.^, "> A^ .>^^ '°^. ^/. * . N ^ .#• % z 'A I fl -n\ V - 'Ot ^j> V o >>■ '. "^^ .-^^ I* ,> ^£^ %% ,^^ "^. ^^^'' "^^ ,0^ s _7, )^^^ ^^V .J.-^ ' / '-^ .^^^ :v'f- V x^^.. ''-Ct ^. "V . ., o ^ x'^ ^'^^^^ ^^^' ^0^ : .^^ % ^^\/v'^: ^v^; '^ v^ : * .':h ct- '^^ ^5 s; -i .V O, ^^ o » v> * ^*^ >•' '^<< aV ./^ J ¥.- s" ■ , '^^ V •^^ c^- V '^ r ^^^ .% o V"%*o'«;^ ^ ^^ ^^ * >" <$ ^x^ > 1 « "^-^ ^ O N C - < ^^;"^" • xV" X c 2)- Jersey Cattle — Their Leading Characteristics . Lecture No. 34. Jersey Cattle — Their Standard Points Lecture No. 35. French Canadian Cattle — Their Origin and History, Characteristics and Standard Points .... 133 Lecture No. 36. Kerry Cattle — Their Origin and History, Characteristics and Principal Points 139 116 119 123 127 130 THE DUAL-PURPOSE BREEDS. Lecture No. 2>7- Polled Durham Cattle — Their Origin and History, Char- acteristics and Principal Points 145 Lecture No. 38. Brown Swiss Cattle — Their Origin and History, Charac- teristics and Standard Points 151 Lecture No. 39. Red Polled Cattle — Their Origin and History, Charac- teristics and Standard Points 156 Lecture No. 40. Devon Cattle — Their Origin and History .... 163 Lecture No. 41. Devon Cattle — Their Leading Characteristics . . . 167 Lecture No. 42. Devon Cattle — Theix Standard Points .... 170 XU TABLE OF CONTENTS. SHEEP. Lecture No. i. page. Sheep — Their Introduction Into America .... 173 Lecture No. 2. Sheep — Their Improvement and Classification . . . 177 Lecture No. 3. Sheep — Leading Essentials as to Form and Wool . . 180 THE FINE WOO LED BREEDS. Lecture No. 4. The American Merino — Origin and History, Character- istics and Principal Points 183 Lecture No. 5. Delaine Merino — Origin and History, Characteristics and Standard Points 192 Lecture No. 6. Rambouillets — Origin and History, Characteristics and Principal Points 198 THE MEDIUM WOOLED BREEDS. Lecture No. 7