea of representative Clydesdales, and illus- trate at the same time the superior character of Galbraith Brothers’ stud. Ae ENGLISH SHIRES. CHAPTER V. ENGLEDSH SHUR Bs: From the preceding chapter on Clydesdales, we have seen that all of the modern draft breeds are descended from the great Black Horse of Northern Europes with such modifications as different soils, vegetation, climate and care would induce. Referring to this breed, Prof. Low, of Edinburgh (already quoted), writing in 1842, after speaking of its occupying the entire west and southwest portions of the mainland, says: “The same widely-spread race extends into England, where it presents itself with the same general characters as in the ancient countries of the Belgic Gauls, the Batavi, the Frisiandones, and others. It is found in numbers from the Humber fo the Cam, occupying the rich fens of Lincoln and Cambridge, and extending westward through the Counties of Huntingdon, Northampton, Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Warwick and Stafford to the Severn. Although most abundant in districts of rich pastures, it has extended northward, and very widely southward into the counties of the Chalk, retaining the typical characters, but varied with the climate, food, and other circum- stances affecting its culture and condition. In the commons and poorer grounds it presents the coarse pack-horse form, distinctive of the greater part of the older horses of England. But in the fens and richer cultivated country, it attains the strength and stature of the largest horses which the world produces.” From these early horses, then, have descended the modern Shires of England; but we must look further, under the head of improvement, to find how the unwieldy giant Lincolnshire or Black Cart-horse was finally moulded into the handsome, large but fairly active horse now known as English Shire. Of the first improvement, we get a good idea from Youatt (on the Horse), 1861, who says: “ All our heavy draft horses, and some even of the lighter kind, have been lately much crossed by the Flanders breed, and with evident improvement. Little has been lost in depth and bulk of carcase; but the fore hand has been raised, the legs have been flattened and deepened, and very much has been gained in activity. The slow, heavy black, with his 2% miles an hour, has been changed into a lighter but yet exceedingly powerful horse, that will step four miles in the same time, and with perfect ease, and has considerably more endurance. * * * As the Racer is principally or purely of Eastern origin, so has the English Draft horse sprung chiefly from Flemish blood, and to that blood the agriculturist has recourse for the perfection of the breed.” During late years, the improvement of the Shire has been very great, breeders struggling successfully to secure less bulk with equal weight and added muscle. Prob- ably the lighter horses of England, as well as the famous medium sized ** Dutch Mares,” have had something to do in bringing about this very desirable change; cer- tain it is, that the English Shire of to-day is a horse fit to walk in the front ranks of any breed of modern draft horses. Importation to America has been slow. No very large importations had been made up to eight or ten years ago; but since that time, western farmers have found out their peculiar worth, and the demand thus created has led to great activity in importing circles. The American Shire Horse Association has been lately organ- Sayprasounl “soug Miivadivys Aq pauao Mou pure (O88T) paysoduir [ERR payvosy Synujsayo “Aojoy “SIMA ENGLISH SIIIRES. ‘es (8 "10A) NA3GNON|E ‘NOITIVLS JYIHS HSITONG ENGLISH SHIRES. “SUA ‘AT [TAsour( “song MLIvuatvy9 Aq paumo pur (gggq) parzodur fageyT parvo ; \ THE SUFFOLK PUNCH. 25 ized, with C. Burgess, of Winona, IIl., Secretary. The first volume of the English Stud Book for Shire or Cart Horses, was published in 1880; since which time some seven volumes have appeared —a fact which in itself illustrates the remarkable demand upon English breeders to supply registered Shire stock for American shipment. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: The full description given of the Clydesdale in preceding chapter, with some few changes, may be accepted as a correct description of the English Shire. Colors are about the same, with, perhaps, a predominance of blacks, browns, and bays; but the darker shades of gray, both dappled and steel or iron gray, are more frequently met with. The “blaze,” or bald face, and white feet and stockings, are marks common to both Shire and Clyde, and the same is true of the long hair at and above the fet- locks, commonly known as the * feather.” English breeders adhere with rigid tenacity to their faith in purity of blood, as shown by the feather; while American importers and breeders are as surely convinced that the feather is not only worthless but posit- ively injurious, by reason of keeping the feet in foul condition unless carefully cleaned and attended to. We can honestly admire the silken fringe of soft feather, but we must express our belief that its absence would detract nothing from the value of either Shire or Clyde. In point of size, the English Shire is larger of the two, and has, perhaps, less of that American objection—daylight—underneath. Importers, however, as a rule, have brought oyer the more compact and stylish Shires, and it is commonly no little trouble to decide by simple judgment of the individual, whether the animal is Clyde or Shire. (Compare also illustrations of the two breeds.) In the South the Shires are little known, and we can say nothing as to their relative merits in our warm climate; but in the West they are becoming more pop- ular with each succeeding year, and haye an assured future along with the other draft breeds. CHAPTER VI. THE TSU POLK RUN CE: This breed of horses, which has for many years enjoyed such merited popu- larity in England, has of late years found a substantial and growing favor with American breeders. The origin of the Suffolk Breed is somewhat obscure, but the best evidence obtainable indicates the use of Norman stallions on the best native Suffolkshire mares. That this is true is strongly evidenced by the Suffolk color— sorrel, or light chestnut—which has so often been found a compromise color between bay and gray: the former being represented in the native mares, the latter being the predominating color of the Norman stock. As far back as 1745, the Suffolk was famed for its still prominent characteristic —draft; and notices of the breed at the drawing matches of that period, may be unearthed among the old files of some of the English newspapers. 26 THE SUFFOLK PUNCH. SUFFOLK PUNCH STALLION, LEIS:On (1415). Color, chestnut; foaled 1878; imported (1887) and now owned by GaLBraitrit Bros., Janesville, Wis. CLEVELAND BAYS. 27 Improvement of the Suffolk has been very great, especially within the last quarter century. Formerly there was said to be a tendency to foot troubles, but in the modern breed this tendency has disappeared. Among the later breeders and im- provers, we may mention Mr. Alfred I. Smith, of Woodbridge, Suffolkshire, Eng. Mr. Smith has been especially active in stimulating American demand for his sorrel favorites, and since 1861, when his stud was established, has furnished many of the noted prize winners at English fairs. In the United States, many of our most promi- nent importers of Shires and Percherons have lately been importing Suffolks, and, we understand, the demand is fast increasing. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color, almost invariably chestnut or sorrel; size, somewhat less than Shire or Clydesdale, having an average height of 1534 to 1614 hands, and weighing at maturity from 1,400 to 1,800 Ibs. ‘The body is round, close and compact, with short clean legs and pasterns, free from the troublesome long hair of the Shire and Clyde. The shoulders are long and lie well forward for draft; the bone is small but firm; the hind quarters long, heavy and well coupled to a short, close knit back. The general appearance indicates a rather over medium sized sorrel horse with heavy round body and short legs. The Suffolk is emphatically a draft animal, valuable for remarkable steadiness and great faithfulness in the collar. He will pull every pound which is possible, and no whip is needed or should be used to urge his natural freedom in work. Asa horse for the general farmer, it would be hard to find one more suit- able—having a good fast walk, an even “all-around” trot, and sufficient weight to save muscle work before plow or harrow. CHAPTER VII. CHE Vi EeAGN Drs BrAON Ss: We have no authentic data regarding the origin of the Cleveland breed, but give what seem to be the most probable of the many theories advanced. Prof. Low says: “Tt has been formed by the same means as the Hunter, namely, by the progressive mixture of the blood of the Race Horse, with the original breeds of the country.” A later writer regards it as an offshoot from the old Scandinavian horse improyed by careful breeding under the different climatic conditions of England. By others he is thought to be a lineal descendant of the old war horse in ages past. We think it probable, that a gradual use of horses of higher breeding on heavy mares of the larger English breeds, combined with marked skill and care in handling, has finally resulted in the formation of this excellent breed. Certain it is, that, about the begin- ning of the present century, the horses of Cleveland were in great demand, and CLEVELAND BAYS. PF abn : a _ “NOITTWLS AVE GNV13A379 — TONEWS AAW PSTSOGS QLWYA DA Paamy QO Qapcdusy VAN AN 1 SANS ONA \ “SLAA ‘a [IASauRf “SONG HLIVNdTVd Aq paumo Mou puy (ysst) paloduir Spgg1 ‘prlevou (Orl) 1€@ ‘AGNAG GUO ‘NOINIVLS AVS GNW13A319 CLEVELAND BAYS. HN Witt MNT MT mM AN UIC A 29 30 FRENCH COACH HORSES. their breeding carried on with system and success; for a time they gradually de- clined in public favor, and indeed, were threatened with total extinction, but during later years the breed has again advanced in favor, and, thanks to the efforts of the American Cleveland Bay Society (R. P. Stericker, of Springfield, Ill., Secretary), is once more widely and favorably known. The name of the breed is taken from the district of Cleveland in Yorkshire, England, where it was first known, and the term bay was added to indicate the prevailing color. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color, invariably a bright bay, either light or dark, with black mane and tail, black points, and usually a small white spot between “bulbs” of the heel. In size they are medium, individuals standing from sixteen hands, to sixteen hands three inches in height, and weighing from 1,100 to 1,300 Ibs. The head is of fair size, with a face of kindly expression and intelligent cast; neck finely arched and well set on to long, sloping shoulders; back short; loins even and powerful; hips of good length and legs straight, close knit, and free from long hairs at the fetlock. The Cleveland Bay is a general purpose horse, heavy enough for all ordinary farm work, and active, stylish and with ample speed for either wagon or carriage use. In breeding he transmits color, bone, style, kind and docile disposition, and general characteristics to a marked degree; he is easy to handle, and for use in grading on the pony mares of the great Southwest, we doubt if his superior can be found, or indeed, his equal. Royalty and Lord Derby (see illustrations), both prize winners, are excellent representatives of the breed, and fully bear out the proverbial good judgment of their respective importers. CHAPTER VIII. FRENCH COACH HORSES. (Demi-Sang.) These horses are the direct result of the wisdom and foresight of the French Government. Some time during the latter part of the 18th century the Government began the establishment of studs and breeding stables, in anticipation of an ap- proaching scarcity of good horses for the cavalry service. Thoroughbred stallions from England were introduced and their services offered to breeders at remarkably low rates, the policy of the Government being to buy back the get of these horses, and eventually establish a breed of the peculiar type desired. The practice led to a good deal of trickery in the way of selling good-looking individuals on appearance solely, the fraud only appearing when the animal was used for breeding purposes. To obviate this trouble, the French Government adopted the plan of buying up superior stallion colts and rearing them in the public studs. In addition to this, the owners of very superior stallions are granted a bonus by the Government, on condition that the FRENCH COACH IIORSES. Bz = z Color, bay; foaled 1881; imported (1885) and now owned by M. W. DunuAm, Wayne, Ill. 32 FRENCH COACH HORSES. Mili ii} | NW IWITALUAT AT ih ill {|| iported (1887) and now owned by J. W. Arkin, Scipio, N. Y. FRENCH COACH STALLION, FUYARD. ed 1884; weight 1500 Ibs. ; 1 it THOROUGHBREDS. 33 stallion in question shall remain in the country for service; a second class—the owners of stallions good but not fine—are allowed to offer their stallions for service, but receive no subsidy; no stallions except these two classes, and those belonging to the Government, are allowed to stand. In certain departments of France only—as notably in Orne, Calvados and Seine-Infeieure—is Government attention directed to the pro- duction of Coachers; in other departments, the Thoroughbred, the Breton and the celebrated Norman and Percheron horses receive in turn particular attention. The American French Coach Horse Association has just been organized, and a Stud Book will soon be issued. S. D. Thompson, of Wayne, III., is the present Secretary. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: The color of the French Coach is usually bay, but chestnuts are abundant and blacks quite common; the fashion in America calls for bay, and most of our importers have selected with a view of supplying this fashionable demand. In size they rank with the Cleveland lions. The head is small with full forehead, expressive eyes, fine muzzle, and medium, an average weight falling between 1000 and 1200 lbs., for stal- quick playing ears. The neck is long, well arched and firmly set on long, slop- ing shoulders. The back is short; hips long and well up; legs of good length, firmly knit, and with tough well-made feet. In general appearance—as will be seen by a glance at the engravings—the French Coach Horse is just what the name indicates, a stylish, well-made carriage horse of good action and fine appearance. CHAPTER IX. THOROUGHBREDS. (RUNNING HORSES. ) We have thought best to commence this chapter by a brief notice of the term “ Thoroughbred,” and the confusion which has existed—indeed confusion still exists —regarding its use in America. In England, the home of the Thoroughbred, the term is naturally well understood. In America, all animals whether horses, cattle, sheep or swine, if eligible to entry in the register of their peculiar breed, are spoken of as “thoroughbred,” as, for example, thoroughbred Shorthorns, thoroughbred Herefords, thoroughbred Southdowns, thoroughbred Berkshires, and so on through the list of recognized breeds of domestic animals. The term “thoroughbred,” as thus used, is, it will be noted, an adjective, and is employed merely to express the fact that such an animal is eligible to entry in the Herd Book or Register of the breed to which he belongs. It is convenient and expres- sive, if not strictly accurate, and, as it will doubtless always be retained by American stock breeders, we may as well acquiesce in its acceptance, and try to thoroughly understand the difference between its use as an adjective and as a noun. It must be remembered that at the time the name first came into use as a synonym for the English 34 THOROUGHBREDS, race horse, it did so by reason of the acknowledged purity or “thorough” breeding of the animal in question. No horse without the blood of some celebrated runner of the English turf, or the blood of the Arabian, Turk or Barb in his pedigree, could at that time be even thought of as a horse of any breeding at all. The race horse was the especial horse of the nobility, and was the only animal at that time whose ances- tral blood was known and recorded. The runner was commonly spoken of as “ thor- oughbred,” and the word has naturally been adopted by all breeders as the proper name of the breed of running or racing horses, whose origin is found in Oriental blood transmitted through the veins of the early English race horse. Let us understand then that the noun “ Thoroughbred” is simply the name of a breed of horses, just as Cleveland Bay and Percheron, are the names, respectively, of other breeds of horses; and with this understanding, we may proceed to a brief review of the origin and early history of the breed. As already intimated, the English Thoroughbred is the undoubted scion of East- ern blood—Turk, Barb and Arabian—improved and perfected by the influence of skillful handling and natural conditions peculiar to English soil and climate. The horses now generally regarded as of most value among the early invoices of Oriental blood, may be named as follows, in order of their importation: The White Turk, owned by Mr. Place, stud groom of the Lord Protector Cromwell; the Byerly Turk, owned by Captain Byerly and used by him as his charger in the wars of William in Ireland, about 1689; the Darley Arabian, owned by Mr. Darley of Yorkshire; and last in point of time, but by no means least in the number and great excellence of his descendants, the Godolphin Barb, called also “ Godolphin Arabian,” but erroneously, since he was universally admitted to be a Barb. Many other noted parents of racing stock might be named as illustrating the extent to which the blood of the desert has been used in forming the modern Thor- oughbred, but space forbids. The Darley Arabian, bred in the desert of Palmyra, may be said to be the parent of our best racing stock. From Youatt, in reference to this horse and his descendants, we quote: “His figure contained every point without much show, that could be desired in a turf horse. The immediate descendants of this invaluable horse were the Devonshire or Flying Childers; the Bleeding or Bartlett’s Childers, who was never trained; Almanzor and others. The two Childers were the means through which the blood and fame of their sire were widely circulated; and from them descended another Childers, Blaze, Snap, Sampson, Eclipse, and a host of excellent horses. The Devonshire or Flying Childers, so called from the name of his breeder, Mr. Childers of Carr House, and the sale of him to the Duke of Devonshire, was the fleetest horse of his day.” Probably the most noted of the descendants of Flying Childers was King Herod, the founder of the old Herod line of English Thoroughbreds. He was the sire of 497 winners, who gained for their owners some £200,000. Of Sampson more extended mention will be found in the chapter on American Trotters. His reputed and recorded sire was Blaze, but his actual sire has been com- monly supposed to be of heavier, coarser extraction; be that as it may, in the horse Sampson, regardless of his pedigree, was combined the exact elements necessary to plant the germ of the trotting instinct, which has been so highly developed in the long list of trotting horses descended from his great-grandson, imported Messenger. Eclipse was, by acknowledged right, the most wonderful horse ever produced on THOROUGHBREDS. 35 English turf. His career was so brilliant both on the turf and in the stud, and his exploits so remarkable, that the following quotation from Prof. Low’s great work may prove of interest: “Eclipse was got by Marske, a grandson of Bartlett’s Childers, out of Spiletta. He was foaled in the year 1764, during the eclipse of that year, from which circumstance he took his name. He was bred by the Duke of Cumberland, and on the death of that prince sold to Mr. Wildman, a salesman at Smithfield, and afterwards he became the property of Mr. O’Kelly. Eclipse had not the grandeur of form of the Flying Childers, and might have escaped notice but for the accidental trial of his stu- pendous powers. He was about fifteen hands and one inch high. His shoulders were very low, and so thick above, that according to the observation of the times, a firkin of butter might have rested upon them. He stood very high behind, a compilation suited to his great power of progression; he was so thick winded as to be heard blowing at considerable distance’ In the language of the honest John Lawrence, ‘He puffed and blowed like an otter, and galloped as wide asa barn door.’ No sooner were his powers exhibited on the turf, than every eye was set to scrutinize his form, and he was then admitted to possess in perfection the external characters indicative of great speed. A volume was written on his proportions by M. Saint Bel, a veterinary surgeon, whose investigations showed that his figure differed greatly from the conventional form which speculative writers had assigned as the standard of perfection. He was of an indomitable temper, and his jockeys found it in vain to attempt to hold him, but contented themselves with remaining still on the saddle while he swept along, his nose almost touching the ground. His full speed was not determined, since he never met with an opponent sufficiently fleet to put it to the proof. He not only was never beaten, but he was able to distance some of the best horses of his time, and the fleetest could not keep by his side for fifty yards together. This remarkable horse first appeared on the turf at the age of five in 1769. In the first heat he set off of his own accord, and easily gained the race, his rider pulling in vain with all his force for the last mile. O’Kelly observing this, and aware of his horse’s powers, offered in the second heat to place the horses, and he took heavy bets that he did so. When called upon to declare, he said, ‘Eclipse first, and the rest no place.’ He gained his wagers: Eclipse was first, and all the others were distanced, or, in the language of the turf, had no place. From this time Eclipse was continually on the turf, and gained every race; no horse daring to contend with him, he closed his career of 17 months by walking over the Newmarket Course for the King’s Plate, in October, 1770. During this brief period, it is said that he gained £25,000 for his owner. He was then employed with prodigious profit as a stallion. He got 334 winners at our numerous Race Courses, who are computed to have gained about £160,000 to their owners besides cups and plates. He died in 1789, at the age of 25.” The later English racers have been horses of great speed and endurance—great in those things that go to make up a great horse; but we are inclined to think that the modern English Thoroughbred is not the equal of his former self. Sharper races, more of them, and especially coming at an earlier age—very frequently at the age of two or three years—have had a tendency to decrease somewhat the stamina and wonderful endurance found in the earlier horses of note. The American Thoroughbred is, of course, a lineal descendant of the parent stock (English); in other words, all American horses eligible to entry in the American Stud Book for Thoroughbred Horses—edited and published by Col. S. D. Bruce, of New York—are either imported from England, or are the descendants of horses so imported. In the United States, it has been found advisable to permit a certain relaxation of the rigid rules adhered to in the English Stud Book, and to admit animals that show an unmixed descent for five generations of pure blood. This necessarily admits animals which are not strictly Thoroughbred, but if for five generations nothing but Thoroughbred stallions are used, the resulting animal is so nearly Thoroughbred as 36 THOROUGHBREDS. to answer all requirements. Indeed, we are inclined to think that the American system of breeding, and recognized rules for entry, have done much toward making the American Thoroughbred the successful rival of his English cousin, which he has proven himself to be. Of the American Thoroughbreds which have earned distinction on the turf, we may mention: American Ecljpse, by Duroc, out of Miller’s Damsel, by Imp. Mes- senger; Lexington, by Boston, out of Alice Carneal, by Imp. Sarpedon; Prioress, by Imp. Sovereign, out of Reel, by Glencoe; Leamington, by Faugh-a-Ballagh, out of a mare by Pantaloon; Springbok, by Australian, out of Hester, by Lexington; Nettie Norton, by Imp. Leamington, out of Long Nine, by Lightning; Ten Broeck, by Imp. Phaeton, out of Fanny Holton, by Lexington; Tom Ochiltree, by Lexing- ton, out of Katona, by Voucher; and Parole, by Imp. Leamington, out of Maiden, by Glencoe. Many others might justly lay claim to distinction, but lack of space com- pels the omission. Among the later celebrities of the turf, not one, perhaps, has stood higher in public favor than Tke Bard (see illustration), a bay stallion, foaled 1883, owned by A. J. Cassatt. As a recognition of his remarkable career on the turf, we give place to the following tabulated pedigree: \ Sir Hercules. 7" ; ( Faugh-a-Ballagh ............ ViGuiceoMt SE CAINE COMM ete eheietaja eotelaketeene P . £ ( IDEA FANRSES oh o400 bade.aaseaane \ Sea oJ : ‘ao | AoRe ” seu { American Eclipse. 3 5 Ree Brawner s Eclipse. jjcicse= - = 12 ) Daughter. : § | Nantura.................... Bt dita, (Beane: pay See eae lead yeortines : Boston 2 ( Lexington. S c : = Call Ware anceseereereEreeeeces { ( UGE Carneal. a | 5 | ( Reel { Glencoe. op eM Meee SS ct Se ae eGallowades v “7 11; " & Sten ( Irish Birdcatcher. & Ps ae Imp. Knight of St. George... ae Maltese: cola pa a eevit \ Imp. Trustee. Mh qioaoooODN0OboU epeade ) Vandal’s Dam. Concerning the race for Freehold Stakes at Monmouth Park, N. J., August 2d, 1888, in which The Bard suffered defeat for the first time, the Turf, Field and Farm, of New York (issue August 10th, 1888), says: “Since our last issue, sudden checks have been given to the victorious careers of several public idols. The Bard has succumbed to Firenzi, Raceland lowered his colors to Badge, Kingston and Terra Cotta suffered defeat by Elkwood, Little Minch out-speeded by Yum-Yum, and even in England, the crack two-year-old Donovan has met with a reverse. But the case of The Bard is the most serious of all, for not only has he been beaten after winning seven straight stakes, but in all probability, he has appeared for the last time in public. “The race in which he met with his mishap was the Freehold at Monmouth, on Thursday of last week. Firenzi was his only opponent. The Bard made the running, setting a fast pace, but at no time did Garrison permit the filly to be more than three lengths behind. He closed in the stretch, forced Hayward to the whip at the last sixteenth pole, and then coming away, won by two lengths in 2:34, which equals the record, Luke Blackburn having made the same time at Monmouth as a three- year-old on August 17th, 1880, with 102 pounds up, and Jim Guest, when four years old, and carrying 98 pounds, having made a like record at Washington Park, Chicago, July 24th, 1886. The first quarter was run in 0:27, the half in 0:52, the three-quarters in 1:18, the mile in 1:42%, and the mile and a quarter in 2:08!4. It was a splendid performance for both. t- a THOROUGHBREDS. iN at Vis ME a i : We Vy aS" Wry AMERICAN THOROUCHBRED. 38 THOROUGHBREDS. “While The Bard did not pull up lame, as far as could be noticed, at the close of the race, it was but a short time before he began to favor his off hind leg, which began to swell. Dr. Shepherd was called to examine the horse, but the inflamation was so great, the swelling being midway between the hock and fetlock joint, that it was impossible to diagnose the case, and the extent of the injury had not been definitely determined on Tuesday last, although it was generally deemed to be perman- ent. After the race, Hayward said that for the first time this season, The Bard had not tried to get away from him when he had mounted, not taking hold of the bit in his accustomed style. Like his illustrious sire, he has gone down in battle, covered with glory, both finishing their races in the gamest manner on three legs. That there would have been a still greater contest and in faster time had The Bard been right, there is no question in our mind, for we have long been of the opinion that, under favorable conditions, he could lower almost any record.” Firenzi (a bay, foaled 1884), by this race has proven herself a truly great mare; and with The Bard no longer in the field, ought surely to have an easy career as a winner. The Emperor of Norfolk (see illustration from sketch immediately after winning the American Derby) is another one of the successful winners of 1888. At Chicago, June 23rd, he won the American Derby, netting in this one race $14,590.00, and mak- ing a total amount thus far won for his owner of $28,580.00, said to be the largest winnings credited to any living horse. There is a little “cold” blood in the remote pedigree of the Emperor, coming through the Potomac mare—dam of Betsy Malone —but it is so far back that it affects neither his speed nor his breeding value. His abridged pedigree may be given as follows: : \ Sir Archy. 4 ( ali moleo traaevi steht SkGali ea nvinres - | Boston ...--.... : : i 8 | ( Sister to Tuckahoe ...... } Lae eae 0 , =) sy2 as ( Imp. Sarpedon.......... } ae 4 ice Carneal........... } 4 ae Nee / Rew { Sumpter. < | OWEN erotic leit ) Lady Gray. \ 0 ( Selim. Z ae &j ( SOIT a. oe steerer ) Bacchantes : OP yetnaenictioe 4 : “ae ae aie / P { ‘Tramp. a g Abehen INS Googecasconde ) Web = Gis P Be) 9 { Sir Archy Montorio. 4 | A | { Rodolph....-+-...++.++s ) Daughter of Hoxall’s Moses. ° | | GhloeAndersony-~ 7.1725: 4 : ak Pa / . ( Sir William. BellevAndersonteeee sce 1) ieieeticraaky ° | { Don John. - ; mat \ IEF coagogenoosous scunTu NeScandall = E ( Imp. Bonnie Scotland... / iGiaimen A. Tai J SSE IENS oboe doe ok. ) Daughter of Plenipotentiary. E (& : ica) s | ( Imp. Monarch .......... papas \ Lady Lancaster ......... ] 3 ; { Imp. Tranby. 3 Wileadiys@antontic cnc 2 eee ) Mary Randolph. Se a = : ( Emilius. Ss = Rete eee ( Sis INGO NVES Boose asco ) Seamew. mp. SSMITE ewe ee ws A 3 | ( IMMOVSS RYOTE Ga sadaadooce aaa Mare: a } ( Sultan. St | \ Timp Glencoewr eee ) Trampoline. Bp MUONS ocunacetsta =| ( Stockholder. a . Betsy Malone .-. =... ) Potomac Mare. "G3USHONOUOHL NVOIANY THOROUGHBREDS. 40) THOROUGHBREDs. The Chicago Horseman, in a notice of the Emperor, says: “He is a grandly proportioned horse, and is so constructed that he can carry all the penalties that are piled upon him without materially interfering with his speed. He has defeated all the best three-year-olds of the year so easily that it is impossible to accurately gauge his powers. Should he meet The Bard at weight for age, we shall expect to see a grand struggle, and one which will be fully described in the annals of the turf. Both in his two and three-year-old career, he has proved himself to be a race-horse of the very highest quality, and one of those exceptionally great horses which only appear once in a decade. “The Emperor of Norfolk was bred by Theodore Winters. He was foaled on January 12, 1885, and was purchased at the Winters sale on December 20, 1886, by E. J. Baldwin for $2,550. He is by that mighty son of Lexington, Norfolk, out of Marian, by Malcolm. In the veins of the Emperor flows the rich, red tide which came from those grand fountains of speed—Lexington, Glencoe, Bonnie Scotland and Yorkshire. When, asa racing star of the first magnitude, the Emperor has run his allotted course, his splendid individuality, grand speed powers and patrician lineage, will combine to enthrone him as the first lord of the harem.” Huguenot is an English Thoroughbred, and we present his portrait as a good type of the English race-horse. While no two famous winners have ever been exactly alike in conformation, there are yet many points of similarity, and we have thought best to give the following short DESCRIPTION OF A TYPICAL THOROUGHBRED: The head is fine; neck slender but well set on at the shoulders; chest deep, wide, and bounded by shoulders long and slanting; hind quarters high and well muscled; legs flat, with short cannons, long, elastic pasterns, and rounded, well-made feet. Not a pound of surplus fat is carried when in racing trim; the cords and muscles stand out clearly, and play in action like the sensitive strings of some delicate instrument. The Racer is essentially nervous in temperament; many have been made vicious by careless handling, and not a few have failed to show extreme speed on the turf, because of failure to understand and appreciate their nerve peculiarities. Many regard the Thoroughbred as a mere fancy animal,—the especial horse of the sporting fraternity,—but we do not agree with such expression. His indomitable will and wonderful endurance, combined with his beauty of form and usually good size, make him a horse of much value to use on native mares of mixed breeding; and the colts thus produced are among our most stylish saddle and harness horses. The South has always been rich in the blood of the Thoroughbred; and, since there has been little call for horses of the heavier breeds until recent times, mules being em- ployed almost exclusively for heavy draft and farm work, the Racer has served a most valuable purpose. As heavier stallions are now being introduced quite extens- ively, we shall find the mares of racing stock a valuable foundation for producing an excellent general purpose horse. “LONANONH ‘GS3YSHONOUOHL HSITDNA THOROUGHBREDS, 41 42 AMERICAN TROTTERS. CHAPTER X. AMERICAN TROTTERS. While not yet recognized as a separate breed, the American Trotter is fast ap- proaching that distinction, and the long lines of fast moving offspring from the famous stallions that founded the several strains of modern Trotters, point unmistakably to that constant transmission of characteristic qualities which alone determines a breed. ORIGIN AND IMPROVEMENT: The history of the origin and improvement of American Trotters, furnishes one of the most, if not the most, remarkable examples of human skill in developing and training to desired lines qualities which, before, had remained partially developed or entirely latent. The courage and stamina of the Trotting Horse, in brief, is found in the use of Oriental blood in and through the royal blood of the Thoroughbred; but to those remarkable individual animals, which we shall mention,—in whom the trot- ting gait seems to have been a spontaneous development of the trotting instinct com- bined with the energy and speed of the Racer,—belongs the credit for his immediate origin. Among the horses which may thus be considered original sources of trotting blood, and first in the list by acknowledged right, stands IMPORTED MESSENGER, himself a Thoroughbred, and embracing some of the choicest blood of the desert in his make-up, as will be seen by a simple statement of his paternal ancestry: Imported Messenger was a gray horse, foaled in 1780; imported to United States in 1788, and died on Long Island in 1808. His first sire was Mambrino, second sire Engineer, third sire Sampson, fourth sire Blaze (?), fifth sire Flying Childers, sixth sire Darley Arabian. His dam was sired by Turf, by Matchem, by Cade (who was a son of Godolphin Arabian), and his second dam was by Regulus, also a son of Godolphin Arabian. His great grandsire, Sampson, was a black horse out of all keeping with the ideal Thoroughbred in appearance, being large, coarse and heavy boned, but with a wonderful power of speed and bottom. Sampson’s reputed and recorded sire was Blaze, a bay Thoroughbred, but his conformation and the inclination to trot, which he transmitted to his offspring, have led students of equine history to doubt the record of his paternity, and assert that his dam was covered by a coach horse. If this were true—and it seems at least reasonable—it was the most fortunate accident that could have occurred, since it furnished the exact combination to insure a change of gait and still retain the fire and instinctive speed of the Racer. The peculiar conformation of imported Messenger—low, round, almost flat with- ers—has been faithfully handed down to his lineal descendants; and it is a matter of common note, that all true Messenger-bred Trotters have always enjoyed a remarkable “ravoy ‘APIVAV AY ‘NVINMOS “YU AA pur “Hy “ff Jo Aysodorg “ATHSAVM “1V0O4 GNV JALLZAINO ‘43LLOUL NVOINSNY AMERICAN TROTTERS. 44 AMERICAN TROTTERS. freedom from all kinds of foot, lez and bone diseases. Messenger blood is found in nearly every family of American Trotters; and, through his great grandson, Rysdyk’s Hambletonian, we have a family preéminently above all others in steady re-production of the trotting gait, through a long line of noted descendants, of which we shall write later. Another original source of trotting blood was found in IMPORTED BELLFOUNDER, a blood bay, with white diamond on nose, and white left hind foot. His breeding has always been a matter of question, but by the best evidence obtainable his pedigree is as follows: Sire, Old Bellfounder, out of Velocity by Haphazard, by Sir Peter, out of Miss Hervey by Eclipse. Grand dam of good blood but not Thoroughbred. This stamps him as a true descendant of the Fireaways—a strain which has never been excelled for the saddle. Bellfounder, the “ Norfolk Trotter,” was foaled about 1815, imported to America in 1822, and died on Long Island in 1843. He was a natural trotter, of remarkable honesty, and his truest descendants have since been known as “field trotters,” showing their best speed when free from all restraint of reins. The peculiar value of the Bellfounder blood is found, like that of Duroc, in its happy com- bination with the blood of Messenger. DUROC was not an imported horse, but was foaled (1806) and bred in Virginia. He was a chestnut in color, of remarkable frame and muscle, got by imported Diomed,—a small chestnut horse, winner of the first English Derby,—and from him (Diomed) he derived many serious blood defects—such as tendency to foot and leg troubles, as well as those high qualities of nerve and spirit which are found in all of Diomed’s descend- ants. On his dam’s side he traces to imported Medley, a gray, by Gimerack, also a gray, and from this quarter comes the peculiar conformation of his descendants— wide hips, long, powerful thighs, and hocks placed low down over short hind cannons —which is always accompanied by an open, loose “straddling” action, by many regarded a sure indication of trotting promise. As already noted, his greatest value was found in combination with Messenger blood, and in such horses as Alhambra, Messenger- Duroc and American Star was found its happiest combination. ST. LAWRENCE must not be omitted in our mention of the early sources of trotting blood. He was a small, bay, Canada-bred horse, standing about 1514 hands; was foaled about 1841, brought over to New York about 1848, and died in Michigan 1858. His breeding is not known, but he was a trotter and a sire of trotters. The peculiar motion which proclaims St. Lawrence blood is seen among all of his descendants: The hind-quarters gently swing from side to side, as the hind feet successively advance, trotting with an even but rolling and far-reaching action, that gives an idea of almost irresistible power and momentum. In this connection we quote the opinion of Mr. H. T. Helm—an acknowledged authority in matters concerning trotting stock “American Roadsters and Trotting Horses”: as given in his valuable work on AMERICAN TROTTERS, i PO eo — FROM Ure = = So BELMOnT. Bay stallion; foaled 1864; property of A. J. ALEXANDER, Spring Station, Ky. 15 46 AMERICAN TROTTERS. “The fact has become so clear that in some parts of our country the Messenger blood has been bred too closely, and the need of a suitable out-cross of high trotting quality having become apparent in many instances, such a blood as that of St. Lawrence affords, for all such, one of the most valuable strains with which to inter-breed. Many valuable mares now exist that are so closely and strongly in-bred in the Messenger blood, that their value as breeding stock mainly depends on the obtaining of a suitable out-cross to invigorate the blood, and maintain the trotting excellence for which it has been noted. For all such the male descendants of St. Lawrence will afford the desired cross, and the union will in all probability result, as did that of Bellfounder in the Hambletonian, in the further advancement of the American Trotter.” Next on the list comes the Canadian pacer, PILOT. His breeding, like that of St. Lawrence, is not known, except that his ancestry came originally from France to Acadia, and thence to Canada, forming a class of tough and valuable horses, since known as French Canadians, or Kanucks. He was foaled about 1826, but was first known at New Orleans, 1832, when he was said to be six years old, and was purchased of a peddler for $1000.00; he died in Kentucky in 1855. Pilot in brief, was a black stallion, standing less than 15 hands, with short neck, rather thick and heavy about the throat; a long, coarse mane, showing the handsome wavy curl which characterizes the French Canadian wherever found; a close knit muscular body; a sloping rump; a heavy tail of same quality as mane, and long quarters with hocks placed low down. His whole make-up was one of utility, and his decendants —chiefly through the blood of his greatest son, Pilot Jr., combined with the blood of established trotting strains—have among them the fastest trotters in the world. The dam of Maud $S.—2:0834—the fastest trotter yet known, was by Pilot Jr.; as was also the dam of the famous gelding Jay Eye See—2:10—whose record of 2:1034 as a five-year-old has never been beaten. True, these famous movers are descended on the other side in direct line from Hambletonian, but this fact does not detract from the great value of the Pilot blood when used in such mighty combination. GRAND BASHAW, a Barb of the purest lineage, was imported from Tripoli in 1820, and died in Penn- sylvania in 1845. His color was black, with small white star, and he was said to be of very great beauty. In 1821 he produced Young Bashaw—from Pearl, by Bond’s First Consul, out of a mare by imp. Messenger—end through this son has come the credit to Grand Bashaw as an original source of trotting blood. In view of the fact that the grand dam of Young Bashaw was by imp. Messenger, and the further fact that Young Bashaw was a coarse looking gray horse, in many respects resembling the Messenger strain, it has been claimed that the Bashaws and their noted descendants— the Clays—are really nothing but branches of the great Messenger stem, and that therefore, the claims of Grand Bashaw are naught, and his name, assumed by the family, an usurpation of Messenger right. In part at least this may be considered sound reasoning; but we think it more just to admit that the blood of the imperial Barb, Grand Bashaw, was the one element needed in combination, to develop the strain of Trotters that bears his name. Last on the list, but by no means least in importance, stands old JUSTIN MORGAN: a clear, bright bay, foaled in 1793 near Springfield, Mass.; died near Chelsea, Vt., AMERICAN TROTTERS. 47 HAROLD. Bay stallion; foaled 1864; property of A. J. ALEXANDER, Spring Station, Ky. (Sire of Maud S, 2:0834.) 48 AMEKICAN TROTTERS. in 1821. His parentage cannot be definitely ascertained, but from the best circum- stantial evidence, it would appear that his sire was a horse called True Briton, or Beautiful Bay, and in all probability a Thoroughbred. His dam was said to be of the “ Wildair” breed, and to have a share, be it more or less, of the blood of the Lindsey Arabian in her veins. There is some reason also for the belief, in certain quarters, that he had a trace of Canadian blood in his make-up; although the remark- able impressiveness of Morgan and his descendants in matters of color, form, gait and disposition, mark a predominance of Oriental, rather than Canadian blood. Justin Morgan left several sons, only three of which occupy places of any real im- portance— Bulrush, Woodbury and Sherman. Through Sherman—the best of the three sons of old Morgan—we have Vermont Black Hawk, and, passing down the list, General Knox, Ethan Allen and Daniel Lambert; through Bulrush we have the Morrills; and through Woodbury, Hale’s Green Mountain Morgan, Magna Charta and (probably ) Gold Dust. From this short summary of the horses classed as sources of trotting blood, we may pass to brief mention of a few of the numerous strains or families now holding more or less of public favor. First, by acknowledged right, are The Hambletonians: The family takes its name from Rysdyk’s Hambletonian, descended on the paternal side from Imp. Messenger, through his Thoroughbred son Mambrino (American) and Mambrino’s son, Abdallah, sire of Hambletonian. The dam of Hambletonian was by Bellfounder. Through Hambletonian we have the Volunteers, Edward Everetts, Alexander’s Abdallahs, Almonts, Messenger-Durocs, Happy Mediums, George Wilkeses, Dictators, Wood’s Hambletonians, Electioneers, and many others of acknowledged eminence, laying claim to the general title of Hambletonian. The Mambrinos, another great family, descended on the paternal side from Imp. Messenger take the name from Mambrino Chief. His sire was Mambrino Pay- master, a son of Mambrino, who was also the grandsire of Hambletonian. All the Mambrinos, Champions, and many others are grouped under this head. The Bashaws take their name from Young Bashaw, a son of the Imp. Barb, Grand Bashaw. Young Bashaw was the sire of Andrew Jackson, who in turn got Long Island Black Hawk; and through the latter we have Green’s Bashaw, the Mohawks and others of note. Closely related to the Bashaws are The Clays, who take the family name from Henry Clay, a son of Andrew Jackson, above mentioned. From this horse we have the numerous strains of Clays; and through his famous grandson, George M. Patchen, we have the branch which bears his name. The Morgans we have already mentioned as taking the name and excellence of old Justin Morgan. Under this head we have the Black Hawks (exclusive of Long Island Black Hawk, who was by Andrew Jackson, with no trace of Morgan blood), Ethan Allens, Knoxes, Daniel Lamberts, Fearnaughts, Morrills, and others. Pacing blood is represented chiefly by the P2/ots, who take their name from Pilot Jr., already noted, and the B/we Bulls, from the celebrated pacer of that name; with the Royal Georges, Hiatogas, Bald Stockings (descended from Tom Hal, 49 TROTTERS. AMERICAN Pree ETP DICTATOR. Brown stallion; foaled 1863; property of H. G. McDowsk tt, Lexington, Ky. (Sire of Jay-Eye-See, 2:10.) 50 AMERICAN TROTTERS. lately deceased), Copper Bottoms, and others, as seconds of no mean value. Right here we cannot fail to notice the peculiar force of pacing blood, especially on the side of the dam, when joined with paternal blood of established trotting excellence. The mares of Pilot Jr., St. Clair, and other noted pacers, have given us the fastest flyers of the age, and no amount of self-confident reference to “‘ Thoroughbred grand dams,” in the cases of Maud S. and Jay Eye See, can now breast the tide of popular favor which the pacing element enjoys. Old Blue Bull, a horse of great speed at the pacing gait alone, stands now (June 6th, 1888) second on the list—yielding only to the trotter George Wilkes—as a sire of trotters; having to his credit 52 horses with a record of 2:30 or better. It is now well known and admitted that the trot and the pace are interchange- able, and that a horse may be taught to go at either gait. The idea of 20 years ago that pacing blood was of no value in a trotting pedigree, has gone and gone to stay. SOME OF THE FASTEST. An examination of the list of fast records brings up matters of such interest as to warrant at least notice in these pages. In every case, through the list of stallions, mares and geldings, the really fast movers have been the result of steady breeding in blood lines to attain the desired ends. It is this fact which points conclusively toward an early recognition of the claims of the American Trotter to be classed as a breed: not yet, perhaps, but soon to be, is assuredly a safe assertion. The fastest stallions of the present day are: Maxey Cobb, 2:181%; Phallas, 2:1334, and Patron, 2:141%. Maxey Cobb has the best record, but it is admitted that Phallas met and defeated the former in an easy victory. The 2:133¢ of Phallas was the next by a difference of one-half second—is really the better horse, since he fastest time ever made by a stallion in a race, and the fastest time ever made in a fourth heat by any horse; and cannot at least be considered inferior to the 2:131% of Maxey Cobb, made in a trial against time. Phallas (see pedigree in full) is a bay, son of Dictator, out of Betsy Trotwood by Clark Chief. Dictator was by Rysdyk’s Hambletonian, out of Clara, by Seely’s American Star, and was a full brother to Dexter. Maxey Cobb, a bay, is by Happy Medium—a trotting bred trotter, standing fourth on the list as a sire of 2:30 horses; he by Rysdyk’s Hambletonian, out of the trotting mare Princess, the famous California long distance mare, whose history is so inti- mately connected with that of Flora Temple, through their struggles on the track. Princess was by a grandson of Bishop’s Hambletonian—the son of Messenger, sup- posed to be Thoroughbred, and whose name was at first spelled H-a-m-i-]-t-o-n-i-a-n. Is it any wonder that Phallas and Maxey Cobb trot? And we may say the same of the next. Patron, a bay, is a great grandson of Mambrino Chief, through his sire Pancoast. On the other side, he runs again to Mambrino Chief family, his dam being by Cuyler out of a mare by Mambrino Patchen. When we consider the age of Patron (five years) at the time his record of 2:141% was made, he may fairly be called the equal of the two preceding: indeed, taking the trio together, a horseman could hardly choose one without an innate fear that a better judgment-.would have chosen another. AMERICAN TROTTERS, PHALLAS 2:13%. Bay stallion; property of J. I. Casz, Racine, Wis. 52 AMERICAN TROTTERS. The fastest mares to date are Maud S., 2:083/3; Belle Hamlin, 2:133/ ; Goldsmith Maid, 2:14; and Trinkett, 2:14. Maud S.,a chestnut, the present queen of the trotting turf by virtue of her 2:0834, is by Harold—a son of Rysdyk’s Hambletonian, out of a mare by Hamble- tonian’s sire, Abdallah. The dam of Maud S.is Miss Russell, whose sire was the now famous Pilot Jr. Probably no other trotter ever enjoyed such high public favor as this famous mare. She has remarkable courage and intelligence, was foaled 1874, and is now owned by Robert Bonner, of New York. She will not trot any more races, but her owner claims that she is just in her prime, and will yet lower her remarkable record. Belle Hamlin, a bay, next on the list, is by Hamlin’s Almont, a son of Alexander’s Abdallah—out of a mare by Vermont Black Hawk. ‘The dam of old Almont was by Mambrino Chief. In Yurf, Field and Farm, issue of July 27th, 1888, appeared the following: “On Tuesday of Jast week, Belle Hamlin trotted a half mile on the Buffalo track, timed by a number of gentlemen, among them the experienced horseman Mr. C. F. Dunbar, in 1:02%, last quarter, 31 seconds—a 2:04 gait. This wasa terrific flight of speed, and as soon as Belle Hamlin learns to carry the speed, she will trot a great mile.” Goldsmith Maid and Trinkett, who are tied as to record, each standing at 2:14, are distinctly trotting bred. Goldsmith Maid, a bay, was sired by Alexander’s Abdal- lah, a son of Rysdyk’s Hambletonian, and one whose early death was not the least disaster of the late Civil War. The dam of Goldsmith Maid was claimed to be a daughter of the same Abdallah, but as there is no definite proof of such in-breeding in her case, the claim must be passed without further notice. Trinkett, a bay, was a trotter at an early age, having a record of 2:193/ as a four-year-old, at a time when such a record was considered wonderful. Her sire was Princeps, a son of Woodford Mambrino, out of a mare by Alexander’s Abdallah. The dam of Trinkett was by Rysdyk’s Hambletonian: blood, and performing blood at that, is a potent and manifest factor throughout the list of trotting mares. The fastest geldings by the record are: Jay Eye See, 2:10; St. Julien, 2:11 4 ; and Rarus, 2:131/, and we shall find the same story of blood that tells by a brief notice of their pedigrees. Jay Eye See, a black, is by Dictator, out of the mare Midnight, whose sire was Pilot Jr. The parentage of Dictator has been already mentioned under the notice of Phallas. Jay Eye See has the best record ever made by a five-year-old (2:1034), and stands second only to the Queen of the Turf, Maud S., by a matter of 1% seconds. His leg trouble has prevented thus far, even a trial to lower his record; but his owner has an abiding faith in the little fellow, which we trust may be fully realized. In a recent letter to the author, Mr. Case says : ‘ck ik 4 ~*~ Last winter we concluded to have him fired, which was done, and under the circumstances, he should have been left at rest for fully eight or nine months, but being rather anxious to get him again on the turf, we commenced jogging him. The result was, that his leg fevered up and enlarged a little. This caused us to turn him out for this whole season. He was not lame, and is not lame now, and I will show him to be a greater horse than ever, another year.” St. Julien, a bay, is by Volunteer, a son of Rysdyk’s Hambletonian, out of Flora, by Sayre’s Harry Clay. Harry Clay was also the sire of the famous brown mare, Green Mountain Maid, whose fame as the dam of Electioneer and other noted oF AMERICAN TROTTERS. SSS Se — 2-104 ——— JAY-EYE-SEE, 2:10. Black gelding; foaled 1878; property of J. I. Case, Racine, Wis. 54 AMERICAN TROTTERS. horses, is only exceeded by the universal regret among breeders of trotting stock at her death, which occurred June 6th, 1888. The dam of Harry Clay was by Imp. Bellfounder—surely St. Julien comes honestly by his speed. Rarus, a bay, with blazed face and white hind ankles, third on the list, does not show such unmistakable blood lines as do the preceding, but there is still a foundation other than chance for his blood-like performances. His sire was known as Conklin’s Abdallah—claimed to be a son of Alexander’s Abdallah—but really of unknown pedigree; his dam was by Telegraph, out of a mare by Vermont Black Hawk.* And now a word as to the phenomenal colts, Manzanita, Sable Wilkes, Wild- flower and Norlaine. Manzanita, a bay mare, bred at Palo Alto, Cal., the best four-year-old, has a record at that age of 2:16. Her dam is Mayflower, by the pacer St. Clair, and her sire is Electioneer, the famous son of Green Mountain Maid and Hambletonian ( Man- zanita was severely injured by fire at Palo Alto, April 17th, 1888, and will probably never again appear on the track). Sable Wilkes, a black stallion, best three-year-old, has a record at that age of 2:18; his dam is Sable, who combines the blood of Pilot Jr., Young Copper Bottom, Hambletonian and Mambrino Chief. His sire is Guy Wilkes, a grandson of Ham- bletonian, and tracing on the maternal side to Mambrino Chief and Seely’s American Star. Wildflower, a bay mare, the best two-year-old, has a record at that age of 2:21. She is out of Mayflower, by Electioneer—exactly the breeding of Manzanita given above. + Norlaine, a brown filly, the best yearling, whose record of 2:311% at that age astonished the world, was by Norval, a son of Electioneer, out of Elaine, the famous trotting daughter of Messenger Duroc and Green Mountain Maid. (Norlaine was fatally injured by fire at Palo Alto, April 17th, 1888, and died on Thursday, April 19th, following. ) All four of the young Champions are from California; three of them trace in direct descent to Electioneer—who has now (July 5th, 1888) 32 horses to his credit in the 2:30 list, making him an easy first among living sires of 2:30 horses—and all are from mares speedy both in blood and performance. Another point of interest in these cases, is found in the element of pacing blood, which has so kindly mingled with that of high performing trotters in their royal ancestry. As a fit recognition of the value of pacing blood in the American trotting horse, we give the following list of pacers that have made 2:14 or better. Johnston, 2:06; Little Brown Jug, 2:1134; Sleepy Tom, 2:12; Buffalo Girl, 2:121%4; Rich Ball, 2:1214; Mattie Hunter, 2:1234; Brown Hal, 2:18; Bay Filly, Flora Bell, Fuller, Gem, Little Mack, Rowdy Boy and Westmont, each 2:133/; Arrow, Gossip Jr., Jewett, Lucy and Sorrel Dan, each 2:14. Before leaving this chapter, it may be well to explain what is meant by the term “Standard Bred,” as applied to trotting stock; and this we do through the kindness of D. J. Campau, of The Horseman, Chicago, who sends the following NEW STANDARD OF REGISTRATION: “Established by the National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders, December 14th, 1887. uolyyeys Avg 189 foipy Ole ‘psoyarys puryay yo Ajzadoad fgggyt payvoy AMERICAN TROTTERS. ] Nyy A oo 56 AMERICAN TROTTERS. In order to define what constitutes a trotting bred horse, and to establish a breed of trotters on a more intelligent basis, the following rules are adopted to control admission to the records of pedi- grees. When an animal meets the requirements of admission, and is duly registered, it shall be accepted as a standard bred trotting animal. “First. Any stallion that has himself a record of 2:30 or better, provided any of his get has a record of 2:35 or better, or, provided his sire or his dam is already a standard animal. “Second. Any mare or gelding which has a record of 2:30 or better. “Third. Any horse that is the sire of two animals with a record of 2:30, or better. “Fourth. Any horse that is the sire of one animal with a record of 2:30 or better, provided he has either of the following additional qualifications: (1) A record himself of 2:35 or better. (2) Is the sire of two other animals with a record of 2:35 or better. (8) Has a sire or dam that is already a standard animal. “Fifth. Any mare that has produced an animal with a record of 2:30 or better. “Sixth. The progeny of a standard horse when out of a standard mare. “Seventh. The female progeny of a standard horse when out of a mare by a standard horse. “Eighth. The female progeny of a standard horse when out of a mare whose dam is a stand- ard mare. “Ninth. Any mare that has a record of 2:35 or better, and whose sire or dam is a standard animal.” Of most of our illustrations little need be said. Jay Eye See and Phallas, their sire Dictator; Harold, the sire of Maud S.; Belmont, and Electioneer, are already well known and universally admired, Pennant, the grand young horse from Willow Lawn Farm, Waverly, Ia., although not yet widely known, is destined to stand well up in the list of great stallions. The following, clipped from the Breeders’ Gazette, of Chicago, refers to the race for a purse of $600.00, 2:24 class, at Janesville, Wis., June 19th, 1887: “In the very first race of the meeting, there was a terrific battle between Valkyr and the Son of Abe Downing; and the smart men who owned the bay mare and who piloted her down the central circuit line with such consummate skill last year, keeping her merits carefully concealed until she was ready to win a good race, must have felt chagrined, when they learned by bitter experience that the Iowa Stallion was more than a match for their mare—especially as this knowledge was not obtained until after their entry had won the first heat, and taken a record of 2:1934 in order to do it. Of course, they thought this speed did win, and so would any man, who was figuring on a 2:24 class at a June meeting; but in the very next heat, Pennant, having come second at the finish of the first mile, trotted the track in 2:21, and showed that this was not the limit of his capabilities by trotting the third mile in 2:193/, and the fourth in 2:21144. By his races at Freeport and Janesville, Pennant has proven himself to be a wonderfully good young horse, and as his breeding is of the most approved lines—his sire having made a record of 2:2034, and his dam being by Harold—his suc- cessful inauguration as a stallion when his turf days shall be over, is assured. Speed of the developed kind is what men who have mares to breed want in these progressive days; and the young stallion, no matter how fashionable his blood lines may be, has no chance against an animal whose speed has been developed and tested in actual contests.’ Olivette is a half sister to Pennant, and ofe of the best brood mares of the Wil- low Lawn Stud. * Sept. 19th, 88, Mr. Gordon's erratic black gelding, Guy, secured a record of 2.12%, at Fleetwood Park, N. Y., making him the fourth fastes ttrotter in the world by the record. Guy is by Kentucky Prince, out of Flora Gardner. } On Oct. 19th, °88, Sunol, at the Bay District Track, San Francisco, passed the Wildflower mark, and placed the one-mile two-year-old record at 220%. Sunol is a bay filly, foaled 1886, got by Electioneer out of Waxana. ‘vAMo] ‘ATI@AR AA ‘NVIMOG “YAN BH ‘fyo Ajsadoid foggy payeogz Suorjeys Avg y "“x61:% ‘INWNNAd AMERICAN TROTTERS. 57 if iil Il 4 My) Ni | | dl | Al PEDIGREES. [Ye) JOPUNOF[ [AG S,UMOIG Jo Ja}4SnLC 7) \ Jasuassayy “dury | (‘paienurys -qus aq youuR) aaidipad yng ‘oursquivyy 07 saipayw ‘duy yo sajyysneq- Jasuassoy ‘dury | Sapts YIOq UO ad¥.13 OF Pr¥s ‘19}}01) JSeF VW) £q [IRL J2ATIS Sued Ay juvsvayg | afq 2uQ. uvIUoJa[que TT yaeys ‘dwy_ s,doysig | (as yueyseyd Jasuassay ‘dwy Japunoyjog ‘dwy uvruojaiquie yy s, yApsAy jaZuassoy ‘dwy Jo uos Aq aq 0} pres) > ; epi, ‘dury q‘uryzsurureys ssipq : vluozeuy jo 19} ysneq yo 19}45nVq f URTTePQY - OULIqUIR A Sisyary Ay “dury | ynoiy anog ‘duy dasuassayy “dury epi, ‘duy fq ‘uryszauiueyg ssiyy | a1VJ, UOWSSUIAVT pur - | yO Jo weg r jo ragyysneq | (2) sajsvurkeg ‘duiy jo saz y48nvq | JalyO ourquivyy | : | Jayseukeg Ssyauy Ay ‘duy | t jo 1a} Yy Snr OuLIquir yy ynoig nog ‘dury OULIquIe A, P1194 4elepdy Sdepuexely_ NOW1ag 9 ‘ ) DIGREES. oF PE S. Maup Harold. Miss Russell. l Rysdyk’s —— (Enchantress (Sally Russell Hambletonian - ( Abdallah ) | | Chas.Kent Mare + Abdallah Untraced Pilot (A Canadian pacer.) _Nancy Pope Boston Maria Russell Mambrino < Amazonia. One Eye { Mambrino J | Amazonia (Said to be by a son of Imp. Messenger. Imp. Bellfounder 1 Imp. Messenger Imp. Sour Crout Daughter of ‘Imp. Whirligig Daughter of L Miss Slammerkin, by Imp. Wildair ‘Bishop’s Hambletonian Imp. Shark Pheasant | ) | . Messenger Silvertail, by Imp. Messenger Daughter of Imp. Medley “Imp. Messenger Imp. Sour Crout Daughter of [ Imp. Whirligig | (Said to be by a son of Imp. Messenger.) | Daughter of -Harod (?) Nancy Taylor -Thornton’s Rattler — Miss Shepherd * 4} | 4 Miss Slammerkin, by Imp, Wildair Sir Charles Chanticleer _ Priestess “Craig’s Alfred | camitta, by Symme’s Wildair Son of pape Medley (?) | Untraced Stockholder (ey Gallant Miranda Imp. Diomed lpaughter of Imp. Medley Daughter of Daughter of Imp. Juniper PEDIGREES. 60 pioypag ‘duiy fq ary Aoury | yaodsuvay, SNIULS.U A wuvyjuary Aq ‘vyqqey - VALUBTSED ) WvYSUTYIOY, Ayoay US _ peworc ‘dwy \ (2) taqsuudvg ‘dwy Las oot ee ) 3 ; jo Jayysneq \ - jo sayysneq Pry || Sisyary AQ ‘dw \ ‘ OEE EAT ( HEMEL AN I sonra PRLS \ r OULIqUUR Jy Jasuassay ‘dury | ‘O18 epi Ay ‘duy Aq Suryaauiueys ssi (2) jo la}ysneq “SIS lpuy Ay “dury jo taj ysneq qnoig «nog ‘dury | dasuassayy ‘duy ‘powoiq ‘dwy 5 ‘uvyjuary, Aq ‘eyyqe yt ; jo sayysneq | r “VALULIYSED) “WIRY SULYIOY r ‘Ayory aus J ‘pamoiq ‘duy | ‘pamoiq, Avig fq ‘epuruy ‘powiorqy ‘dwiy “Aatpay “dury jo zayysneq — + ‘juesvay | “yaeys du] Jasuassoyy “duy “epi ‘dury Aq Suryaaurueys ssi t jo 1ayysneq r “BSyary Ay “duy jnoig anos ‘dury *paovaquy) | 1 jo 10}48nrq | UOSSOLIGL (‘aauadsayzys jo & jo lay ysneq uOs paiqysnoioy yp) ‘eqtuuryy] poov.jugQ N (sqqimeig) WUETTTEAA “af WIeITILAA tS J UG SUB[Pe MA ; a[pneyg ‘saw DIV] UO. SuLAVyT pus yyerors) Jo mvuqg Pyar ounnquryy | . dayseu deg arpney “S414 | ouLiquieyy JaSuassa yy, Avg s,SuruMoq__ W uojyssurary puv yyeyoy jo weq saysvurdeg ‘dwy youajysneq | Jaysvurkeg if OULIqUIL I, | OULIqUIv yA, | dasuassay ‘dwy jo Jayysneq r ‘“uano[g 4|]es “1a yp] *paov.quy . (s,wrjoy4903S) ( ‘“avyg uvoweury _ “01N( Jasuassay ‘duy Aq ‘[re}@ATIS a ‘akg aug “uRIUOJa]q WILT] s doysig “JapUNoy -(Jaq ‘dury (aa Suassayy “dury yo uos v Aq aq 07 pres) *BIUOZRULY jo rem OULIQUI IA, Jasuassay ‘dwy \ { PIYD if fr HON OT ) OULIqUIv yA | J “yavysg jo ulvqdg§ “v4 uvo -laury s,f]aas - ~\— FoivyAl Juay sey ¢ yeTePqy ~- r BALIO uvIuo}a/quIe Py syApsiy FIO WLIO J Jo sayy sneq | aay *poomjo1y, Asjagq oY et ‘SVITIVHd ——— “LOPLI, J 61 PEDIGREES. SEE. EYE JAY { Rysdyk’s Hambletonian | Clara [ Pilot Jr. | Twilight | ( ~Mambrino Abdallah 4 Amazonia Imp. Bellfounder _Chas.Kent Mare + | One Eye American Star + (Stolkholm’s) Seely’s American Star Ke | J | | Sally Slouch _Dam of Shark Pilot (A Canadian pacer) ¢ -{ayoc (?) J _Nancy Pope | | Nancy Taylor ( Imp. Messenger J | | (Said to be by a son of Imp. Messenger.) Daylight ( Imp. Glencoe ( Darkness lmp. Sour Crout Daughter of 4 Daughter of Imp. Messenger Bishop’s Hambletonian Pheasant Silvertail, by ; Imp. Messenger “Imp. Diomed Imp. Whirligig Miss Slammerkin, by Imp. Wildair Imp. Shark 4 Daughter of Imp. Medley Duroc _Amanda, by Gray Diomed “Imp. Diomed Untraced Sir Archy 4 | Rockingham Henry 4 _Castianira , Daughter of Imp. Messenger “Sir Charles > | Chanticleer _ Priestess ‘ | Craig’s Alfred (Son of Imp. Medley (?) ) Untraced Wagner Sir Richard Daughter of Daughter of Daughter of Imp, Diomed | rabitha, by Trentham | Camilla, by Symme’s Wildair ( Ogle’s Oscar 4 Imp. Knowsley | Daughter of Daughter of Imp, Diomed PEDIGREES. ELECTIONEER. Rysdyk’s Hambletonian. Green Mountain Mai Abdallah + ‘Imp. Mes- senger. “Mambrino. | Daughter of Amazonia. (Said to be bya son of Imp. Messenger). “Imp. Bell- | founder. Chas. Kent + Bishop’s Mare. Hambleton- | jan. (One Eye. 4 Silvertail, Sayre’s Harry Clay. Shanghai Mary. Cassius M. Cassius M. Clay. Clay,Jr. < (Neave’s.) | Daughter of Imp. Bellfounder. (A very fast trotting mare of untraced pedigree.) Daughter of ¢ (Imp. Sour Crout. { Imp. Whirligig. \ Daughter of | Miss Slammerkin, by Imnp. Wildair. { Imp. Mes- senger. { Imp. Shark. | Pheasant. L | Daughter of Imp. Medley. by Imp. Messenger. { Henry Clay. J (Son of Andrew Jackson.) { Imp. Mes- uneeced | senger. aa 4 (Imp. Sour | Crout. ( Chancellor. Daughter of + | Daughter of | | | Imp. Messenger. | Daughter of 4 Engineer. (Son of Imp. Messenger.) Imp. Whirligig. Miss Slammerkin, by Imp. Wildair. “Imp. Messenger. | f LE SSS Py { Plato. | Imp. Shark. ! | | | _ Daughter of Davanieret . Pheasant. | Daughter of | Untraced. 7 _ Imp. Medley. ( Imp. Wildair. | (Rainbow. 4 | feu Boon en’ eard’s) | Daughter of 4 | Daughter of 4 | Untraced. Imp. daughter of Buke of Bol- ton’s Starling. ES. DIGRE PE PENNANT. Daughter of Abe Downing | J | | Edwin Forrest Joe Downing { ( i Lizzie Peoples / f Harrison Daughter of 4 { Dam of Dick Jameson Wagner, son of Sir Charles. Untrac ed “Imp. Messenger Memer79 Imp. Sour Crout “Abdallah Amazonia OSU niegos Daven f (Said to be by a son of Imp. Messenger.) CNHs) oe o { Rysdyk’s Hambletonian Imp. Bellfounder ai M Chas. Kent Mare Bishop’s MP een Be} One Eye Bembletonian Pheasant Silvertail { Harold 5 _ by Imp. Messerger | Imp. Messenger { Imp. Sour Crout Mambrino | | ( Abdallah DENPIMIS2@)s 3) - Amazonia | ( Enchantress J . (Said to be by a son of Imp. Messenger.) Daughter of | Untraced | Imp. Messenger : ( Mambrino 5) Daughter of Mambrino | Daughter of Paymaster | Imp. Paymaster (?) | { Mambrino Chief | Dam of Goliath | and Livingston Mare | ( Duval’s 4 Mambrino Imp. Glencoe Daughter of = + Black Nose, son Daughter of 4 | of Modoc Daughter of | | Daughter of J | { Tom Hal (Pacer, founder of Baldstockings family.) Untraced ) | Untraced Imp. Whirligig Miss Slammerkin, of Imp. Wildair Imp. Shark Daughter of Imp. Medley (Imp. Whirligig | { Miss Slammerkin, by Imp. Wildair Imp. Sour Crout “Imp. Whirligig Daughter of | ‘| Miss Slammerkin | by Imp. Wildair 64 ORLOFF TROTTERS—SHETLANDS. CHAPTER XI. ORL OR REL RIO Vib Ras. The Orloff family of trotting horses derives its name from the Russian Count Alexis Orloff Tschismensky, an enthusiastic lover of horses, who is credited with producing the breed. In 1775, he imported the gray Arabian stallion, Smetanxa and power. This horse was used on a Danish mare, the produce being a stallion, known as Polkan First, who in turn produced from a Dutch mare the horse Bars First —commonly regarded as the progenitor of the breed. Lubezney First, Lebed First, and Dobroy First, three sons of Bars First, have given character to the blood of their sire, and helped to fix the trotting instinct. The Count selected his stallions invariably from the foundation stock just noted; but resorted to the better class of English and Dutch mares whenever practicable. The Orloff, like the American Trotter, is a made-up animal; but he shows neither the speed at short distance, nor the endurance on a long stretch, which characterizes so many of our American Trotters. A few have been brought to America, but they are by no means generally known. a horse of unusual size The prevailing color is gray, but blacks are common and bays are frequently found. Possibly the Orloff may at some future time be used to relieve the inbred con- dition into which certain families of our American Trotters are in danger of falling; but as it stands now, the American is so far superior to the Russian Trotter that our own breeders of trotting stock have every reason to be well satisfied with the mag- nificent results already reached, and should feel encouraged to put forth still greater energies in the future. CHAPTER XII. SHETLAND PONIES. They are, as the name indicates, natives of the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland. As to their origin, one thing may be stated without fear of contradiction, and that is: no trace of racing (Thoroughbred) blood has ever found its way into their breeding. Their resemblance to the ponies of Scandinavia, and the further fact that the Islands were first taken possession of by Scandinavian plunderers, and for a long time (until the Fifteenth Century) remained attached to the Crown of Norway, furnish (azt, woz yo}ays ¥ 19}F" paavasuy) “SSINOd GNV1ILAHS SHETLANDS. i, iil) Pid 66 SHETLANDS—WELSH PONIES. good evidence that the Shetland Ponies are of Norwegian derivation. Tradition, however, has it, that some of the horses carried by the great Spanish Armada many vessels of which were wrecked off the rugged Shetland coast—escaped to the Islands and have since left their impress upon the native pony stock; the tradition has the color of probability; more than this cannot be definitely stated. Whatever their origin or subsequent mixture with other breeds, the Shetlands show in appearance and _ char- acter, the well known influence of severe climate and scanty food. They are extremely hardy; very small—standing about 8 to 11 hands high; shaggy coated, with bushy mane and tail; always round and smooth in the barrel; with short fine legs and round handsome feet. All colors are found, but brown, black and spotted—black and white or brown and white, are most common. The Shetlands are the safest and most popular ponies for children’s use, and large numbers of them are, and have been, annually brought to the United States for this purpose. They are remarkably intelligent, and can be readily trained. Their hardi- ness and muscular endurance have always been marked; but they have little or no practical value outside of that already mentioned. When bred in America, the superior food and attention given causes a considerable increase in size; and—since the smallest ponies are in greatest demand—this fact has led to the practice, quite common at the present time, of importing as wanted for sale direct from the Islands. The illustration—engraved after a sketch from life, expressly for our use—is an accurate representation of the breed. CHAPTER XIII. Weis E> PrOUNGE ES: Of late years quite a number of these beautiful little fellows have found their way to the United States; and, like the Shetlands, are in great demand for children’s use. Of their origin Low says: “The mountains of Wales in like manner, give birth to a race of small horses adapted to an elevated country of scanty herbage, * * * which must be supposed to be pure with respect to their descent from the pristine race.” The typical Welsh Pony stands about 13 hands high, has a small head, high withers, smooth, rounded, close coupled body, with neat, flat legs and sound feet. Color varies, bays and browns, especially the lighter shades, are common, and blacks and other colors frequently found. EXMOORS—MUSTANGS. 67 CHAPTER XIV. EXMOOR PONIES. This breed—a few of which have been imported to the United States—has its origin in the Exmoor Forest region, lying partly in Devonshire and partly in Somer- setshire, England. They are doubtless descended from the same original stock as the Welsh breed, but differ considerably from the latter at the present time. They are shaggy, long haired; stand about 12 or 13 hands high, and, although not so smooth and attractive in appearance as the Welsh, are said to be remarkably hardy. Bays, browns and blacks are the most common colors. CHAPTER XV. MEE XCCeASN) TESOUN GE Si (MUSTANGS. ) Since the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards (1519-22) a race of so-called Mexican horses has been established, differing from their Spanish ancestry only in those things naturally affected by the semi-wild state in which they have existed, and the consequent lack of artificial care and attention. From Mexico they scattered gradu- ally northward until the entire Southwest, including Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, Was supplied with a native or wild horse stock, from the same original source. Doubt- less, also, the Mexican breed has contributed largely to form the pony breeds of the more northern Indian tribes. Discussion of this point will come, however, more prop- erly under the next heading, which see. In Texas the Mexican Ponies have been commonly called “ Mustangs,” and it is by this name that they have become notorious as the most ill-tempered, unmanageable, but, withal, most wiry, tough and enduring specimens of the equine race to be found. In height, they stand about 12 to 13 or 14 hands, weighing from 600 to 800 lbs.; all colors are found, but the colors which might perhaps be called characteristic of the breed are yellow clay, smoky dun and mouse, with usually a darker stripe along the middle of the back. The various shades of roan are quite common—white or pink roans nearly always showing a skin of the same color at the nose and on inside of thighs; and spotted ponies—* paints” —are frequently found. The prominent characteristic of the Mexican Mustang lies in his wonderful powers of endurance; he will carry a heavy man on his back, and make a distance 68 MUSTANGS. (Engraved from a photo. taken at Laredo, Texas.) MUSTANGS—-INDIAN PONIES. 69 each day for a month or six weeks’ journey, that would tax the powers of the best Kentucky Thoroughbred. As to their viciousness or ill-temper, about which so much has been written, we think it entirely overdrawn. Mustang colts, taken up when two years old, and handled in the same manner that Eastern horsemen handle colts of higher market value, will show a disposition entirely different from the wild, vicious temper commonly imputed to them. Indeed the reverse is also true, since it is a well- known fact that among “American” horses—as the larger improved horses brought from the East are called—or their descendants on the range, are found the worst specimens of the “bucking” or “pitching” type. While the tendency of running wild is always toward wildness, if not viciousness, yet we believe the notorious Mustang disposition is largely a product of very poor methods of breaking and handling. Before leaving this subject, it may be of interest to note a remarkable case of prolonged gestation, reported by Mr. Z. T. Moore, of Traer, Ia., in the Breeders’ Gazette of Chicago. The mare is said to be a Mustang; in 1887 she carried her foal 377 days, and in 1888 the foal was retained 389 days—foals in both instances doing well. The average period of gestation for mares under domestication rarely exceeds 350 to 360 days; but it is commonly observed that mares of any breed, as a rule, carry their foals longer when allowed to breed and range in pasture without care or restraint, than when kept up and favored with extra care and attention. We have no doubt that, if statistics could be as carefully kept of the service and birth dates among semi-wild horses as is done among careful breeders of improved stock—we should find a marked difference in the average length of gestation. The illustration was engraved expressly for our use, from a photograph, taken at Laredo, Texas, and is a fair representation of the modern Mexican Pony. Mr. E. H. Sauvignet, of Laredo, has our thanks for assistance in securing photo. CHAPTER XVI. DN VANE | EiO UNA SE As noted in the preceding chapter, Indian Ponies doubtless trace in direct line to a more or less remote Mexican ancestry. Indeed, the horse-stock of the tribes of Western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, is nothing if not Mexican; but of the more northern tribes, it is probable that another factor has been potent in forming the breed. That the other factor must be sought in northern latitudes, is beyond question, and we are convinced—after careful, continued observation of the ponies belonging to the various “ Reservation” Tribes—that the Canadian Pony, a descendant of the small horse stock of France, imported to Canada at an early date, is the animal that must bear the responsibility. We adopt this conclusion for several reasons, chief among them being the fact that Mustang colors are rarely found among Indian Ponies proper —the latter showing a great predominance of dark bay, brown and spotted (bay and 70 i | i | I INDIAN PONIES, (Engraved from a photo, taken in the Indian Territory.) INDIAN PONIES. 71 white or brown and white), and the further fact that their conformation is decidedly different. The spotted marking is quite common and it is difficult to trace its source unless we accept the common belief that it is derived from horses inhabiting the moun- tainous parts of Persia and adjoining countries, through the Spanish and French ancestry. Indian Ponies are, as a rule, kind and gentle; enduring as much in the colder regions of the Northwest, as do their Mustang relations in the Southwest. There is very little ill-temper observed among northern Indian Ponies: a simple fact—whether due to different treatment or to modification by Canadian crosses—we do not pretend to say. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color, dark bay, brown and spotted (bay and white and brown and white), with almost always darker points. Some of these ponies are a most beautiful blood-bay with black points, and when they can be obtained, make excellent saddle ponies. (As a rule the better class of Indians are loth to part with their ponies, and even when a sale has been completed, it is no uncommon thing for the Indian to become sick of his bargain before the pony is out of sight, and insist on buying it back again.) In height they stand about 12 to 13 or 14 hands, weighing from 650 to 850 pounds: they are rather more blocky built than Mustangs, the cannons are wider, and the pasterns more on the upright order. The illustration was engraved from a photograph taken in the Chicasaw Nation, Indian Territory; and we take this occasion to return thanks to Mr. E. J. Smith, of Woodford, I. T., for his kind assistance in securing it. The ponies represented, weigh about 700 Ibs. each, and are said, by the Indians, to be purely Indian bred as far back as their ancestry is known. The boy holding them is a 17 year old full-blooded Chi- casaw, by name, John Turnbull. 2 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. CHAPTER XVII. HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. In selecting a horse, more actual knowledge is needed than can be secured from books alone: the accurate judge of horse flesh is one who has made the subject a practical, continued study for years; and who has at command, not only the close knowledge gained by experience, but a good understanding, as well, of the principles which underlie Force and Action applied in the movements of the horse. For an exhaustive discussion of this subject, the reader is referred to any one of the special works on the horse—especially such books as Sanders’ Horse Breeding and Helm’s American Roadsters and Trotting Horses, with which he is doubtless already familiar. We can only undertake to give a few of the more prominent points, which may pos- sibly aid somewhat in forming an intelligent judgment. First. For draft, a horse must have weight: he may have fine action also, but the weight he must have if capable of long pulls before heavy loads. The shoulders should be upright and heavy below, in order that strain on the traces may be met by collar resistance at such an angle as will utilize all of the force exerted. The draft horse should stand fairly high in front (rather prominent withers) and must have a chest of ample width to permit free expansion of lungs, when under any temporary strain. The legs are best short, and should never exhibit that smooth, puffy appear- ance which always indicates a tendency to form fat at the expense of muscle; the cannons should be flat, and the joints, especially, hard and firmly bound together. As we have stated, fine action is not absolutely necessary, but for farm use a good sprightly walk is certainly desirable. Right here we may say, that a horse of 1200 to 1400 lbs. weight, is about the heaviest that will be found profitable on the ordinary farm; the heavier animals will always be in demand for a different purpose, and an intelligent judgment will select in reference to the purpose for which desired. To be too “fiery” or “high strung” is an objection: the draft horse should be, pre-eminently, an animal of quiet—yet not sluggish—temperament. A strong, even puller will resist fatigue better, and do more service. Second. For speed, the shoulders should be slanting; the withers medium to low; the loin and rump high, and the hind-quarters long and furnished with powerful muscles. In the race horse, the propelling power comes from the rear, and a greater mistake could not be made than to select, for running, a horse at all deficient in these parts, no matter how fully he might fill the judgment in other respects. The legs must have some length, and here may be added double caution as to their quality: not a particle of surplus flesh or fat should be apparent, and joints in particular must be closely knit together. The English government has a set of rules for the use of those HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. (bs who select horses for cavalry service, and we insert them here; they are called “Points for Rejection,” but will answer equally well as points for selection: “ Reject a horse whose fore-legs are not straight; they will not stand wear. Stand behind the horse as it walks away from you, and you will be able to notice these defects, if they exist. “ Reject a horse that is light below the knee, especially if immediately below the knee; the con- formation is essentially weak. “Or a horse with long, or short, or upright pasterns; long pasterns are subject to sprains; short or upright pasterns make a horse unpleasant to ride, and, on account of extra concussions, are apt to cause ossific deposits. “Ora horse with toes turned in or out. The twist generally occurs at the fetlock. Toes turned out are more objectionable than toes turned in. When toes turn out the fetlocks are generally turned: in, and animals so formed are very apt to cut or brush. Both, however, are weak formations. “ Reject a horse whose hind legs are too far behind; good propelling power will be wanting, and disease as a result may be expected in the hocks. Anda horse which goes either very wide or very close behind, and one with very straight or very bent hocks; the former cause undue concus- sion; the latter are apt to give way. ‘Reject a horse that is ‘split-up’—that is, shows much daylight between his thighs; propelling power comes from behind, and must be deficient in horses without due muscular development between. the thighs. “Reject a horse with flat or over large feet, or with very small feet; medium sized are best. “ Also a horse with one foot smaller than another.” It may be stated that the trotting gait seems to depend not more upon conforma- tion than upon an innate tendency, “instinct,” in the horse to go at that gait. Possi- bly—we might even say probably—the relative lengths of thigh and distance from hip to hock, and the two as compared with length below the hock may aid this ten- dency in permitting great speed on the track. Most of our famous trotters have shown 39 to 42 inches from hip to hock, and a corresponding 23 to 24 inch thigh. Another point of interest is found in the fact, that a horse with long forearm and short front cannon will trot with an easy deceiving action, bending the a long hind leverage knee but little, and never “ pounding” heavily, even at greatest speed. Soundness (by which is meant freedom from disease or any abnormal feature) is of prime importance, especially in selecting for stud use; and while we cannot under- take a description of the numerous blemishes and diseases to which the horse is sub- ject, we may call brief attention to the nature and relative consequence of some of the more common troubles: “Founder” (Laminitis in its various forms) is caused by over-heating, over-feed- ing, or drinking to excess. Although a systemic disturbance, it is usually manifested in the feet, and a horse once foundered is very likely afterward to have frequent trouble in these parts. ‘“ Sweeny” (Atrophy or Shrinking of the shoulder muscles) is another manifestation of injury, which can be “cured,” but is always liable to reap- pear on slight provocation. A sweenied horse, no matter how thoroughly he may have been “cured,” it is always safe to reject. Corns may be easily detected by tapping sharply with any blunt pointed instru- ment on the sole of the foot, in the angle formed by the wall at the quarter and the inflected portion bounding either side of the frog; they never appear in any other place. Bad corns are very hard to cure, and a horse thus afHicted had best be thrown out; but mild corns—caused usually by poor shoeing—can be easily and permanently cured, and need not weigh heavily against the purchase of an otherwise desirable 74 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. horse. Contracted feet, also caused by improper shoeing, may be placed in the same class as corns. Both these troubles, if mild, may be cured, as a rule, by removing shoes, paring down the foot at the quarters, and letting the animal run at grass, bare- footed, for a month or six weeks. Spavin in all its forms is a trouble we have always been afraid of; some writer has called it “the sum of all villainy in horse-flesh”—and so it is. It affects the hind leg at the hock joint, sometimes as a watery swelling in front called « Bog Spavin,” or in the rear on either side of the hamstring, when it is called “ Thoroughpin,” but in any case, it is liable to affect the small bones of this region, cause abnormal bone deposit, and become the justly dreaded “Bone Spavin,” by which so many originally valuable animals are ruined annually. By all means reject a horse showing any indi- cation of Spavin or of “treatment” for Spavin. Curb, affecting the back or point of the hock, is of less moment; it is generally caused by kicking against something hard, or habitually stepping over something just high enough to strike the heel in passing. If the injury is recent, frequent and vigorous rubbing will effect a cure; if bone deposit has formed, it will always leave a blemish, but the horse may be—and usually is—serviceably sound. Splint—usually appearing as a hard bunch on the inner side of a front cannon, but sometimes on either side of any cannon, front or rear—is another trouble about like curb; it leaves a blemish, and of course prevents great speed, but, for ordinary use, the animal is as good as ever. Ringbone affects the bones of the pastern—making a bony bunch of considerable and causing, usually, serious lameness. It is considered incurable. Horses with short, upright pasterns, are much more subject to this trouble, and to the next, than are those with pasterns of an opposite character. Coffin joint lameness ( Navicular dis- ease ) is one of those troubles about which little is really known, but much written. The Coffin or Navicular joint is just within the hoof, and hence, practically, inacces- size sible for treatment. As noted under Ringbone, horses with vertical pasterns are more subject to these troubles and should be rejected, especially when selecting for light wagon or carriage use. Concerning care and management, it has been our aim to secure statements, from successful breeders, of the actual methods employed by them in feeding, handling and breeding stock. In these statements are represented breeders of various classes of stock, and in different climates; and we present the following letters, in the firm belief that the information thus given is well worth a careful study: French Draft, Percherons and Trotters. “Houston, TEx., July 17, 1888. * * * * “In the growing of horses, my object has been to produce the best horse at the least expense, and to accomplish this, I have spared no pains in first securing the best of sires, and then providing clean, wholesome stables, well ventilated, with pure water and wholesome food; usually feeding oats twice a day and wheat bran once, but an occasional gradual change from oats to corn I have found advisable in maintaining the appetite. I give every sire at least five miles exercise per day. I regard this exercise as of special importance in the season for actual service. He is then always healthful and vigorous. This applies to either pure-bred or standard-bred sires that are kept up, and served to halter to choice mares, when registration of their progeny is required. Less valuable sires, when HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 715 their progeny are supposed to sell only on their individual merits, I have found it more economical and raised a larger percentage of colts, to turn them out in pastures with a limited number of mares, not to exceed 25, not failing to give them a feed of oats each day to keep them strong and vigcrous; and, in fact, “turned loose” is the most natural way, and in all classes of breeding, it has been my experience that to assist nature is the best that we can do. “In providing food for mares, we have found it most satisfactory and economical to cut and stack hay in pastures, the stacks serving as food and shelter, and with much less expense ana waste than any other way. Colts, when of sufficient age to take from their mothers, we catch, halter and hitch in stable, until they learn to eat, and lose all fear of being handled, and when again caught, if not until maturity, they will not forget their early handling at the halter. We then turn them in pas- ture by themselves, where they have all the hay, oats and bran they will eat the first winter. They have then arrived at the age of one year, in a thrifty, growing condition, and will take care of them- selves in pasture until matured to the age of 3 or 4 years, suitable to break to saddle and harness. At this time avoid ‘breaking’ their temper and constitution, but on the contrary through a process of kindness, teach them to lose all fear, and when this is accomplished, the natural instincts control, and they will then intelligently respond to all reasonable calls. A little feed in winter, where circum- stances and numbers will admit, would be a judicious expense. Yours very truly, H. B. SANBORN.” Mr. Sanborn’s methods give a clear idea of handling for profit in the Southwest. The practice of breaking colts at an early age can not be too strongly urged; once trained, the spirit of obedience to a master’s will is never lost. The natural way of breeding—“ turned loose”—is the practice adopted by all breeders of pony mares to common stallions, and is satisfactory so far as percentage of foals to service is con- cerned; but it must be remembered that to secure higher results states as Mr. Sanborn nature needs a large amount of assistance—-indeed, a very high type of skilled “Art” is required to develop and bring to the surface the actual, but latent, merit of an individual or breed. Cleveland Bays, English Shires and Clydesdales. “ SPRINGFIELD, ILL., August 10th, 1888. * * * * “My way of handling a stallion is as follows: During the winter, whilst I give him a fair allow- ance of grain, mixed with bran, and cut hay or oat sheaves, I do not let him get too fleshy, giving him good exercise daily, and a few weeks prior to commencing the season, increase his allowance of grain (chiefly oats) so that on going on the stand, the horse is improving (7. e., fleshing up). Whilst making a season, I give a horse all he will eat (without crowding him), and in addition to the grain feed, give where possible some green feed, once or twice per day. If not available, then the best hay morning and night. I usually feed one meal per day, damped with water. “With regard to breeding or brood mares, would say: If there is sufficient good nutritious grass available, they should not require anything else, but a mare to be bred should also be improving in flesh, and will be much more liable to get in foal under such conditions; a little extra feed at this time is not thrown away. “Tn addition to their mothers’ milk, colts should have access to a feed of crushed oats and bran, at least twice daily, and although many think this unnecessary, I think the growth and superiority of colts reared under these conditions, will, after being once tried, convince the most skeptical, of the benefits to be derived from a generous feed in addition to that provided by nature; besides, a colt is so much more easily weaned when taught to eat and look out for himself when young. All colts should be handled, haltered and broke when three years old. * * * * Yours truly, R. P. STERICKER.”’ Mr. Stericker believes in feeding his colts, and we think the point is well taken. At no other time in the period of horse existence will a little feed give such large 76 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. return as during the first and second years, and the so-called economy of short rations at this time, is really the very opposite of economy in fact. Cleveland Bays and English Shires. “CEDAR FaLts Stock Farm, CEDAR FALts, Iowa, Aug. 15, 1888. * * * * “Having so many stallions, it is impracticable to give them harness or saddle exercise as required. We have, however, large well fenced exercising grounds into which they are turned singly, daily. The exercise and rolling contact with mother earth, voluntarily taken in the sunlight, aids to keep them healthy, They have box stalls well lighted and ventilated, with earth floors and perfect clean- liness. Their food in the off season, should be clean, bright hay, oats mixed with bran or shorts, and once or twice a week, some vegetables. It is also desirable to cut and save in cellar for winter, sods of grass, to give them occasionally, which are eaten with avidity and benefit. In very cold weather a little corn would aid in maintaining animal heat, but we use it very sparingly. In case of hard feces, indicating costiveness, steep half pint of flaxseed, and feed with oats. We aim to keep them in good heart through the winter, but not fleshy. In the breeding season, the ration is more liberal and supplemented by half pint to a pint of hempseed (which is not a drug and is harmless) say three times a week, and raw eggs about as often, mixed with the feed. Fresh grass is always craved and is beneficial. For mares, free run in pasture on grass—the natural food—is best, with, when necessary, some oats and bran. Toward time for stinting to the horse, half pint of hempseed is desirable three times a week, and for a short time after service. It is undoubtedly good for both stallions and mares to have reasonable, careful work at proper times, to develop stamina and muscle and give constitution to offspring. Colts should run freely in pasture and have, when on dry food, a few oats, bran and vegetables; kept growing thriftily but not pampered; should be handled often, firmly but kindly. This should also be the rule in handling stallions. Very respectfully, W. M. Fretps & Bro.” The Cedar Falls Stock Farm is well known as carrying an excellent stock of horses. Mr. Fields admits that it is impossible, on account of the number on hand, to give each stallion the exercise which should be given, but thinks they have adopted the next best plan—daily yard runs in the open air. In lieu of the green sods cut and kept for winter use as suggested, we have understood that ensilage in small quantities has been used to advantage, and we should think the practice would involve much less trouble and expense. American Trotters. “ WILLow LAwN Farm, WAVERLY, Iowa, July 26th, 1888. * * * * “As I have been away from home since July 1st, have had no time to prepare statement of care of mares and colts, as requested; but our practice is to keep as close to nature as possible, giving mares entire fréedom, and feeding only such grain as is necessary to keep them in fine condition at all times. Our colts are constantly handled by quiet, careful men, so that when ready to put in har- ness, we have seldom any trouble with them. We have about 50 high bred mares, and we try to give each mare and colt such care as their individual condition requires. Very truly yours, J. H. Bowman.” Knowing the high character of “ Willow Lawn” stud, we can only express regret that Mr. Bowman had not time to give us a more extended outline of his practice. Draft and Trotting Horses. “ FISKVILLE, TRAVIS CounTy, TEXAS, Aug. 27th, 1888. * * * * “In keeping stallions for public service, I have handled each year, for the past fifteen years, from 50 to 150 mares; one stallion that I stood six consecutive seasons, averaged, according to accu- HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES, CH rate, written records, 83 per cent. of foals to mares served, and all animals handled by me have aver- aged about 75 per cent., whilst I do not think the general average will exceed 50 per cent. of foals to mares served, “ My practice is to have the stallion in strong, vigorous condition, and to keep him so, through- out the breeding season—say from March Ist to July 1st—by constant and abundant exercise; and no plan will give this needed exercise in so desirable and economical shape, as to make a business horse of him—under the saddle and in harness, one or both. The constant use, association and control, by his master, renders him obedient, manageable, and safe; whilst it also keeps all the vital organs in full and vigorous play—which gives a larger per cent. of foals from his service, and with more constitu- tion and vitality. I wish to emphasize this point, for it is opposite to the prevailing custom. “ Next, be sure your mare is in season (heat) when the stallion serves her; it requires experience to determine this accurately—mares vary greatly in temperament, or nervous organization, and con- sequently conduct themselves differently in the presence of the stallion. Such mares as have dropped foals, will, almost invariably, be in heat in from seven to ten days after foaling, and with all mares—but especially those with young colts by their sides, restrain the stallion, compelling him to approach the pole slowly and carefully, so as to allay her fear on behalf of the colt. I always have the colt accompany its mother, else she is fretting for it, and it is more difficult to ascertain her true condition. After the first service by stallion, it is plain sailing; if the mare’s condition is normal until she is safe in foal, heat will recur at intervals of 21 days, varying a little with the individual; thus you will see why a reasonable degree of success attends those who practice returning mares on the seventh or ninth day after service. My observation has been that mares carry a heat, on the average, five days. “When foaling time is at hand see that the mare is exposed to no extra risks, then let her alone. When the mother’s milk fails to keep the foal fat feed her grain to enrich it, and that the colt may learn to eat and digest the grain perfectly before weaning time, which should be done at from six to eight months of age, at which time it should be abundantly and regularly supplied with nutritious food. Oats and bran are my choice, with corn added as cold weather comes on; the desideratum being to keep up thrift and growth from birth to maturity. If this is interrupted at any stage, one loses not only in size, but in style or symmetry. Where growing colts are thus constantly associated with man, the breaking in to service is a simple thing; the transition is so easy and natural that they hardly know it, and where light and occasional work is performed by them between the second and third years, by the time maturity is reached, the animals are thoroughly developed, trained and safe, and will command the very highest market price for their respective kinds. In fact, from discrimin- ating buyers, a horse known to be thus raised and trained will command an extra price. Very truly yours, C. A. GRAVES.” Mr. Graves is careful to emphasize the necessity for actual use, either under the saddle or in harness, of service stallions; and brings out clearly the points in breeding on which beginners are apt to stumble. His letter contains some valuable information well worth remembering. HoLstTEIN-FRIESIANS ........... PART SE GO@inNtD: CATT ee. DAIRY BREEDS. GUERNSEYS' «sere ewe eo ors AYRISHIR' RSs crc | aesatdteteinievecs DUTCH-BEL TED ssrjso sie si AMERICAN HOLDERNESS . IBROWAN) (SWISS). asec sees 2 BRITTANIES IGE RIRTES + stoic ns shiva disvarcrce SHORTHORNS RED POLLED Chapter XVAIIs~...° SMO XO LONG ny vaya te ioe fy stel clave Ke ». CoE SR ADE K RGD plea enshehsistet=: she < DO. 410 aaae Bi DGC NMS GS a.gras nono cie eme eee XO ree GENERAL PURPOSE BREEDS. INORINVAINIDUIES Hele rors oCra: ancients sectors were evenness NortTH-WALES-BLACK ... PEMBROKES HEREFORDS GATLOWAYS\ 50. c:c00s sce BRAHMINS (ZEBU)....... West-HIGHLANDS....... BISEOXCAIN'S/)c(oyninl cleisievelsrererers: sis Ghapters XO@ViLU Feels re Chapter BOS VAUIES Boob due Go 12:0. D.Sc aus Seaenonear 2.0.0.8 "22.0, Looper sen Soo napa ened cdont Ww O52, Cll ha eines cea ah IeOne ar OOOn BEEF BREEDS. US 9.@. OYE S re CS EERE DX = i DG baeahocpa daSoncosodscancDS GN (DADS ap oaaapousadad ced caanoqoduoS OG 9 saute ood ada noone. 8O HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. CHAPTER XVIII. HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. To trace the early history and establish the origin of this now firmly settled and improved breed, it ismecessary to go back over the much disputed ground, until recently bitterly contested by the Holstein and the Dutch-Friesian Associations. The Friesians, or North Hollanders, from the earliest history have dwelt along the shores of the North Sea, and have possessed abundance of cattle; their history dates as far back as 300 B. C., and their cattle at that time are supposed to have been pure white; tradi- tion intimates that the progenitors of the breed came from India, but we have no authentic records to that effect. 200 years later, the Batavians appear in history; they settled near the Friesians, and it is supposed that the cattle which they brought with them were black. From the crossing of these two breeds, then, might easily have arisen the black and white color of the present breed; however vague this theory of their origin may be, it is certain that these two tribes or provincial nations were after- wards known in common, and together celebrated for the excellence and great number of their cattle—so much so, indeed, that when present Holland came under Roman authority, the Friesians were required to pay an annual tax in hides, horns and cattle: the Batavians chose rather to furnish soldiers, and from this time on they seem to have relegated to the Friesians all the responsibility, labor and emolument arising from the cattle industry. As to whether the cattle of Friesland or North Holland were originally obtained from the province of Holstein—lying in the northern part of Germany, along the border—or the exact reverse; or, indeed, as to the truth of either assertion, it is not, now, necessary to consider: time has only made certain what all candid breeders of either Holsteins or Dutch-Friesians never denied—that the cattle of Holstein and those of Friesland or North Holland are, and for many years have been, practically identi- cal. The Holstein Breeders Association was organized and the name adopted in good faith—what more suitable name for a breed than that of the country in which it has reached perfection? But gradually the cattle of Holstein were culled of the best specimens, and importers began to secure choice animals from North Holland, calling them, and having them recorded as, Holsteins. | Possibly this fact may have hastened the organization of the Dutch-Friesian Association: be that as it may, the latter named society was organized in 1877, and the first volume of the Dutch-Friesian Herd Book of America appeared in 1880. To a careful observer, the name appeared to be about the only real difference between these two recognized breeds, and attempts were early made by the more conservative breeders on both sides, to join forces and admit their identity, by importing and breeding under one name instead of two. The name Hol- stein had an undoubted priority in America, and the black and white cattle of Fries- “KN fasnonshs ‘avy 2 T1aMog ‘sHLIWS Aq pauMmo Mou pur (QggT) paytodurr S*sqy 000s “SUSIE. ‘(g "Soy ‘APY) 912 ‘JONINd GNVINSHLAN ‘11NG NVISSIN4-NIFLSIOH HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. | ( w\( Ny) | Ho ey ag f $1 82 HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. land were persistently libeled as “ Holsteins” by those who were either ignorant of the Friesian name, or too partisan in their views to regard it with fairness. The Dutch- Friesian breeders scored a strong point in their favor when they adopted for their Herd-Book the Main or Advanced Register—of which we will speak later— in addition to the usual pedigree register of other breeds. Selfish interests undoubt- edly operated to prevent a union of the two associations, but gradually the pressure of public opinion, combined with the good sense of the majority of breeders, effected a union: a joint committee having been appointed for the purpose of drafting a plan for consolidation, the two associations met in joint session May 26th, 1885, and form- ally adopted the plans prepared by the committee. The Holstein-Friesian Association (Thos. B. Wales, of Iowa City, Secretary,) retains the Advanced Registry feature, and we have thought best to insert here a summary of the rules and requirements for admission to this higher record—condensed from the full regulations adopted by the Association: First. An animal must be eligible to record in the Pedigree Register. Second. If a bull, he must have shown his superior qualities by his progeny, and must scale at least 80 points of the scale adopted; if a cow, she must have borne a calf, and made one of the following records: If calving when between two and three years old (1) a minimum record of 10 Ibs. butter in seven consecutive days; or (2) 7200 Ibs. milk in 10 consecutive months; or (3) 396 lbs. milk in 10 consecutive days, and a second record (4) of 132 Ibs. milk in 10 consecutive days, made at any time after a period of 8 months from date of calving. If calving when between three and four years old—periods same as above—(1) a minimum of 12 Ibs. butter; or (2) 8500 Ibs. milk; or (3) 473 Ibs. milk, and (4) 154 Ibs. milk. If calving when between four and five years old—periods same as above—(1) 2 minimum of 14 lbs. butter; or (2) 10,000 Ibs. milk; or (3) 550 Ibs. milk, and (4) 187 lbs. milk. If calving when above five years of age—periods same as above—(1) a minimum of 16 Ibs. butter; or (2) 11,500 Ibs. milk; or (3) 633 Ibs. milk, and (4) 212 lbs. milk. All the records must be made within a period of 11 months from date of calving; the cow must be milked clean at the start, and days must be counted strictly—24 hours in each; butter must be salted not heavier than one ounce to the pound, and worked free from excess of water or buttermilk; each record must be sworn to by each and every person assisting in making it——including, in all cases, the owner. DESCRIPTION: In outline they present the typical milk wedge with narrow shoulder points and wide strong hips; color jet black and pure white, more or less evenly variegated over the entire body; the brush of the tail must always be white no matter how strongly black may predominate elsewhere; the tastes of breeders differ as to markings, some preferring an excess of white, or at least evenly variegated, while others prefer to breed for a predominance of black, confining the white to the belly line, brush and star in forehead. In size they are fully equal to the Shorthorn or Hereford—bulls weighing from 1900 to 2300 lbs. and cows from 1200 to 1600 lbs.—lacking the square heavy appearance of these breeds, but suggesting magnificent constitutions by their powerful frames. The head is long with very little flesh, and prominent muzzle- veins; the mouth large and coarse; nostrils large and flexible; eyes not especially HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. som . ~ \\\\ ¢ \ ‘iN HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN COW, CLOTHILDE, 1308 (Adv. Reg. 155). Imported (1880) and now owned by SMITHS, PowELL & Lamp, Syracuse, N. Y. 84 HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. prominent, but large, bright and wide apart; face beautifully dished; horns small, clear at base, with black tips, usually pointing forward; ears large, thin, quick in movement and of a yellowish oily texture within; neck long, slender and finely taper- ing in the cow, with small dewlap suspended from lower one-third—in the bull the neck should still be fine at the head, but heavy, muscular and well set on at the shoul- ders. The shoulders are thin above, but long and very deep, giving a much greater shoulder-beef capacity than would appear at first thought. The rib arches gradually increase toward the loin region, giving ample room in the abdominal cavity, and by no means crowding the chest. The barrel gradually deepens to the region of the flank, which is low and well-muscled. The loin is full; hips wide apart, and on a level with although in some of the best milkers, there is the back; back straight throughout more or less drop from the sacral region; buttocks large, and the angle between them in the cow wide, giving ample room for passage of fcetus at parturition; tail long, slender and delicately tapering to the brush; hind quarters very heavy; legs rather longer than in the Shorthorn or Hereford, but straight and finely formed—crooked legs as a necessary accompaniment to milking qualities, no longer exist. The udder should be broad, square, close up to the body and spreading well forward on to the abdomen—long, low hanging meaty udders, that are nearly as large after milking as when distended with milk, are very objectionable; teats are nearly always even, good shape—not conical—and the reservoirs supplying them of about equal dimensions in the four divisions of the udder; escutcheon varies, and to select well, requires an accu- rate knowledge of these peculiar “mirrors,” which we cannot give in a work of this kind. (For a very exhaustive exposition of the indications of escutcheons, we most heartily recommend the American translation of Guenon’s Milch Cows.) The milk veins are remarkably developed in the best specimens, and the brisket, while not so low as in some other breeds, is broad and full. The skin is of medium thickness, soft and mellow to the touch; and the hair short, fine and close lying. The following Scale of Points was adopted August 12th, 1885, and is now in general use: cows. BULLS. Disiave: cea are Ghee oie aera sine ea dee sa cistsnsreveue ts.cyeters, adoisne, orheters 2 Dinaalee ahanahtess ey adere ebeyfeoseet ters Eoreheaditerar cessed suai cyorciereves tiers 2 PASTS EPCR IC SEs CARE CARAT CRA Hacey arabe. sn cvearsrnen remiss 2 es i tre be Jae Uns rete ee uray ouch FEFAT SHereatethaeel set eke as elonee usec een 1 Diss so sesspet a alee cosas errs OATS DRO oeaeEa IOs OC Cee 2 OD sterieae tat oe ne elCee LORS saree cise shee es ieuaie sueecnee eRe nei 2 A ayo. cle tees eee See IIR ETO Nleeke oc Satiethic rans sisunabe sunceteioyerele eens 5 bE ep er re eee VE Shoulders sccine sce oat eee 4 Gissimatbaskertees coe Chest eetee ect cum sok ieatne creer 8 2 siaiva lates onsen peace eee ee Gropsi.ncias cs eee ee teenth 1 Bis Gia bis een ebe eee eee 1S}: Yo) See IMER EIS Clavnamiom ca Dat 3 Dis ectroithd, SI SISter Barrel ..:staicic cng ce SaGce Ue ee ontore 6 Soe Pato remo dao os Coyisbengllsbhsogoopcocnosdscoate- 5) As “siiantthoe dee a, eo IR iehaoinib oo das omooovCoe oud oS 5 HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS, 85 LS MUNROE ING chew snatonel sy arti ei tvs evar eis OR WALOMM EAE leew: 51 ADP RT to etccsieie ait ois; Sele ts HUPUeA sere ae ci eoe eee steve» © 4 Ae are gta ars ave wana, we a)'s Quartersis vereriseteneclere! ious seeieve’s 5 PE bat eokO CHEER ORCERC CRC CRORES Flainks\ sae rao cre aie slcvevere 2 2 Dyivereyencisherniowe aie sovniele) wets Ny eI aid.oin 0 her ion 6.3.0.0 REG CIGOIG 6 pears heer cielenivorstotavere Geist Wailescc. od Setrone or sere erate os 2 LQURS fora's ot evsveceisielelaveleieyetels ‘ae Haimand) Handlincoeseere eee - 10 AND e Pa vcca, cues sve eee once ever er sis Mammary Vieinss-. = ire oe 10 NL rerelsieie terse ele ele es ee Widder: science sks cee eas Giercreitoceuactereiayerctaelewne. spares Biscutohe ont 55-06 1c -ysrsreere stele 8 Breech oirsa oss oveveytarenen kenets) sx ov Reudimentanys Meatsseritett- tere NO Oigererctecsteterouctercretaratetate tus Perfection\tsnsmitexkecoc acess 100 CHARACTERISTICS, USES AND ADAPTABILITY: The prominent characteristic of the Holstein-Friesian cow lies in her wonderful milk production; and of the bull, in his power to transmit superior milking qualities to his offspring. They are admittedly a superior milk breed, giving a large quantity of milk, especially rich in casein, and fairly good in butter content. Clothilde pro- duced 26,021 lbs. 2 oz. of milk in one year the second largest record ever made by a cow of any breed; she has also a record of 28 Ibs. 21% oz. of butter in seven days- Recently some astonishing results have been obtained in the butter line: a Mercedes heifer, property of Thomas B. Wales, Jr., of Iowa City, Iowa, dropped her first calf February 13th, 1887, and when she was 2 years and 12 days old, commenced a seven days test. (See rules for admission to Advanced Register.) She produced 21 lbs. 8 oz. of unsalted butter in the seven days, from a yield of 312 Ibs. 6 oz. of milk—said to be the largest certified record, with one exception, ever made by a heifer. That this remarkably high butter yield is unusual must be admitted, but we give it as illustrat- ing the future possibilities of the Holstein-Friesian breed. Pieterje, 2nd, property of Mr. Dallas B. Whipple, of Cuba, N. Y., has lately com- pleted the greatest milk record, not only to date, but that is likely to be made for some time to come; she is truly a wonderful animal, having to her credit 112 lbs. 7 oz. of milk in one day; 3289 lbs. 10 oz. in 31 consecutive days, and the enormous amount of 30,318 lbs. 8 oz. in one year of 365 days—surpassing the great yield of Clothilde by 4297 Ibs. and proving herself the largest milker in the world. She was bred by T. K. Cuperus of Boxum, Friesland, Holland; calved April 25th, 1877, and imported Nov. Ist, 1882, by Mr. A. Bradley of Lee, Mass. Touching their beef qualities we have yet much to learn; their exponents claim for them finely marbled, rich, juicy flesh, while the opposite faction assert that they are good for nothing but milk; probably a mean between these two views will be found more nearly correct. That the grades produced by using Holstein-Friesian bulls on native stock, rank well in size and thrift with the grades of either Shorthorn, Hereford or Galloway lineage, cannot be denied; but to claim as fine beef qualities for a typical milk breed, as may be found in cattle bred especially for the butcher’s block, is too much like the theory of the individual who claims the earth. They have size and vigor, two things of prime value in grading up a herd of native stock, and 86 HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS—JERSEYS. are especially valuable for the great Southwest for the reasons: First, that they rap- idly improve the milking value of native stock by grading; and Second, that so far as we have been able to collect statistics, they acclimate in the fever belt with greater ease than any other known breed of improved cattle. They are ravenous eaters, bear forced feeding well, and give good return for extra care. Our illustrations are from the famous Lakeside Herd at Syracuse, N. Y. Clo- thilde we have already mentioned; Netherland Prince has proven his great value, not only to his owners, but to the entire Holstein-Friesian fraternity. An animal of fine parts in himself, of untarnished ancestry, and showing by his superior get a wonderful power of transmission. CHAPTER XIX. JERSEYS. This breed—the best known and most widely distributed of the Channel Island groups—has long held a high place in public favor. Although there is no doubt that the Jerseys were originally from Normandy in France, they were long ago trans- planted, and became the peculiar breed of the Channel Islands. There are four of these islands: Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Serk—named in order of their size— the last one, Serk, being so small as to have received scarcely any notice in the records of the Island Breeds. The people of the Islands are essentially Norman in habits, appearance and dialect; but ever since Normandy was severed from English sway, these islands have remained, as their inhabitants evidently desired, a dependency of Great Britain, subject to her rule, and, what is more to the point, her protection. The cattle of the Islands, although at first considered as one breed, have, within the last fifty years, gradually drifted apart, until now there are recognized two distinct breeds, corresponding in name respectively to each of the two largest islands. Prof. Low (1842) seems to have recognized only one breed, describing that one under the name “Alderney,” way. In America this condition of things has been continually reversed—Jerseys and merely mentioning the Jersey and Guernsey breeds in an incidental receiving most marked attention and entirely absorbing the Alderney name; while the Guernseys, until late years few in numbers, have been frequently compelled to struggle even for recognition as a distinct breed. ,_. Improvement of both groups was effected by the kindly care and attention lavished upon them. In no portion of the world probably is there more attention given to the comforts of the cow; she is the main-stay and source of revenue to her owner, and holds a place in his affections justified by her financial importance. Under these conditions, supplemented by judicious selection in breeding, they have risen to their present merited position. In the United States, superior inducements have caused extra effort toward improvement, and the establishing of so-called fancy strains, until it may be safely asserted that there are as good Jerseys bred in America as can be *eoog BAON ‘Lavy ‘H ‘f 4q pag “T1na AaSsHsar JERSEYS. 88 JERSEYS. found among those bred in their native Islands. Their importation to America dates from as early as 1830, and from 1850 to the present time has been rapid and sys- tematic. DESCRIPTION OF THE MODERN JERSEY: There are four different markings or styles of color to be found among registered Jerseys; and, as tastes differ, each style is in sufficient demand to justify the continued supply. (1) Fawn and white, evenly variegated; (2) solid fawn; (3) brown and white; and (4) solid brown. (Solid color means all one color, that is, without admix- ture of white. The solid browns, however, gradually deepen to almost pure black at the head and lower joints of the legs, forming what are termed “black points.” With the solid fawns there are also darker points, so that the term “solid color” may now be understood to include several widely different shades of the same color. ) In all of these styles of color, there is invariably a peculiar light, mealy-colored ring of hair just at the edge of, and encircling, the nostrils—generally considered the distinctive mark by which even low grade Jerseys may be recognized; this same mark, however, in slightly different shade, is frequently met with among the unimproved Texas cattle—a fzct which may serve to trace some possible relation between them, through the old Spanish cattle from which the Texas stock originally sprang. The head is small, full fleshed, broad at the forehead and narrow between horns, with strongly dished face; large, expressive eyes, set wide apart; thin, delicate ears, and small, crumpled, amber colored horns. The neck is thin, long, fine at the head, and set into the shoulders “«ewe-necked”’; shoulders thin and light; forward ribs flat, “fish-backed,” but increasing in curvature to the loin; hips fairly wide, but rump nar- row, and buttocks lean; body deepest at the flank, presenting the V shaped outline of all milk breeds; front legs short, fine boned, straight and small—hind legs somewhat coarser, and, in the less improved animals, rather crooked. The best improved speci- mens have been bred away from the crooked hocks of their ancestors, and can present as straight and clean a pair of heels as one would wish to see. The Jersey udder as a rule is not large, but its capacity is good, and the escutcheon, in all its forms, is built upon the rich orange yellow skin, which clearly marks the dominant characteristic of the animal—butter. The general appearance of the Jersey is that of all highly sensi- tive, nervous temperaments; and, taken in connection with its peculiar color, furnishes a striking resemblance to the well-known Southern deer. The following Scale of Points was adopted May 6th, 1885, by the American Jersey Cattle Club (F. W. Wicks of New York City, Secretary ), and is now in general use: cows. BULLS. PD Mieeiren nat Hiner es citle laste Rene HG ot mere xe eamtorne onan S } aie IL cette Stat chow caexocor greenies IBWesecangeacooooqdocdgococdh evadod0 do i Bios sia oan: heroes ING Ghee eres Arete ares area ais nec ias aie merete npn 8 HL: £ sossa‘eifata telisve yoneectete sewers 1B Eel ceil oe Meet Unico oa Sou dD SO 1 Gitte Deseo eerenee |B cite ie ee On ool ob.ub 6 boo. 6 1K 0) RR greeter alee cc oerai a's le Linna ly See EGO pe doe nas OLd00 10 Veeco onvedasdbosass lshios ainel IND age oaseosdndon oa D000c0C 10 ‘AILLVS AaSuSar JERSEYS, 89 = mT oT Hh if h mAh \ | i iy | ih 90 JERSEYS. Glolow ocaadooodoO He md poo 0.0.00 AIS Tat PRO AS OOSA DOOD OO Gs 3.0 0 0 38 OPNavcaps\ ai steteleiscsuseero ine TO gsises atetsig Sstere siesta aie aici atenancss ae ePeore 2 pe oases raters ahs Sie esate Dail’ 5. tneretereyo cites rowen crest oie oe 1 Dee ccgiiccmmneec cs Siti cvskekohapetonarenenes stoke tsee sues woneR mere ere 5 ID eyeretevo eieroh steve = iererere tke Fiore: Udder Frrycnr. clontecs aires sterniicnieroees Neomuedd coCeagoou ¢ Hind; Udder. aie oe ee WON 5 ccusi's cpa te es lsieyeaere rats Deats cr oomenctveaeocate ocr taeeete 10 Digie wsopeteer see hoerenees eaters IME Wien sie tare cetaceans Serene oe Ce Dine a/2e suoven eee sbotaue oi stele Wispositionheyerin settee hie eee eee 5 WWecoscpaacscoado0nc General Appearance and Constitution... .10 RD Cae ode Progeny (for Bulls when exhibited in a separate class with their progeny)..... 29 INU O eremcreetoter chaise otaiore Oh LES BUACHONN oo 6d 6.c:gd BOO DOD BODO 100 In judging heifers, use same scale as for cows, omitting numbers 11, 12 and 14. CHARACTERISTICS: As indicated above, the all-absorbing trait of the Jersey cow, is the uniform rich- ness of her milk in butter content; the globules are large, causing the cream to separ- ate easily and quickly from the body of the milk; and the butter produced from it is naturally more highly colored, under the same conditions as to food and care, than that of any other breed except, perhaps, Guernseys. In size the Jersey ranks with the small breeds, mature bulls weighing from 1000 to 1300 Ibs., cows from 650 to 950 Ibs. As a family cow to supply cream or butter, or both, for the home table, the Jersey has no superior, For the butter dairy, as a special purpose cow, she is also excellent, if not Queen. To show the capabilities of the Jersey breed for butter, we give the following records of cows under extra conditions: Landseer’s Fancy made 936 lbs., 143/ oz. in one year; Massena made 902 lbs., 3 oz.; Matilda 4th, made 927 lbs., 814 oz. These are of course rare cases; a yield of 800 lbs. butter to the cow is more than an average. The beef capacity of the breed is small. If sex in offspring could be controlled, it might be profitable to breed Jerseys on a large scale for their butter feature alone; but since the number of steer calves is usually equal to the number of heifers, and since there is always a greater or less number of heifers deficient in milking quality, which must be fed for the butcher, it is evident that breeding Jerseys for home use— not for sale as breeding stock—might prove a losing business. The farmer who keeps a few cows and depends on the annual sale of a few fat steers to meet his expenses, demands a breed of larger frame and greater aptitude for beef; but in their legitimate sphere, Jerseys must always rank deservedly high. It is very commonly stated that the bulls of this breed are vicious and ill-tem- pered. We think this opinion is based upon nothing more than the fact of their extremely nervous temperament, already referred to. They undoubtedly require skillful handling; but when so managed, are not more inclined to viciousness than the bulls of other breeds. Because there are at present so many Jerseys in the Southern States there has arisen a very popular but erroneous notion, that they acclimate with greater safety than cattle of other breeds; the real facts in the case are that at least JERSEYS—GUERNSEYS. 9T three of the improved breeds rank ahead of them in this respect—their greater number in the South being due to their earlier importation, and hence longer period for the breeding of acclimated stock. > A study of the illustrations engraved after sketches from life, by well-known artists, will give a good idea of the appearance of this valuable bred. CHAPTER XxX. GAUFEERIN Ste Yosi This breed, having an origin probably identical with that of the Jersey, has rapidly, but surely increased, both in popularity and inherent worth. Near the large cities of the United States, Guernseys are now found in considerable numbers, and there is a growing sentiment in their favor throughout the entire country. They were introduced into America about the time of the first Jersey importations, but have not become so widely distributed nor so generally known. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: These points may be best studied by comparing them briefly with the full des- cription of the Jersey already given. They are larger and coarser, being rather inclined to appear bony. Color varies; yellow, yellowish or reddish fawn, and brown, of solid colors, frequently with considerable spotting of white, and showing the same mealy-colored ring about the nostrils. Bones are although less marked larger, head longer, and general appearance indicative more of utility than beauty. == = = —— = IMPORTED CUERNSEY COW, SELECT, 2205. Property of J. W. FULLER, Catasauqua, Pa. 92 GUERNSEYS. She is, like her Jersey sister, a milk and butter cow, and in her place ranks as good as the best. The butter made from Guernsey cows is claimed to be even more highly colored than that from the Jersey. The following Scale of Points has been adopted by the American Guernsey Cattle Club (Edward Norton, of Farmington, Conn., Secretary ): f Skin deep yellow, in ear, on end of bone of tail, at base of Quality of milk, 30 ; horn, on udder, teats and body generally......... Pee a 7Al) ! Skin loose, mellow, with fine, soft hair ............. cnn Escutcheon wide on thighs, high and broad, with thigh ovals, 8 Milk vernsilong andere mien tr tye trctet-tiekey ttle ii reraraer : 6 GuinGeyenawaeea Udder full in front...... dtbia Soy"). is. srareatetansteha a) ante epensteseerepereete 6 STi | Udder full and wellitipibehind yy 8% ssa. ee ce ee eeee 8 ation of flow, 40 | _. Udder large but not fleshy .... : st aravar suas tavenetmelehor yt ae ) Widdenteatsisqnareliyplacedicrey-is=eicrtt-iae priori 4 \ Udder teats of good SIZ Oi, do./o)s/d a esiale a, ay.a. ah clare ettene heen 4 (“Size for the\breedy saat ce via deeds and Jeb Ss coocee Waereveslacsudttacnsuavematedenenerte yede Disposition) cy..verayeereeqerr “itera sieve A ALcielNT pqacdoooencs owha bo pastorate Horwandin. <2) tees nto Perfection... serene - 100 In judging bulls and heifers, omit the points for Fore-udder, Hind-udder, and Teats, as given above; and in color they should be dark brown. Our illustrations all originally from photo’s—may be accepted as accurate repre- sentations of the breed. CHAPTER XXV. BUR AUN Ve ACs si, From best authority obtainable, this breed of cattle has an origin much in com- mon with that of the Holstein-Friesian; difference in climate, soil and vegetation, having, through years of time, made the difference in size and in other respects as now observed. The breed is now said to be “native” to the five departments of France, which formerly made up the Province of Bretagne, and in support of the statement as to origin, it may be noted, that a considerable variation among the cattle, as to size and milking capacity, is found in the various localities of their native province. BRITTANY CATTLE. L109 BRITTANY BULL. BRITTANY COW. 110 BRITTANY CATTLE—KERRY CATTLE. A few have been imported to the United States at various times within the last decade, but they are by no means generally known. Mr. W. B. Montgomery, of Starkville, Miss. (better known as a breeder of Jerseys) has a herd of 12 or 15 cows and two bulls. Writing to the author under date August 6th, 1888, this gentleman Says: “They are the hardiest of all the breeds of which I have any knowledge, and on scant pastur- age, and poor soil, will give better results in the butter dairy than any breed with which I am acquainted. On moderately fertile land, and with proper care and attention, Jersey cattle are greatly to be preferred; but the Brittanies, on scant feed and on rough mountain lands, will prove superior to the Jersey.” DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color, clear black and white—almost exactly similar to that of the Holstein- Friesian_——the white showing a tendency to appear over shoulders and hips, and along D> ~ b) > a mark which the belly line; the membrane surrounding the tongue is always white may be called a distinguishing characteristic of the breed. In size they are classed as small—about equal to the Jersey—mature bulls weigh- ing from 1000 to 1300 Ibs.; cows from 650 to 950 Ibs. The head and neck are fine, even delicate, with little or no dewlap. The horns small, always black at the tips, and sometimes black throughout, rather longer than Jersey horns, and approaching more nearly those of the Devon in curvature; the back is even, chest large, and haunch and buttock bones wide apart. The legs are well proportioned to size of body, hair fine and short, and skin mellow and of medium thickness. The Brittany cows are strictly dairy animals, giving a good quantity of rich milk, and are claimed to give a greater yield on scant grazing than cows of any other breed. Much allowance must be made for extravagant claims of partisan breeders, yet we believe the Brittany breed will find, in our districts of less fertility, ample favor with those best qualified to judge. Our illustrations were reengraved by permission, from lithographs used by the Department of State in the recently issued Volume of Consular Reports on Cattle and Dairy Farming and were originally from photographs taken in France. CHAPTER XXVI. Ve 1B, IRL TRE YE (hay APA 1G dic This breed—the only one of any prominence native to Ireland—has of late years found its way to America, and is attracting considerable attention. In the volume of Consular Reports on Cattle and Dairy Farming, previously mentioned, Mr. Gumble- ton refers to the “ Kerry Cattle, which are very pretty (small in size and black) and ” very good milkers.” Mr, Richard Good says the Kerrys “are attracting more atten- tion than they did formerly, owing to the ease with which they are managed ;” and (-3uravisuq ysipsuq) “SMOSO AUYAYW KERRY CATTLE. 11] 112 KERRY CATTLE. that “they are particularly suited to mountainous districts, which would not properly feed Shorthorns.” It may be here stated that the County of Kerry, whence they derive the name, is the most mountainous, as it is the most western, portion of the island. The Kerries form as nearly an aboriginal breed as possible, tracing back to the wild “Forest” stock, and showing the stages of improvement all through their history. Within the last three years, several small importations have been made to the United States: the largest of which we have any knowledge numbering 11 head, was made by Mr. Edward Kemp, of the well-known firm of Lanham & Kemp, New York City, in 1886. Mr. Kemp is proprietor of the “Locust Farm,” Rumsen Neck, New Jersey, where his Kerries, Holstein-Friesians, and Hambletonians are now kept. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color, black, but this is only a fashionable point of the last 10 or 15 years, so that black and white—* line backs ”—and even reds are still found. Low, in 1842, described them as “generally black, with a white ridge along the spine;” he further says that a white streak along the belly was common, and other colors, such as brown, red and spotted, were met with. Breeders are now strictly adhering to the black coats, and will in time eliminate all other colors. In size, the Kerry cattle are small—mature bulls weighing 800 to 1100 Ibs., and cows from 600 to 800 Ibs. | The head is small, with long clean muzzle and thin lips; eyes expressive; horns fine, short and white— middle horns”—usually turning upward; neck, fine at head and wellset on to deep but narrow shoulders; body gradu- ally deepens to the flank, but the rump is narrow and the thighs light. The dewlap ° is rather scant, and the brisket small and close fleshed; legs are neat and fine, but rather long, and the tail slender and dropping squarely. The hair is rather long and thick, but the skin is mellow with good handling properties. In general appearance, the Kerries are neat, small sized dairy animals, showing the typical milk wedge, and quiet disposition so essential to dairy excellence. They are bred exclusively for milk and their partisans claim for them an unriv- alled production on scanty hill or mountain ranges. To explain their dairy worth in more definite manner, we appropriate from the weekly edition of the (ational Live Stock Fournal of Chicago—issue of July 24th, 1888—the following clipping, refer- ring to four Kerry cows, which were recently entered at The Royal Counties Show: “ One of the four was reserve number and very highly commended, and another commended; moreover, it will be seen by the following figures that the ‘reserve’ Kerry gave more butter in pro- portion to quantity of milk than even the first or second prize cows, though one of them was a Jersey. The first prize cow, a Shorthorn, gave 2 galls. 2 pints of milk, yielding 1 Ib. 3% oz. butter; the second prize, a Jersey, gave 3 galls. 3% pints of milk, yielding 1 lb. 4 oz. butter; the Kerry very highly commended and reserve, gave 2 gallons of milk, yielding 1 lb. 114 oz. butter.” Nothing is said as to conditions or food for the three cows mentioned, but we may reasonably infer that these points were made as nearly equal as possible. The Kerries are certainly hardy for more northern latitudes, but we can say nothing as to their acclimation in the South. The “Dexter” strain of Kerry cattle has been quite extensively fostered, and we mention briefly the points of difference; € KERRY CATTLE—SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. 113 it gets the name from that of its founder, who is supposed to have changed the type by selection. The head is coarser; horns thicker and more nearly straight; the body round and blocky and the legs short and thick. CHAPTER XXVII. SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. The origin of this valuable breed has always been a subject of more or less dis- pute—ardent admirers of the Shorthorn claiming an almost unbroken line of pure descent, and improvement solely by careful selection, feeding and management; others, perhaps partisans of other breeds, claiming that whatever improvement has been made, and in fact, whatever excellence the breed might possess, has been brought about by judicious but stealthy crosses with superior individuals of other breeds. That there was a time when the Shorthorn ancestry were only native cattle, even the most earnest advocates of their purity must admit; but it is also true, that, if there have been any radical out-crosses since the breed became definitely known as such, they have been exceedingly stealthy ones. EARLY HISTORY. Their probable history begins with the cattle of the mainland of Europe, in the provinces bordering on the Baltic and North Seas. These cattle possessed many of the qualities now claimed by Shorthorns—including color and size; but there was a general disposition toward excellence in milking qualities rather than the full, rounded, symmetrical, beef outline of a majority of modern Shorthorns as bred for range im- provement in the Western States. Prior to the Conquest of England by William of Normandy, the northern and eastern portion was occupied by Danes and other warlike races from the mainland: these people did not confine their operations to war and pillage alone; but, while holding the eastern coastline of the island, established a considerable trade in mer- chandise and agricultural products to and from the mainland. In this way, it is claimed, were the Shorthorn progenitors introduced into England; and what renders the claim more probable, is the fact, that the first Shorthorns were found in, and con- fined to, those counties or shires lying along the northern and eastern boundaries. IMPROVEMENT: As early as 1740, permanent records were kept by the more careful breeders; and, according to Mr. Bates, there were fine Shorthorns upon the estate of the Earl of Northumberland as early as the year 1600. Mr. Millbank of Barningham, and Sir William St. Quintin of Scampston, were among the early noted breeders previous to 1750; but it was not until the Colling Bros. began raising them for profit, that the 114 HI i IAI HN WHI CUI De Hi ] mi i SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. SSS SHORTHORN BULL, PRINCE WILLIAM, 71316. Property of H. B. Scort, Sedalia, Mo. (Sanspareil family.) SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. 115 Shorthorns obtained anything like general notice or favor. They established them- selves about 1780—Chas. Colling at Ketton and his brother Robert at Barmpton— both places near Darlington on the river Tees. While keeping their herds distinct, they worked more or less together, freely interchanging the use of their bulls. The method pursued by them was to select the best animals, male and female, that could be found among neighboring and even quite distant breeders, breed them together, Keeping up best conditions as to food and management, and carefully in-breed to fix the type. (By the term in-breeding, which we have frequently used, is meant the breeding together of animals more or less closely related; the object being to perpet- uate certain characteristics, common to both parents in the offspring. While very valuable if carefully used, the principle of in-breeding is dangerous if carried to extremes, and should be used lightly unless by the most skillful breeders.) Early in their history (1786) Chas. Colling purchased, for $42.00, the bull Hubback; he proved a most excellent stock-getter, and now ranks as one of the most celebrated bulls in Shorthorn history. In 1810, Comet—the direct offspring of Bolinbroke and Phoenix, and a lineal descendant of Hubback—was sold for $5,000.00, showing to what extent these cattle had advanced both in merit and popular favor. After Colling Bros., in point of time, came Thos. and Richard Booth and Thomas Bates. These men secured their stock from Colling, but while Booth Bros. persisted in breeding for beef, and the full, rounded points so much admired for the butcher’s block, Bates was carefully selecting and breeding with main reference to milking qualities: thus it happened that Shorthorn improvement was started in two parallel, but distinctly dif- ferent lines. From these two main lines of improvement, the tastes of different indi- viduals have given rise to numberless “strains” or “families” all having the same general characteristics, but differing in color, beef and milk qualities, or other par- ticulars. EARLY IMPORTATION INTO THE UNITED STATES: It is probable that importations were made very soon after the close of the Revol- utionary War with England, as cattle answering the description of Shorthorns were found in Virginia as early as 1790, and in 1797 some of these cattle were taken across the line to Kentucky by a Mr. Patton, soon becoming quite well-known as the “Patton Stock.” Authentic importations were made direct from England by Mr. Cox in 1816; by Col. Lewis Sanders and Brutus J. Clay, both of Kentucky, in 1817; and from this time on importations on a small scale were quite frequent. In 1834-5-6, Shorthorns were brought over in considerable numbers by a company made up for this purpose among breeders in the Scioto Valley in Ohio, and acting through an agent who was supplied with almost unlimited funds. The first introduction of the celebrated Duchess strain was made about 1840, by a Mr. Vail of Troy, N. Y., who secured a bull and a heifer direct from the herd of Thos. Bates. Among the earlier noted breeders in America, we may mention Samuel Thorne of Thornedale, N. Y., and R. J. Alexander of Kentucky—the latter a Scotch nobleman, who purchased the ‘Voodburn estate of 3,000 acres, and used his annual income of $80,000.00 to establish and maintain a model American herd of Shorthorns. 116 SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. S—=— = == = ——# SSS = = SHORTHORN BULL, MARIUS, 70744. (Young Mary family.) Property of Wircox & Lxccirr, Benson, Minn. “epuurg "yuo ‘piojjuvig 'psoyy yarg Mog oy} 10f payzodmy (*Aytureg ttoreduon) SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS, ab amido inhi i Hf aan y HI} Haan i nh ami, qe Mn cai uy i MYA i I i it i ii i ¢ fA os ee ae i i sul ne M "PUZ TIZHUVdNON ONIYSAVH ‘MOOD NYOHLYOHS Wi vise en i Me r i nh) ees “ c Ma ML ms Coke il tay 1) Rn i) 118 SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS ¢ Widely varying in color, we find almost all markings except black, brown and brindled; in some families pure, deep, cherry red, in others snowy white, and between these two extremes are red and white in all grades as to size and arrangement of spots > roan. In size the Shorthorn ranks among the largest of known breeds, bulls of mature age ranging from 1900 to 2300 lbs.; and cows from 1200 to 1600 lbs., with occasional individuals con- siderably exceeding these figures. The general form is square, with well filled points, —red-roan, white-roan, roan and white, and speckled or “turkey’ straight back, keeping the line even and well up at the rump; quarters deep and full, but not bulging; ribs well sprung, giving a wide back and rounded barrel; muzzle clear orange yellow (in some families, light drab); wide, open nostrils, and rather thin fleshed lips; eyes clear, bright, and surrounded by rings of orange colored flesh; horns clear or cream-flecked, short, and usually curving inward; ears thin and delicate, showing clear orange wax; neck short and fine in the cow—in the bull heavy and rising with age; back, level; loin, full; buttocks, wide apart; tail, small just above the brush; brisket, wide and full; and legs close, fine boned, and well proportioned to size of body. The Shorthorns are, emphatically, general purpose animals; although, perhaps, the majority of breeders persist in classing them with the purely beef breeds. When selected and bred for milk, they are exceedingly valuable as dairy stock, but it must be admitted that the general tendency to breed and feed for show has greatly increased their beef capacity at the expense of milking qualities. In some of the strains or fam- ilies—as notably the Princess or Duchess strains—the dairy features have been care- fully preserved, and even among the most pronounced beef families, an occasional excellent dairy cow will be found. The American Shorthorn Breeders’ Association (J. H. Pickrell of Chicago, Secretary,) has never adopted any standard Scale of Points for the animal. Their adaptability seems not so great as that of some other breeds; they ‘find their most con- genial home, and give best returns for investment, in latitudes of the more central and Northern United States. In the Southern States—comprising what is known as the “fever belt”—they have not proven easy to acclimate, averaging a high per- centage of mortality when brought into this region. Good animals, old enough for service, and recorded in the American Herd Book, can be obtained at from $100.00 to $200.00 of any responsible breeder. The individuals so well represented by our illustrations, need no introduction to any one familiar with Shorthorns. They are representative animals of the strains to which they belong, and their breeders are men of unquestioned integrity. Mr. Scott —the owner of Prince William— in a recent letter to the author, gives a good natured thrust at those southern cattlemen who have persistently bred inferior cattle. He says (referring to the engraving of Prince William): “ Hope it will fill the expectations of your readers, and teach the people of the Southern States what cattle ought to look like, and stimulate them to a better effort.” We should be pleased to have Mr. Scott visit the Texas State Fair and inspect the large exhibit of Texas-bred stock of Shorthorn and other breeds. He will find "EMO uving ‘NOS FW NOLUON “AQ ‘*<— Aq peuMmo mou puv peyodwy (*AjImey yUvYysyINID) SILORTHORNS OR DURHLAMS. “ALIOIIMWIS ‘43413H NYOHLYOHS NON Nae i S | aT ipl a ) 119 120 SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS—RED-POLLED CATTLE. that Western breeders no longer have a monopoly in the fine stock business, and that many herds in the South compare very favorably with the best to which he is accus- tomed—not even excepting his own magnificent bull, Prince William. (We should, perhaps, chronicle the fact that there is also a polled variety of Durham, which the dehorning mania is strongly stimulating—the two varieties seem to be the same in all respects save horns.) CHAPTER XXVIII. RED-POLLED CATTLE. The Red-Polls, while tracing their history well back into the last century, have only recently attracted any considerable attention, Their origin is somewhat clouded in obscurity. Suffolk County, England, had from very early times a breed of polled cattle, and it is more than probable that this Suffolk breed had much to do with moulding the type of, and dehorning, the Norfolk breed, which was tke first to attract attention from outside parties. From their general resemblance to the Devons (ex- cepting horns) we would look for a common ancestry somewhere in the early history of the breeds. Marshall, in his Rural Economy of Norfolk, states that the breed of Norfolk, about 1780, was a “ Herefordshire breed in miniature,” and that the color was “ blood-red, with a white or mottled face.” He further traces the changes of the breed, by crosses with Suffolk bulls, stating in substance, that size was increased and form improved. To trace the origin further, it would be necessary to go back of the old polled Suffolk breed, and bring up the question as to how the various breeds of hornless cattle were established in their peculiar feature. We need only say in this connection that polled animals were found in most portions of the British Island from time immemorial. According to Youatt, there seem to have been two distinct breeds of aboriginal cattle, occupying the central and northern portions of the British Island; one of these had medium horns, while the other had none; from the first were prob- ably produced the Devons, Herefords, Sussex and West Highland cattle; while as a continuation of the second, we have now the Galloways, Angus and Suffolk and Norfolk Reds—the latter now collectively called Red-Polls. Improvement of the breed has been steadily carried forward—the Suffolks dehorn- ing, while the Norfolks were firmly fixing the blood red color mentioned by Marshall and both breeds coming gradually nearer a common standard, until about the middle of the present century, breeders from both counties began to meet in honest compe- tition, and select their breeding animals with reference to perpetuating the red color and the hornless trait. In 1874, Mr. H. F. Euren, of Norwich, succeeded in establishing the English Red-Polled Herd Book, and through the stimulus thus applied, these cattle have since been making rapid strides toward perfection. In 1883, the American Red-Polled Cattle Society (J. C. Murray, of Maquoketa, Iowa, Sec- ‘susuvy “||IH adv ‘axor4g zy NAUUAV A, ‘NOLXAG Jo Ajzadoid £009% QusI9 A, RED-POLLED CATTLE. 121 wi { ‘LIZ ‘MAdId Y3L3d ‘11Na G3a110d-a3aH 122 RED-POLLED CATTLE, retary,) was organized, and two volumes of the Herd Book have already appeared. ‘The first importation was made in 1873 by G. F. Taber, Patterson, N. Y., since which time many have been brought in, and more bred, until we have in the United States at present writing some 800 or 900 head. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color, a deep rich red, with only the brush of the tail white, occasionally white on the udder in cows, but this, while not regarded as an absolute disqualification, is not favored. Size, above medium, mature bulls weighing from 1700 to 2100 Ibs., and cows from 1100 to 1400 lbs. The head is neat, with a tuft of hair curling over the narrow frontal points, and a light colored, clear cut muzzle. The neck is clean and fine, with little dewlap; ribs springing—not broadly arched—but filling the demand for rounded outline of barrel; legs clean, fine and short. In the cow the udder should be large, but not meaty—when empty it should hang in creases or folds; milk veins should be prominent and knotted or puffed. It must be confessed, that most of the modern breeders of Red-Polls have been too intent on securing size and beauty of contour to preserve, as carefully as they should, the really valuable dairy qualities of the breed. If a change be not made in this direction, we shall soon be compelled to say of them, as we might now say of the Shorthorns—originally excellent dairy stock, but greatly injured by the pernicious custom of feeding highly for the show ring. Red-Polls are, in general appearance, hornless Devons (see also illustrations) and they are bred and advertised as general purpose cattle. They are claimed, and we think fairly, to be the rivals of the Shorthorns for general use in the western United States. As to their adaptability in the fever belt of the South, we cannot speak to a certainty, from the fact of there having been so few importations to this region, They are quiet, good feeders, easy to handle and ship, and—as all must admit—attractive in color and form. If the Red-Polls are carefully bred, we may expect to see them grow rapidly in public favor, and secure on their merits high rank as a combined milk and beef breed. In view of the present dehorning craze—and believing it too early to express a settled opinion as to the utility of the practice—we may be pardoned for saying, that among the bulls of the established polled breeds now in America, the advocates of dehorning will certainly find more formidable rivals than have hitherto appeared in print. ‘SIA ‘UO}IV]Y ‘ATABLS “WAA JO Ajaadoig “sie ‘YNITINWd ‘MOO G3110d-a34 RED-POLLED CATTLE, f ‘ Vi ih My) fl iit | ih 123 124 DEVONS. CHAPTER XXIXxX. DEVONS. Lying south of the Bristol Channel, on the Map of England, may be found the county or shire of Devon; much of its physical geography, as also that of the county adjoining it on the west, Cornwall, presents characteristics strikingly similar to that of Wales—indeed the people of these lower western counties were as safe from Roman incursions behind the vast forests which covered the alluvial deposits of lower England as were the people of Wales in their rugged mountain fastnesses. As a result of this immunity from invasion, the wild or “White Forest” breed of cattle described by Low increased greatly in numbers, and, in the counties named, became more or less subject to partial domestication. In Wales, we have at present, the North Wales and Pembroke breeds as undoubted descendants of these wild cattle; and in the shire of Devon, occupying more especially its northern slope, has existed for generations the ancestry of the Devon breed—familiarly known in England as the “ North Devons” to distinguish them from the cattle occupying the low lands of Devon and the counties to the east. That the breed is of remarkably pure descent is attested by the wonderful impressive- ness in marking offspring. Surely no breed of modern improved cattle has a better claim to be called aboriginal than this. As their merits became known, they were gradually distributed to other and more northern counties, and the demand thus found to exist induced a more systematic effort toward improvement. Within the present century their size has been increased, beef capacity improved, and milking qualities especially advanced. The Earl of Leicester was among the most noted of early English breeders, followed by Lord Somerville and Lord Western, who were not only breeders but did much, also, to improve the quality of the animals bred. Their introduction to America dates from a very early period—a few head of what were undoubtedly Devons being brought over in the ship Charity (1628) for a Mr. Winslow of Massachusetts; in 1817, however, probably the first authentic impor- tation of pure bred improved Devons was made by a Mr. Patterson of Baltimore, direct from the herd of the Earl of Leicester (at that time Mr. Coke of Holkham). The next year (1818) a few were imported to Long Island from Mr. Coke’s herd. Other importations were made from time to time, notably in 1836, by Mr. Vernon of New York State, and in 1853 by L. G. Morris also of New York. Since that time, the Devons have been widely distributed throughout the United States, and have taken a settled place among the popular breeds of the country. DESCRIPTION OF MODERN IMPROVED DEVON: Color, a rich, deep red throughout, except a central tuft of long white hair in the “11N& NOAAG DEVONS. MTN HI il | 126 DEVONS. brush of the tail, and a white spot on the udder in cows, and about the purse in bulls. Upper line almost perfectly straight from the head to the tail; in the bull, the neck is of course somewhat arched above this level. The head is neat and trim, rather long in the cow but short and masculine in the bull, and well pointed to a bright flesh colored muzzle; eyes prominent, bright, wide apart, and encircled by ring of flesh-colored skin; horns rather long, slender, curving outward, forward and upward, waxy clear at base, and tapering to almost needle-like points of darker shade. The ear is sprightly; neck small at head, without dewlap, and full and broad at the should- ers; forequarters wide apart, showing good lung power, and slanting well back, a feature in strict keeping with their well-known activity. The barrel is round and close-muscled; loins even; hips square; rump smooth; tai) long, slender, and invariably tipped with white; flank, low cut; brisket deep, and legs short, straight and clean fleshed. We believe the above to be a just and fair description of the breed as now known in the United States, and to show the improvement which has taken place, we quote the following from Low’s Domestic Animals of Great Britain (previously quoted ), published 1842: ; “Although the Devon ox presents a symmetry of parts which pleases the eye, yet his form is not precisely what the breeder seeks for in an animal destined to fatten quickly and arrive at great weight. His neck is too long, his chest too narrow, his sides are too flat, his limbs are too long in roportion to his body; or, in other words, his body is too small in proportion to his height. The Devon ox is a kindly enough feeder, but he requires good pasture, and a somewhat favorable climate, and could barely subsist on food which would suffice to fatten some of the hardier mountain breeds of nearly his own size.” The following scale of points adopted by the American Devon Cattle Club (ES W. Reed of Zanesville, Ohio, Secretary ), is now in general use: cows. BULLS. See Me oer Giclee cere pl i Ket: 4 ee nae arch a ere racine on cio ree eCeOls 10 Oe Hotes Reese c CEE neo Fieri ee eee en vont aceite ake Caer ond cane a aae ING CIg hve buat eoten arate, crue Renee nen nets 4 fs eR RA ec Sih Oloueiexo oat: Shoulders tae eee eer 6 Siciei tas ose ese Al Go So eee ann esema orn Cota toe 10 Bian Eee Gero ete ARGO Siaiols onic s Go amelie ocisaomnmo cre 10 UG. rosctel Say ete taloneuchessuateuenele Backiicnd accragn teisheve ms oreca mie etcketeis Menclione 20 oP REIS aot Ia ote Revo ct: Nabbuel Qwemiisagsasdounmovudsoone 12 Qs skys laisse @ ees See rene eiaeee LO ketch oar sone as cinch eRe eee 2 isha See eee ee ene eT LS a ares Hig atu sesiinaream crema orranors 2 Ws ialarallet ale teeeneter a crea nees IBC si iOen & CORIO mmOMOene a draol tin oO 4 Bis fe sigan costes a) amie ape aT Scimt sissies conuciasta eee ce en ee Ios 8 Qe ene ee Se oe SSICAS Gar cat hie increta co Aue. 4 Seas sebaaters tue ova seeder aes Generalfappearance pee eet 8 aC Oana erinmiotes cro vido. JPerfection! oi)... o.cne vaio . 100 CHARACTERISTICS: Probably the most prominent trait of the Devon is his sprightly energy. In the early days of the present century, when the fertile prairies of the Great West held DEVONS. 12% their virgin soil unbroken, the farmers of New England found abundant exercise in removing the stones, stumps and saw logs with which their land was covered. For this purpose oxen were employed almost exclusively, and the grades from those early imported Devons were eagerly sought. The writer has in mind an amusing incident related by his father concerning a yoke of grade Devon steers, which, for two good miles, in response to the fun-loving spirit of their youthful driver, succeeded in keep- ing behind them a span of fine carriage horses belonging to a neighbor, and driven by the neighbor’s son. As work oxen, the Devons have no superior in the world; they lack, perhaps, the weight necessary to move enormous loads, but their remarkable quickness, combined with an intelligent observance of the driver’s will, make them invaluable for work of certain kinds. For beef, little recommendation is needed; the improvement of the breed has, with many breeders, been almost entirely in this direction. Allen, in his valuable treatise on American Cattle (previously quoted), after speaking of the excel- lent milk qualities of the cows in a herd of Devons owned by him, says: “Tt is but fair to say, however, that after we commenced crossing our cows with bulls of later importation, some 15 years after the commencement of the herd, the large milkers were not so numerous, although the cattle from these crosses were somewhat finer. The bulls we used were apparently bred from stocks highly improved with an effort more to develop their feeding properties than for the dairy.” We are glad to note that not all of our Devon breeders have followed these points so closely as to lose sight of the capabilities of the breed for dairy purposes; and, in this connection, quote the following from the report of Wm. Brown, Professor of Agriculture in the Ontario (Canada) Agricultural College, for 1886: “Of this distinctly intermediate class of cattle (Devons), milk and beef combination, we have a meyiwlle Eng mM DEVON COW, DAMSEL, 3749. Property of Epwarp D. Hicks, Nashville. Tenn. ¢ 128 DEVONS—LONGHORNS. to repeat the observation that none can make better calves, few so content and hardy, and but one richer in dairy product. The Devon has not held the world’s patronage because of undersize, and possibly also, of moderation in maturing and milk quantity, but it is difficult to conceive of a more desirable cow on upland rangy pastures for the butter factory.” The Devons are probably as nearly general purpose animals as may be found among the present known breeds: in size they are medium—bulls when matured weighing from 1200 to 1600 Ibs., and cows from 900 to 1100 lbs. One thing more we must notice—-their introduction into the Southern States. In Mr. Allen’s work, the author intimates that the Devon acclimates unusually well in the South. We cannot agree with him; information from various portions of the South, has shown a high proportion of mortality among Devons brought from the North, only one breed— Shorthorns—showing a greater average percent. of loss. To counterbalance this, however, it is a well-known fact that the Devons when acclimated will thrive and keep in good condition on scant pasture where many other improved breeds would starve to death. This high percent. of mortality in acclimating Devons, may be due to the unnatural forcing which the breed has undergone of late vears in the hands of unskillful breeders, as it is well-known among successful importers of northern cattle, that the introduction of overfed or pampered stock from the North is apt to result fatally to both profits and cattle. There are now a goodly number of fine herds of Devons in the South, and their certain increase, both in numbers and favor, is fast becoming an accomplished fact. CHAPTER XXX. LONGHORN S:. These cattle, so little known at present in the United States, have their origin in the district of Craven, England; probably the Irish Longhorns, mentioned by Youatt, were identical with the English breed, and for many years were bred in parallel lines. When Bakewell (see also Leicester sheep) took hold of the breed, he found it already somewhat improved, but there can be no doubt that a large proportion of whatever merit or popularity the English Longhorns once possessed was due to his wonderful skill as a breeder, His methods were kept secret, and his ability considered extraordinary; but, to state the case plainly, we have no doubt that many of our modern improvers and breeders possess just as much ability, and are producing just as great results. Concerning their importation to America, we can say little. A few head were imported into Kentucky as early as 1817, but they were crossed with the Shorthorns and soon lost sight of. We know of but one other importation, although several are said to have been made at different times. In 1872 or 3, the writer attended the lowa State Fair, then held at Cedar Rapids, in Linn County; there was exhibited a herd of some four or five cows and a bull of the genuine English Longhorns; they LONGHORNS. 129 “S4Y33LS NYOHONO1 130 LONGHORNS—NORMANDIE CATTLE. were marked somewhat similar to the modern Hereford, with white faces and lined backs and bellies; their sides, however, were of a dun or light red, almost a yellow, and on one or two individuals patches of brindle and roan were visible. We do not remember the name of the exhibitor, nor have we since been able to locate the herd. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: We describe as we remember them, and find that our observations agree with the description given by Allen (American Cattle). Size equal to Shorthorn or Here- ford; color dun or yellowish fawn, sometimes red, brindled or roan, with frequently white faces and white lines on back and belly. Their distinguishing feature lies in the peculiar horns, which are long, ungraceful, curving forward and downward, some- times crossing under the jaws, and frequently requiring amputation to prevent a threatened puncture of the muzzle. They were claimed to be general purpose animals, but with especial tendency to milk, and were exhibited as would-be rivals of the Shorthorns—at that time in the height of popular favor. Their general appearance was very like the description given of the earlier unimproved Herefords, and this with the similarity in their mark- ings, would lead us to suppose, that they may have originally sprung from the same channel. Our illustration was re-engraved by permission expressly for this purpose, from a lithograph made for the Department of State, and was originally from a photograph. CHAPTER XXXI. NORMANDIE CATTLE. From the report of United States Consul Williams, of Rouen, we clip the following: “The origin of the Norman breed seems unknown; in fact, has never been traced. 1t is con- sidered that the nature of the soil has produced the breed. It seems to have changed very little in the last century and is very remarkable. The center of production of this fine breed is comprised in the departments of Eure, Manche, Calvados and Orne.” The above, while not very definite information, is the best we have been able to obtain regarding the origin of Normandie cattle. As the breed grows in favor, doubtless some one will be encouraged to more extended—and, we trust, more suc- cessful—search for their early history. Improvement has been slow but constant, and has been brought about by care in selection and management. Attempts to improve the breed have been made by crossing with Shorthorn or Durham blood, resulting—as might be expected—in a more rounded contour, but decreasing at the same time the milking value and fixed- ness of type: in fact, producing that most unreliable of all animals for breeding pur- 2 oO CATTLE, NORMANDI Reéngraved expressly for s work, by =f CATTLE. NORMANDI 32 ‘ojoyd woz AT[vuLsis0 ‘93739 Jo JuaUZALd|G «AO; ape YduaAFor HY Woaz ‘YIOM s1yq AoFz A[SSoadxoa ‘uortsstuaed Aq ‘paavasuaa I F AT[BULo! F | 10F of I 14] 2 fe WY} AOF AT Sat LE CRs t “MOO JIGNVNUYON NORMANDIE CATTLE—NORTH WALES BLACK CATTLE. 133 poses—a cross. For beef the Normandie is undoubtedly improved by the use of bulls of any of our best beef breeds; but when we say this, we have neither added to the claims of one, nor detracted from the merits of the other. Importations to the United States have been few, and only during recent years. The first of which we have any knowledge was made in 1885, by Mr. J. C. Duncan, of Normal, Ill. Regarding this importation, Mr. Leyi Dillon writes under date August 29th, 1887: Cues * * fas He [Mr. Duncan] imported from France two years ago, one Normandie bull and one Normandie cow; they are registered, both recorded in France. They are brindle in color, and are noted for their great milking qualities as well as for their beef qualities. They are said to be the equal of the Jerseys as milkers, and the equal of the Shorthorns as beef cattle. I am not a cattle man, but our leading cattle men here speak highly of these cattle. * * a * Combining, as they do, the good qualities of the Jersey and the Shorthorn, I believe they are the coming cattle of this country.” Another small importation was made to New York City in 1886, and one to Chicopee, Mass., in 1887. Probably others have been made of which we are not aware. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color, brown, roan and red or spotted—varying considerably as to marking, but never failing to preserve the brown stripes peculiar to the breed, which have earned for them the term “ brindled.” The head is long and coarse, with large mouth—fit emblem of an enormous appetite. The horn is irregular, commonly twisted and curved toward the forehead; the body long, and deep at the flank, with rather narrow hind parts, showing an escutcheon well marked for milk. The legs are short and the skin rather thick and heavy. The Normandie cow is classed as a combined milk and beef animal, with ten- dency more towards milking excellence, especially in the Cotentine strain of Nor- mandies. In size they rank with the large breeds, mature bulls weighing from 1800 to 2200 Ibs., cows from 1100 to 1500 Ibs. The illustrations were re-engraved by permission from lithographs made for the Department of State, and were originally from photographs taken in France. CHAPTER XXXII. NORTH WALES BLACK CATTLE. (ANGLESEA.) As a separate and distinct breed, this race of cattle has received attention only of late years. Descended from the same original stock (the wild Forest breed of Wales and West England) as are the Pembrokes or Castle Martins of South Wales, and partaking largely of the same general appearance, they yet show decidedly different characteristics, which, by right, stamp them as a separate breed. LE CAT BLACK Ss WALI NORTH B34 e ur poy “UIE JVIAL) {doo ydvasoyzry v woaz Suorsstursad Aq poavaSsuadyy) “SITU AA YON ‘uvysazirezurys ‘9724S 7 uIppioy rq Asuoyzy "JOD Jo Aysadorg ‘OZ ‘WATIMO dv ‘11NG HOV1d SA1VM HLYON 135 CATTLE BLAC WALES NORTH Wed a payitg ee oe a eget? Property of Mr. G. W. Durr AssHETON SmiTH, Vaynol, Bangor. (Reéngraved by permission, fro lithe ph copyrighted in Great Bri 136 NORTH WALES BLACK CATTLE. Of the gentlemen in Wales who have been so actively advancing the interests of Anglesea cattle, we can make only brief mention—they well deserve more extended notice. Col. Henry Platt, of Gorddinogg, Bangor; Lord Harlech of Glyn Hall, Talsarnau; R. B. Smith, Esq., of Tynewydd, Bangor, and the Editor and Honor- ary Secretary (now deceased) of the Association, Wm. A. Dew, have been among the most active workers. Only one importation of which we are aware, has been made to America. In 1885, Mr. J. B. Warren, of Larchwood, Ia., imported 13 head for the Larchwood Estate. Answering our inquiries, under date Sept. 12th, 1887, this gentleman says: “We have had our herd for the last 18 months, and are prepared to say, that they are a very large breed, quite as large as the Shorthorns, and much hardier. They are excellent milkers, are very docile and thrifty. Last winter most of our cows ran out until the middle of January, and were at that time in much better condition than the natives.” ® DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color, black, with, occasionally, white about the udder in cows and the scrotum in bulls: all other spots of white while not necessarily a mark of impurity, are dis- couraged, and will soon no doubt be known only as an occasional reversion. The hair is long, fine and wavy; head rather large; neck medium; quarters full, and general outline approaching very nearly that of the Devons. In size they are classed with the larger breeds, mature bulls weighing from 1800 to 2200 Ibs., and cows from 1100 to 1500 Ibs. The Earl of Cawdor, whose answer is published in a report to the Department of State, goes still higher and places the “live weight of the bulls 24 cwt.; oxen, 22 cwt.; cows, 18 cwt.” The horns of the North Wales cattle are middle sized, long, and yellowish with darker tips; the legs are short, and waste por- tions of the body generally are reduced to a low percentage. Their dairy qualities on an average are counted good—an ordinary herd yielding annually from 125 to 150 pounds of butter to the cow; and occasional herds are found which considerably exceed these figures. The partisans of the breed claim for them a rank equal to the highest as a com- bined milk and beef breed; we are willing to file the claim, and shall give them ample time to prove it. The establishment of the North Wales Black Cattle Herd Book—the first volume of which appeared in 1883, and the second volume in 1886— will doubtless do much toward improving and keeping pure this really valuable breed of stock. CHAPTER XXXIII. PEMBROKE CATTLE. ; \ (“CASTLE MARTINS,’ OR BLACK CATTLE OF SOUTH WALES. ) Although there are no Pembrokes in the United States at present writing, we have thought best to insert the chapter on account of the close relationship between this breed and the Black Cattle of North Wales—discussed in the preceding chapter. PEMBROKE CATTLE HEREFORDS. 137 Until within a score of years, the Pembroke breed has included all of the black mountain cattle of Wales. From the report of the Hon. Stephen B. Packard, United States Consul at Liverpool, we quote: “There are two breeds of cattle in Wales. The North Wales breed [see North Wales Black Cattle] is found in greatest perfection in Anglesea and Caernarvonshire. The South Wales breed was called “Castle Martin,” and the animals are very big, large boned and coarse, but they are not in favor in the north of the Principality. * * * mS Both breeds are black, producing occasionally specimens dun colored and red. Characteristic points require that bulls should have white testicles and the cows white udders.” Regarding their origin it is only necessary to say, that they are supposed to be directly descended from the Bos primigenius, and are hence allied to the wild “ For- est” breed—still preserved in Chillingham Park, the Devons, and still more closely to their new rivals, the Black Cattle of North Wales. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color, black, with the white marks already mentioned. As compared with the North Wales breed, they have shorter hair, lighter hind parts, narrower shoulders, and coarser bones. The best specimens of each breed would bear a really close inspec- tion to decide between them on merit alone; but it is now fully admitted that a much larger number of the North Wales cattle answer the requirements of an improved modern breed. The particular characteristics claimed for the Pembrokes, are hardiness, dairy qualities and aptitude to range well. They cannot be said to bear forced feeding, but for rough grazing they would doubtless find much fayor upon our western ranges. As to their dairy qualities we confess to some degree of scepticism; it does not seem reasonable that a breed reared under the rough “no care” conditions—which their breeders are careful to claim can have any very great tendency to large yields of milk. Their flesh is said to be as good as any, and the oxen are docile, easily trained, and make strong active teams. The first volume of the Herd Book appeared in 1874, and since that time improve- ment of the breed has taken a more decided and systematic turn. CHAPTER XXXIV. HEREFORDS. There is much to be said of the Hereford cattle, as they existed in Herefordshire, and adjoining counties, England; and also of the cattle of Wales. Previous to the time of Tomkins, the cattle of these districts had a reputation for the best of quality, and were of uniform character—varying in size according to elevation and fertility of the range. It was from cattle of this uniform character that the Hereford breed had its origin. 138 HEREFORDS. The more reliable records place Mr. Benj. Tomkins as the improver, if not the founder, of the breed. Mr. Tomkins was born in 1745, at the Court House Canon Pyon, and began farming at Black Hall, King’s Pyon, 1766—then in his 21st year; he afterward lived at Wellington and then at Brookhaven, King’s Pyon, where he died in 1815. His herd was sold in 1819, and brought (for breeding stock) as follows: LOVCOWS meters cele $11,245 .00—an average of........ $ 750.00 3 2-year old heifers..... 1,415.00 ae We ono 460.00 2 1-year ¢ Boe 780.00 SOLD eth Gane ei sttepote 390.00 A bulls; oa) eee 5,309.00 OT | Rewiaee ne 1 3835.00 2 bullicalvessascen eee 1,810.00 ¢ Jsasecas (A0}s5{010) Total, 26 animals. 5o.-e eee peo an00) Ny ye eisiaceae $ 792.00 Mr. Tomkins came from a line of ancestors who were prominent men of the county of Hereford as cattle breeders, and many of them prominent men of the nation. He pursued a steadily systematic course in his breeding, and stands, undoubtedly, as regards the history of the improvement of Hereford cattle in the west of England, as do the Colling Bros. in improvement of Shorthorn or Durham cattle in the east. Other noted breeders may be mentioned, among them such men as Yarmouth, Walker, Hoskyns, Penn, Jellicoe, Smith, Lord Talbot, Price, Sherif and others; but the blood of Tomkins’ cattle was always found strongly diffused throughout their herds—as may be seen by consulting the Herd Book records. To show the recognized value of the Hereford breed for beef at that early day, we give the following prices of cattle sold by Mr. Westcar, and obtained from his books by Mr. Smythies of Marlow. The figures represent 20 Hereford oxen, selected from the entire record as each bringing a figure upwards of £100. Sales of 20 oxen from 1799 to 1811—the average price of which was £106 6s. or $530.00 each: Li19) DecwaliGthmemeeeee BOXCMcyacnve eects POOL eh oecae $200.00 L800 Dec.) 4theeeree le Ts SECS eee pte song eva ce ate rare epee 147.00 [SOOM DecraStheemeeeer aL” 6. 0 Ad SF UaeS Wegtviy cer steve sctnte maa teat 100.00 18OL Nove 26theeee eee Ge 8: ral ev anend.e eecrsttoue oe ci eased aes 630.00 L802" Noves26theaceeee i, Ea Aevareen SB aqarnevencyare cies cays 100.00 L802 INoveroUthieeeeeee 1. cS Soha ohare ce eee ace ye dere 126.00 TSO2s Decker threat Qi SONIA Fe ts Mike he SRA coctcen ECR 200.00 8030 Dec Athenee Th" FECUEE a omeatente scart Femapcn ie aie eee yrate 100.00 IESKOBS IDES, Uso oso ac | Che Wee Sana Gere rere ascot 105.00 L803) Weer 20 three see DE Coe ga teeeENAC nd GUND On Ooo 105.00 L804 Decks Sthme cee ecm Mine crate hcicuctenetae Are ret arte eer oe 105.00 1805 Deckert thieemesecny EL epee Ss sc citieeldo. attacrtly swars etorier ust op eno keRe he 100.00 SIME INovaeStheeenre ies HPSS erie 3 hoc. A us shustona aan ee 105.00 The Smithfield Club at London, Eng., held its first cattle show in 1799. The winner of the first prize was a Hereford ox, shown by Mr. Westcar, bred by Mr. Tully, Huntington Court, Hereford, and for the first twenty years of this show Herefords won the first or champion prize for the best ox or steer exhibited. During TM “TW Aq peyioduy ‘evs ‘SA1HVHO HIS ‘11Na GuosgaysaH ‘TT fs9ysoag ue HEREFORDS, 39 140 HEREFORDS. the years from about 1820 to 1834, there was a very warm contest carried on between the respective breeders of Herefords and Shorthorns as to the merits of the two breeds a condition of things which has been kept up with more or less warmth ever since. ( We cannot see why there should be such violent temper displayed by the respective champions of these two popular breeds. Each has a certain definite place in our midst, and it is no secret that any successful breeder is quite likely to regard his own success as a reflection of superior merit in the breed he handles. ‘Live and let live” is a pretty good motto, which both breeders of Herefords and Shorthorns would do well to heed. ) Mr. Geo. T. Turner, writing to the (Vational Live Stock Fournal of Chicago, in 1880, says: “The Hereford bullock in London is quite a season animal, and comes only as a grass beast in the late summer and autumn, when it tops the market,” And, we might add, the Hereford steer has held his own in this respect for more than 100 years. The Hereford Herd Book was first published in 1846 by Mr. T. C. Eyton—the second volume appearing in 1853. At this time, the markings of the breed were not as uniform as now, and Mr. Eyton classed them according to color as Mottle Faced, White Faced, Gray and Light Gray. In his preface to the second volume, Mr. Eyton says, that many breeders neglected to forward any account of their stock or pedigrees of their bulls, and that it is not his intention “to continue the work unless the breeders generally come forward to assist me more than they have done to the present time. I would willingly give my own time and trouble if I thought all would join in working out the truth, and afford the work sufficient patronage to cover its expenses.” While some few of the breeders were willing to aid in the support of the work, the interest was not general enough to induce Mr. Eyton to continue his labors. In 1856, Mr. W. Styles Powell purchased the copyright, and published the first part of Volume III, containing 286 pedigrees. July 15th, 1857, a letter to the Herefordshire Agricultural Society was read, from Mr. Underwood, solicitor to Rev. W. Powell—uncle to W. S. Powell—stating that the cost of the Herd Book to his late nephew was £30; yet he was willing to place the work as it then stood in the hands of any gentleman recom- mended by the society on payment of £10. Mr. Powell’s offer was accepted, and Mr. Thos. Duckham was requested to carry on the publication of the Herd Book. The conditions were that he should publish it annually, and that an entrance fee of one shilling (28 cts.) should be paid for each head of stock entered. Mr. Duckham proceeded to revise and reprint the portion of Volume III, adding a second part for bulls and a third part for cows with their produce; and in September, 1858, the revised volume was issued. In 1859 Volume IV appeared, with a list of 247 sub- scribers; and Volume V followed in 1862 with a list of 317. Mr. Duckham continued the work on his own responsibility until Volume IX was issued, when—March 5th, 1878—the Hereford Herd Book Society was formed and the Society purchased the copyright, becoming responsible for its publication through an editing committee, of which Mr. Duckham was an active and influential member until his resignation which occurred about two years ago. Volume XVII of the Herd Book was issued last year (1887). “TIT “9ydaeg ‘NATIT “T° Aq payroduy ‘s ‘N3GHVA A110q0 ‘MOO Guosayu3aH ILEREFORDS, 141 142 HEREFORDS. While Mr. Duckham was editor and publisher, he gave a large portion of his time to advancement of Hereford interests; and the breeders of England and America owe much to him for the records and data that have been preserved to the breed. In Scotland, Ireland, Australia, South America, and the Island of Jamaica, Here- ford cattle are now well-known, and rank second to none in public favor for early and economic production of beef. IMPORTATION TO, AND BREEDING IN, THE UNITED STATES: The Hon. Henry Clay brought two bulls and two heifers to this country in 1817; one bull and the two heifers reached Kentucky and contributed to the improvement of beef cattle in that state. In 1824 Admiral Coffin brought to Massachusetts the Here- ford bull Sir Isaac. The bull was owned for several years by Isaac C. Bates of Northampton, Mass., and was used on the cows in that vicinity with the uniform tes- timony that for all purposes combined, his produce formed the best stock ever kept in that neighborhood. In 1839-40 a large number of Hereford cattle were imported by Mr. William Sotham of Albany, N. Y. They met with a good deal of favor, and were soon well distributed throughout the northeast portion of the United States. In 1851 Messrs. John Humphries and Thos. Ashton brought to Ohio two bulls and two heifers; and since 1879 there have been many importations, and some very large ones. They have gone into all parts of the country, and have uniformly become very popu- lar with all who have handled them. C. R. Thomas of Independence, Mo., is the present Secretary of the American Hereford Breeders’ Association. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: In color the Hereford is a red of varying shade, generally dark with clear white face, white line—extending from head to tail in some specimens, in others abbreviated to merely a white mane, or what is even more fashionable at present, an oblong spot above and between the shoulders—white belly, white brush and white feet. The horns are medium to long, white, waxy and generally turning outward, forward and sometimes downward. In form they are blocky, square built, with rather short legs and all meat points full and rounded; the tail drops squarely from rumps even and high; the quarters are heavy, muscular and low down on the hocks; the ribs well sprung, but rounded neatly to a long, deep barrel; the head and neck both short and close fleshed; in fact the whole make-up of the animal indicates strongly the marked characteristic of the breed—beef. The Hereford is emphatically a beef or range animal, and while good milkers are occasionally met with among the cows, most of them do little more than raise wonderfully vigorous calves. The “white faces” have found considerable favor on the great cattle ranges of the Panhandle of Texas. In acclimating, they are well about third on the list,— Holstein-Friesians and Galloways ranking first and second respectively. They are hardy, prepotent to a strong degree, and are classed with the largest of modern breeds, mature bulls weighing from 1900 to 2300 lbs., and cows from 1200 to 1600 Ibs., with occasional animals exceeding these weights. located as standing even with the Aberdeen-Angus, HEREFORDS. 14 SANS SS RY WX TW "TL Aq paysoduiy *% ‘SSHOONS ‘171Na GHOs3au3aH "IIT SAayoaag 2 144 HEREFORDS—GALLOWAYS. Our illustrations faithfully represent animals that have contributed very largely to the success of the Hereford breed in America. Sir Charles, 543, was first secured about 1871 to head the since celebrated herd of Mr. T. L. Miller, Beecher, Ill.; and not long after, Mr. Miller imported the cow Dolly Varden and her calf Success. Probably no other man in America has done so much to advance the interests of Hereford cattle as T. L. Miller. His latest great undertaking to push the white faces on irrigated lands in Arizona, for shipment by train loads to the large markets of the country, is an enterprise which, if successful, will rank as almost phenomenal; and that it will be successful is almost assured by the simple fact that Mr. Miller has undertaken it. CHAPTER XXXV. GAL LO WeA Ys: These cattle derive their name from the province of Galloway, lying in the southwest portion of Scotland, to which locality they trace a long line of polled ances- try. The breed is among the oldest, authentic history carrying it back to the begin- ning of the 16th Century, and tradition asserting that their was never a time when Galloway cattle did not exist in their native province; moreover, the main distinguish- ing points of the breed were the same then as now, subject only to progressive change from careful selection and management. Improvement in the Galloway breed was largely stimulated by the extensive pur- chases of Scotch polled cattle by the English soon after the union of England and Scotland. The Scotch breeders knowing that the cattle sold were to travel on foot throughout the greater part of England, vied with each other in attempting to furnish the best animals. It is worthy of note that the improvement of the Galloway has been effected almost entirely by skillful selection, judicious feeding and careful man- agement—a fact which accounts, in fixedness of breeding, for their present remarkable prepotency. Although an old breed, the records date only from recent time,—all pedigrees ~ and papers relating to the breed having been destroyed by fire at Edinburgh in 1851. From 1851 to 1878, they were recorded with the Angus and other polled stock in the Polled Herd Book; in 1878 Galloway breeders published separately the first volume of the Galloway Herd Book of Great Britain, and in 1883 appeared the first volume of the North American Galloway Herd Book—the register now used for American- bred Galloways. While black has always been the prevailing color, there were formerly many well bred individuals of other colors and one of the most apparent improvements, made by later breeders, has been to eliminate variety in color and reduce the breed to its present color standard, namely black—in winter with a brownish tinge. It must be s1B94 9a1Y} FE IYSIAAY GG ‘oW SAVIO susuvy “OD AVMOTTIYS ALVLS-NALNT Jo Ajradosd {+sqy 007 ‘OS VALIVA S ‘NOGaa AY *K.00 GALLOWAYS. ii NK AN ‘Ni " by, 145 146 GALLOWAYS. borne in mind, however, that this peculiarity still shows itself in an occasional rever- sion to dun or drab; and such animals, while inferior in selling value, are nevertheless as purely bred as the most sable of their kind. We have at this writing on the College Farm, a heifer—dropped in 1886, got by Admiral Good 1184, Am. G. H. B., out of Admiration 1186, Am. G. H. B, both black—which is a pure dun in color, but a typical Galloway in all other respects. DESCRIPTION OF THE GALLOWAY, No horns are admissible, not even scurs; they are emphatically a polled or horn- less breed. The color should be black—in winter showing a brownish tinge from the fact that the long hairs turn brown at the extremities. The skin should be of medium thickness, but soft and pliable, and the hair long, soft and wavy, giving a silken shaggy appearance—with a soft thick coat of wool underneath. Coarse, straight, or closely curled hair is objectionable, especially when the mossy under-coat is wanting. The head should be short and wide between eyes, with full forehead and open nostrils; eyes large and prominent; ears medium sized rather broad in proportion to length— pointing upward, fringed with long hair, and well provided, both inside and out, with a soft woolly covering; neck short, tapering finely in the cow, and becoming wonder- fully enlarged with age in the bull; quarters long, deep and fleshed well onto the leg; breast wide, brisket heavy, loin well filled and flank low. The body is round and long, back straight, tail thick, with a heavy brush, and legs short and very muscular. The Galloway, in brief, is a heavy bodied, short legged, hornless, black, beefy looking animal. No scale of points has yet been adopted for the breed. CHARACTERISTICS: The Galloways are mainly a beef-producing cattle—their flesh finely marbled, sweet and juicy; in proportion of live weight, they dress remarkably well, averaging nearly 60 per cent., and frequently reaching as high as 65 or 66 per cent. of live weight. As range stock they have proven exceedingly valuable, being hardy, easily handled, close shippers, and amply able to find their own food on any reasonable range. The late mania for dehorning, which we have mentioned, although advocated by breeders of horned cattle, must surely work to the advantage of all of the polled breeds, inasmuch as the average man will consider it much safer, more economical and much less cruel to remoye the horns by using a naturally hornless bull. One of the prominent traits of Galloway cattle is their prepotency when crossed with other breeds—fully 80 per cent. of resulting offspring, being without horns. As to matur- ity, there is considerable difference of opinion, due, we believe, to the fact that Gal- loways vary greatly in ages at which individual animals reach maturity; as a rule we cannot say that they are early maturers—although perhaps comparing favorably with most of their rivals in this respect; neither do they as a rule attain so great weight as several of the other beef breeds—bulls weighing from 1700 to 2100 Ibs., and cows from 1000 to 1400 Ibs., with occasional animals exceeding these figures. We believe there is truth in the following statement: Let a Galloway steer alone, and he will do what he can with credit to himself and profit to his owner; but attempt to crowd him GALLOWAYS. 147 NA i i} | nh i DNF Ny) MN WN ; " ii! | *puy ‘oude \\ 104 “OD WAVY aAaIsMooug Aq pauAo pur payioduy 148 GALLOWAYS—ABERDEEN-ANGUS. for extra results, and beyond a certain point the forcing process will not prove a financial success. In the dairy little is claimed for the Galloway cows, by even their most ardent admirers; it is only fair to state, however, that among them are found some very excellent milkers. The practice of allowing the calf to run with the cow and making the herd find both food and shelter on its own account, while it may have, and doubt- less has, increased the hardiness to a considerable extent, has certainly worked great injury to whatever milking superiority the breed may have originally possessed. In the South, Galloways stand second on the list as to ease of acclimation; and this fact will doubtless tend to gradually increase the number of pure bred Gallo- way bulls annually shipped to Texas ranges for improvement of native stock. CHAPTER XXXVI. ABERDEEN-AN GUS: (POLLED-ANGUS OR POLLED-ABERDEEN. ) As to the origin of this now well-known breed, little is definite beyond the com- monly accepted belief that the two polled Scotch breeds—Galloway and Aberdeen- Angus—are descended from the polled variety of the original Forest breed. Of the long controversy, between Galloway and Angus breeders, regarding the merits of their respective breeds, we have nothing to say: by many the two breeds are con- sidered identical; some of our best judges predict that at no great distant day, the Aberdeen-Angus and Galloway Associations will follow the example so lately set by the Holstein and the Dutch Friesian breeders, by combining forces to advance the interests of all concerned. We cannot say that we agree with such expression. While both breeds have undoubtedly descended from the same original stock, yet selection, feeding, care and systematic breeding have changed the characteristics and appearance so greatly as to fully warrant the present recognized distinctions between them. As to what these differences are will be understood from a study of the description and characteristics of the two breeds—which see. Improvement of the Aberdeen-Angus was first begun in a systematic way about the opening of the present century. Probably no man has contributed more to advance the merits of Angus cattle than Mr. Hugh Watson, of Keillor, Scotland. Mr. Wat- son began his herd in 1808 with 2 bulls and 14 cows—the “best and blackest” that could be found—and by continually breeding in and in, putting the “ best to the best,” without regard to relationship, and carefully weeding out all freaks or reversions, he established a reputation for his herd and for himself as a breeder, which the most successful of breeders might well envy. ‘The early improvers brought to the work superior ability, practical experience and sound sense—following up the 149 ABERDEEN-ANGUS, ABERDEEN-ANCUS BULL, BARON VALIANT, 4052 (1964). Property of A. B. MATTHEWS, Kansas City, Mo. 150 ABERDEEN-ANGUS. demand for an animal which should range well, and, at the same time, prove a kindly feeder, quick maturer and an animal of large size, they kept steadily at work until the foundation of the Angus breed was thoroughly laid, tested and received. Among the later breeders of note, we may mention William McCombie, of Tillyfour. His herd was started about the year 1830—just at the time when the pure bred Aberdeen- Angus was threatened with total extinction through the exceeding popularity of the Angus-Shorthorn crosses for feeding purposes. Mr. McCombie believed that the Angus breed was eminently worthy not only of preservation, but of improvement as well, and steadily directed his energies toward the accomplishment of this end. IMPORTATION TO THE UNITED STATES: The first of which we have any record was made in 1873 by Mr. Grant, of Vic- toria, Kan.; this was followed in 1878 by an importation of five cows and a bull for Messrs. Anderson & Findlay, of Lake Forest, Il., and the next year a few head were brought over by Mr. F. B. Redfield, of Batavia, N. Y.; since that time importations have been numerous and breeding rapid, until there are, at present writing, probably not less than 2500 to 8000 head of pure bred Aberdeen-Angus in the United States. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: We can best distinguish them by a comparison with the close description of the Galloway already given: There are no horns. The color is pure shining black— without the brown tinge of the Galloway—and the hair is fine, smooth, short and close-lying. In this respect, alone, the Angus cattle show a greater nicety of breeding, and taken in connection with their size, illustrate perfectly, the aim of both early and modern improyers of the breed, namely: to produce an animal which could be forced with profit, attain large size, and attract attention by his neat and meaty appearance. In size they are considerably ahead of the Galloway, mature bulls ranging from 1800 to 2200 Ibs., and cows from 1100 to 1500 Ibs.; the forehead is less inclined to fulness, the back broader; flanks deeper, and general form more nearly filling the beef rectangle. To the ordinary observer, not interested financially in either breed, the Aberdeen- Angus, would undoubtedly rank first from looks alone; to those who go further, and demand not only looks, but hardiness and other qualities combined, it is difficult to decide between them. From our own experience, and what we have gathered from others, the Aberdeen-Angus is the better animal to buy where feed is plenty and pasture luxuriant; but for the range, where the animal has to look out for himself, we would prefer the Galloway. The fact already stated—that Galloways acclimate somewhat better than Angus in the southern fever belt—the latter standing next be- low the former—bears considerable weight with breeders in the great Southwest. To offset this, Angus cattle mature earlier, and attain greater size. Each breed claims preéminence in beef qualities, and we candidly confess our inability to see any differ- ence between them on this point. As a milk cow, the Aberdeen-Angus gives an ample supply for her calf—no more is needed for the range. Either Angus or Gal- loway bulls are excellent dehorners. The first volume of the American Aberdeen-Angus Herd Book was published *epeurg ©juGQ ‘uoadhuoqog “oD yw GXAog Wossoy, Fo Aqsadorg ‘d1VO GNV ‘(€0Z8) 0%2Z% ‘UYNOTASV 4O ANIV13 ‘MOO SNONV-N3agaq0uR98V ABERDEEN-ANGUS. 151 152 ABERDEEN-ANGUS—SUSSEX CATTLE. in 1886—the two main requisites for record being: (1) The animal itself or its sire and dam must be recorded in the Sth or prior volumes of the Polled Aberdeen or Angus Herd Book of Scotland. (2) The animal must be the produce by registered sire of a cow that has produce in the 8th or prior volumes of the Polled Aberdeen or Angus Herd Book of Scotland. The illustrations of both Galloways and. Angus represent excellent specimens of their respective breeds, and will well repay a careful study. CHAPTER XXXVII. SUS SHG Cra ay ea be This breed is closely allied to the Devon—indeed, some writers assert that it is folly to class them as separate breeds. We cannot think so: certainly their origin is found in the same stock, but this is also true of the Galloway and Aberdeen-Angus breeds. The early writers on the breeds of cattle in Great Britain certainly looked upon the Sussex as a breed well worthy a class by itself. Youatt and Martin, while acknowledging the common origin of both Devon and Sussex cattle, yet speak of the Sussex ox as possessing not only the activity of the Devon, but the strength of the Hereford, “ with the propensity to fatten, and beautiful fine grained flesh of both.” The breed takes its name from the county or shire of Sussex, England, adjoin- ing Devonshire, and differing from it in contour, elevation and fertility of soil. As already mentioned, the Devons occupied the elevated slopes bordering the Severn; the Sussex cattle held the lower regions of rich luxuriant pasture farther east; and this fact alone—when we consider the long period of time involved—would naturally lead to a very supposable difference between the two breeds. Improvement of the Sussex has not been rapid, but rather marked by the slow, steady conservatism of their English breeders. In America they have obtained a foothold, and already claim a large share of favor from American stockmen. Mr. Overton Lea, the energetic and popular breeder of Mont Eagle, Tenn. (now Secre- tary of the recently organized association) has done more toward pushing the Sussex to the front in the last five years, than all their breeders in England combined—and only because he has freely advertised, and fully exhibited his cattle, courting inspec- tion at all times, and asking only an honest opinion as to their merits. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color, like the Devon, a rich dark red, with white brush to the tail; in size they éxcel the Devon considerably, mature bulls weighing from 1700 to 2000 Ibs., and cows from 1,100 to 1,400 Ibs. Comparing further with the Devon, we may say: The head is coarser with thicker horns; neck heavier, shoulders deeper, barrel longer and general form showing more of a beef tendency; they mature as early; are fine feeders, hardy, dress well and produce an excellent quality of flesh. Gaodorg VAT NOLUAAG Fo AQa0 no] WUOTAT £ ‘uuay ‘a “AILLVSD XASSNS SUSSEX CATTLE. 154 SUSSEX CATTLE—SIMMENTHAL (BERNESE) CATTLE. At the Fat Stock Show, Chicago, 1885, a yearling Sussex steer received the Class prize on the butchers block, and was only defeated by one vote for the Sweepstakes prize open to all ages. At the Kansas City Fat Stock Show, 1886, a two-year-old Sussex heifer, shown by Fowler and Van Natta of Indiana, won both the Class and the Sweepstakes prizes. When we consider the great number of magnificent car- casses exhibited in competition, we may readily accord to the Sussex for beef a place among those in the front rank, As milk stock, they cannot claim much—improvement of the breed has been rather‘ with a view of increasing size, appearance and feeding value, than with any idea of enhancing their dairy qualities. What milk they do give, however, is quite rich in cream, and occasionally a cow is found capable of an excellent record as to quantity. The engraving was prepared expressly for our use, and we do not hesitate to say, that the animals represented are second to few if any in America in point of general merit. Mr. Lea as a breeder of Sussex has been remarkably successful, and his uni- form courtesy and fair dealing have secured for him a host of well-wishers. CHAPTER XXXVIII. SIMMENTHAL (BERNESE) CATTLE. The Simmenthal cattle came originally from Canton, Berne, Switzerland, but the best specimens are found in the valleys of Bernese Overland, and on the rich pastures of western Switzerland and southern Germany. In southern Germany, especially, the fertile valleys have been found very favorable to steady improvement, and to the late King William of Wurtemburg, who was especially interested in their importa- tion to Germany, the breed is largely indebted for its present improved condition. So far as we can ascertain, only two importations of these cattle have been made to the United States. In 1886, the Rev. F. Von Schluembach, of Perry, Tex., while on one of his periodical visits to Germany, became much impressed with the idea that just such cattle as the Simmenthal were needed in the United States, and if properly handled would grow rapidly in favor. He accordingly secured and brought over all yearlings, the first Simmenthal successfully four head—two bulls and two heifers cattle ever brought to America. (The second importation of Simmenthal cattle was made in May, 1887, by John Dick, of Quincy, Ill.) Writing to the Author, under date February 14th, 1888, Rev. Von Schluembach says: (oe * * * The weight of the cattle in Switzerland is very great: bulls up to 3000 Ibs.; cows, five-year-old, upwards of 1800 lbs. Height, from 1.34 to 1.4 meters [54 to 56 inches]; length, 2.15 to 2.2 meters [85 to 87 inches], well and equally developed animals. aS * * * Edelweis [referring to one of the heifers imported in 1886], three-year-old cow, May 1st, gives about four quarts per day now, but she will come in with second calf very soon. They are not a distinctly dairy breed, but are rather for meat purposes; but, at the same time, I believe good milkers if properly attended to. Although I imported my cattle in spring, and after quarantine in New York, had to sE. SATTI ic ESE RN THAL (BE MMEN SI Property of Rey. F. Von Scu_urmsacn, Perry, Texas. TD Ms col — COPYRIGHTED / 156 SIMMENTHAL (BERNESE) CATTLE. bring them to Texas in August, by steamer to New Orleans, they have done finely from the start, and are easily acclimatized. The success I had with them in this respect, I attribute in no littie measure to your excellent and very reliable suggestions. * * * They are easy kept in food, are fully satisfied with Texas prairie hay and loose bran, feed up well, and fatten easily. * * *” Wishing to present an accurate description of this valuable breed, the Author made a personal inspection of Rev. Von Schluembach’s herd in March, 1888; and from notes made at that time, gives the following DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color, light yellowish red, spotted with white—in one strain of the breed, evenly variegated, in the other strain, the white is confined mainly to the legs and belly line with white marks about the flanks, and usually also, about head and neck. Further than this there is no distinctive arrangement of color marking. In size they are fully equal to the largest Herefords or Holstein-Friesians—bulls weighing at maturity 1900 to 2300 pounds, cows from 1200 to 1600 Ibs. The head is broad and short, rather beefy, with a neck which in the bull fills up grandly as the animal develops, and in the cow is short, not delicate but neat and well carried. There is a characteristic mark in the peculiar pendent skin beneath the throttle in both sexes—especially so in the bull—and in the rather long and finely shaped ears well fringed with hair.- The horns are white and waxy to the tips, pointing outward and upward, sometimes for- ward, much like those of the Hereford, but shorter and better curved. The shoulders are deep and surmounted by amass of dense muscular tissue, filling the crops to an even line; ribs well sprung to a neatly rounded barrel; haunches smooth—not promi- nent: indeed, the eyen rounded appearance of the haunches, as seen from rear view, may be called a prominent characteristic of the breed. The tail is placed well up, and drops squarely between full buttocks; legs medium to short, with large, strong bone closely held in firm tissue—almost the perfection of bovine symmetry and strength. The general appearance indicates beef and feeding capacity; and the long body, squarely placed on legs of moderate length, gives a frame work of sufficient size to carry an enormous carcass. As we have already indicated, the Simmenthal should be classed with the beef breeds. As to their merit for use in grading up on the range, we can only conjecture, as they have not been tried long enough to exhibit any grade offspring. We believe, however, that the southwestern rangemen have a very valuable addition to their stock in this breed, and we shall await further trial with interest. The engraving has been prepared expressly for our use from a photograph of Rey. Von Schluembach’s cattle, by Baron Von Hollweg, and is remarkably accurate in all details. The bull in front is Czar; a fine model with evenly variegated color. The one showing escutcheon (rear view) is Sultan; he represents the type in which the white markings are limited to lower line, legs and head. The view of Sultan displays fully the characteristic rounded haunches, and shows a thigh well turned and extremely muscular. The cow Edelweis is unfortunately almost hidden by the two bulls, but is fully their equal in.breed markings and characteristics. BRAHMIN (ZEBU) CATTLE. 157 CHAPTER XXXIX. BRAHMIN (ZEBU) CATTLE. Referring to the name by which these cattle are known in America, it may be well to state that it has no authentic foundation other than the prevalent but mistaken idea that but one breed of cattle is found in India, and that one connected in some mysterious way with the Brahmin religion. There are, in fact, several breeds of cattle in India, each one transmitting its peculiar qualities with as much certainty as do any of the modern breeds so well known in America. True, all of these families possess many characters in common, but they differ sharply in those distinctive qualities by which American breeders must judge of their value. Mr. Albert Montgomery, of New Orleans, has kindly placed at hand a number of private letters from reliable parties in various portions of India, written in response to queries prior to his importation of Brahmins in 1885. According to the unanimous testimony of these men—well qualified to judge—the family best calculated to find favor in America is, in India, known as the “ Buchour,” and it is from cattle of this family that most of the shipments to America have been made. The name “ Brah- min,” however, is so firmly fixed among those who have bred or known them in the Southern States, that it would be impracticable at least to attempt a change. We have therefore adopted the nomenclature which heads this chapter, and shall refer, solely, to the cattle as now known in the United States. The Brahmins—as noted above—form one of the common domestic breeds of Indian cattle, are found also in China and East Africa, and are the only breed which can endure the intense heat and insect pests of the countries named. They differ from our domestic cattle in the following particulars: The period of gestation is about 300 days, while the average period with the common cow is 283 days; they have a hump of fat over the shoulders, and 18 caudal vertebrae as against 21 in our ordinary cattle. These characteristics have led naturalists to class them as a distinct species (Bos Indicus), but the bulls breed as freely with all varieties of the common cow (Bos taurus), as with females of their own peculiar breed. Introduction to the United States dates from before the year 1853, when Mr. Davis, of South Carolina, purchased from the Earl of Derby, the first pair of Brah- mins ever brought to the United States. This importation finally found its way, about 1858 or 1859 to the McHatton Farm, above St. Louis; but it was too far north for them, and the entire herd was afterward sold at auction. Brahmin cattle found their way to Mexico about 1867, when Mr. F. McManus & Sons shipped 20 head— descended from the Davis importation—to the “ Brachimba Farm,” near the city of Mexico. No attempt was anywhere made to keep them pure, but the grades were much sought, and were soon widely scattered through northeast Mexico and southern Texas. Col. Richard Peters, of Atlanta, Ga., also made an importation of pure Brahmins before the war, and descendants of his stock have been scattered all over 158 BRAHMIN (ZEBU) CATTLE. Florida and the coast regions of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. In southern Texas especially, the Brahmin blood has played an important part in improving the native stock, and its value is attested by the constant demand for Brah- min grades from practical stockmen in the region named. DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: They may be best described by calling attention to those peculiar points which distinguish the grades—even when as low as .1-16th of Brahmin blood is present. The ears are long and drooping; the horns, in the thoroughbred, point upward and backward—in the grades this peculiarity is retained, but greatly modified. The dewlap is voluminous, especially at the throttle; the hips are rather narrow, and the rump slopes rapidly from the sacrum to the tail. The loose fold of skin at the navel is remarkably developed, swinging from old males so as to almost touch the ground: this latter may be called the distinguishing mark of a Brahmin grade. We have seen a great many of these grade steers—some of them having not more than 1-16th of Brahmin blood, but every one retained this peculiar mark. In the grade heifers or cows, it is not so strongly marked, but even a novice would have no trouble in detecting the Brahmin blood. The color of the thoroughbred Brahmin is a sort of silver gray, with darker (iron gray) fore and hind quarters; and a large percentage of the grades from native cows exhibit similar markings. As to the economic value of this breed for the southwestern ranges, we have already written. The great advantage which they have over any other breed capable of improving the so-called “ native” Texan, lies in the fact, that they acclimate with perfect safety. Their native home is subject to about the same conditions (in concen- trated form) as obtain in the Gulf regions of the United States; and a change to the latter seems only to act as a sort of strong tonic, increasing the general vigor and health. : We cannot say that we admire them—in fact an American ideal of a thorough- bred bull is likely to be considerably shattered on first inspection of a typical Brah- min; but there can be no doubt as to their utility in the region named. The cross improves the quality of native beef, and adds quantity by increasing size. For the dairy, some of the cows are said to be superior; they give a large quantity of milk, but the quality is rather deficient; moreover, the wild nature of the animal is liable to crop out in a variable, and sometimes vicious, temper. The grades from good quiet cows, are of course more nearly free from this objection, and in many places, dairies of Brahmin grades are giving good satisfaction. The previously published experience of Col. Peters is interesting in this connec- tion, and we quote: “The animals did excellent, and I thought I had solved the problem. They made fine beef cattle—wonderful—and some of them were extraordinary milkers. I had one grade Brahmin cow, that gave 36 quarts of milk per day; I exhibited her at the fairs, and took premiums everywhere; but I discovered that the milk lacked butter-making qualities. * * * * And then the Brahmins were the most malevolent animals in the world, with a distinctive aversion to women. I don’t think I ever saw a Brahmin cow that a woman could milk. * * * * JT never knew one animal to die of murrain. They made the best work oxen I ever raised.” The place for the Brahmins is on the southern ranges, and the grade bulls—half bloods—with which Mr. Albert Montgomery, of New Orleans, and his partner, J. ‘wT ‘SULITIO MAN ‘AQAANOOLNOW LuanTy Jo Aysodorg BRAHMIN (ZEBU) CATTLE. HW HIII HI | } HAAN ATA WT AAT HEHUT 159 160 BRAHMIN (ZEBU) CATTLE—WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. M. Frost, of Houston, Texas, are supplying the market, find ready sale at good prices. Mr. Frost, writing to the Author under date of July 9th, 1888, says: “[ defy any man to name the time when he ever saw a tick on either pure or half-breeds, or a worm from the blow fly [screw worms]. Further than this, 1 defy any man to say that he ever saw any of them to die from asevere winter. They are the grandest cattle that exist for southern climates.” The illustration represents the imported Brahmin bull Khedive, and several of his grade offspring from native Texas cows—property of the gentlemen just men- tioned and was engraved for our use from photographs taken in Houston, Texas. CHAPTER XL. WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. (KYLOES. ) This breed is undoubtedly native to the Highlands of West Scotland, and the islands along the coast. The mountain breeds of Scotland may all be referred to the same original stock, and their variations at the present time, ascribed to climatic or other natural and artificial conditions under which they have been reared. As in Wales we have the Pembroke and North-Wales Cattle, so in Scotland, we have the West Highlands, as direct descendants of the original Forest stock. Improvement of the breed has been effected mainly by selection and careful in- breeding. About the middle of the last century, the Duke of Argyle commenced a systematic course of breeding, which soon called public attention to the herds of Argyleshire; in course of time the superior quality of his stock was communicated to all the cattle of the Highlands, and has since served as a basis for their continued excellence and improvement. The Hebridean farmers especially, declare that the Kyloes are as nearly perfect, for that locality, as may be, and assert positively that outcrosses, whenever tried, have only tended to render the offspring less hardy with- out increasing either quality or quantity of beef. Several importations have recently been made to the United States and Canada, and we may confidently look for more extensive introduction in the future. DESCRIPTION: Color, black; until late years, this color was not so strictly adhered to—brown, brindle, dun and other colors were nearly as common as black; even now while the fashionable Kyloe must be black, there are many animals of equal merit showing other colors, indeed we are inclined to agree with Prof. Low when he says: “The breeders should look to the essential character of form, without limiting themselves to a black color of the hair, which is a property altogether secondary.” The face is broad, tapering to a narrow muzzle, and showing a gradual dish or curvature from the horns to the nose. The eyes are prominent, bright and restless; WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. 161 WEST HICHLAND BULL. (English Engraving.) 162 WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. ears well carried and thickly covered with hair; horns middle sized, broad and waxy at base, and curving upward to sharp points of a darker shade; neck short with con- siderable dewlap; back wide and straight, with full crops and even loin; ribs well sprung, and dropping to somewhat flattened sides. A striking peculiarity of the Kyloe is found in the small space between the hips and the last floating ribs. The lumbar region is remarkably short and strong, a provision rendered necessary by the mountainous character of their native country, and admirably fitting them for moun- tainous or hilly ranges wherever found. The hind quarters are full, deep and fleshed well down to the hock—twist low; forequarters wide apart, deep and heavy; brisket very full, and projecting well forward; legs short, straight and strong boned. The skin is mellow, “handling” remarkably well, and the hair is long, thick and more or less wavy—curled hair is considered an objection. In general we may say: the Kyloe is a compact, blocky built, neat looking, middle horned animal of dark color and medium size. Mature bulls weigh from 1100 to 1600 lbs.; cows from 700 to 1000 lbs. CHARACTERISTICS: The West Highland breed has two very strongly marked characteristics—(1) hardiness; and (2) excellent beef qualities. To use a western expression, the Kyloe is a good “rustler”—that is, he is entirely capable of taking excellent care of himself if given a reasonable opportunity. Trained for generations to range over pastures always hilly, and sometimes scant, and sheltered only by the rocks and ravines of his native range, it is no wonder that the modern Kyloe is superlatively hardy. Why they have not been introduced more extensively in the ranges lying along the foot hills of the Rocky Mountains, is only explained by the push and energy of Hereford, Angus and Galloway breeders; and the mania we can call it nothing else Americans, for breeding size without regard to vigor. Certainly it would be hard to imagine a better stock for the broken range countries of the western United States, than is found in this vigorous and impressive breed. among And now comes the second point in his favor—meat excellence. Facts are stub- born things, and the fact that Kyloe or West Highland beef has almost invariably commanded a higher price in the London markets than beef of other breeds, speaks volumes in its favor. We must remember, however, that the Kyloes have never yet been in such demand as to shut off the annual supply of thoroughbred beef; while with some of the more popular breeds, nothing has found its way to the shambles, except the inferior animals—too poor for breeding purposes. That the West High- land beef is really better than the marbled beef of either Galloway, Angus or Hereford, we are much inclined to doubt; but that Kyloe beef is as good as the best there can be no question. As work cattle, we have litttle knowledge concerning them; the people of the Highlands have always been essentially stock raisers, and there has been consequently small demand for oxen trained to the yoke. They possess the essential properties—activity and strength—and with training, would undoubtedly rank high for this purpose. Nothing is claimed for the Kyloe cow in the dairy: she gives sufficient milk to bring up her calf in excellent condition and for the range, nothing more is desired. WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. 163 “d1V9 GNV MOO GNVIHOIH LSAM 164 WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE—TEXAS CATTLE. The engraving of cow and calf was prepared expressly for the Breeders Gazette of Chicago, and the kindness of the Gazette people in parting with an electro for our use, is acknowledged with thanks: the engraving of the bull is English work—both represent excellent specimens of the Highland breed. CHAPTER XLI. ADIOS) (Cua IP ah iG 18). On the ranges of the Southwest have existed for many years, vast herds of cattle, which by their peculiar characters—effectually transmitted to their offspring—may be classed as a breed. Although known as “Texas Cattle,” the same race extends throughout Mexico, and has been pretty well scattered through the more northern and western territories of the United States. According to Allen (American Cattle ) “they are the descendants of the early Spanish stock introduced into Mexico in the sixteenth century ;” and this is undoubtedly correct, as a comparison of Texas cattle with the modern cattle of Spain would show—eyen at this time, after centuries of changed conditions a marked similarity. The same original stock must also have furnished a nucleus for the now almost countless bovine population of South America. In this connection we quote Prof. Low (Domestic Animals of Great Britain ): “The origin of those amazing herds which cover the plains of Paraguay, Buenos Ayres, and other noble provinces, is traced by Spanish writers to the arrival by way of Brazil of seven cows and a bull from Andalusia, at the City of Assumption on the Paraguay, in the year 1556.” DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: Color varies, light dun and mouse color are, perhaps, most common, but red, yellow and black and each with all styles of white markings—are found.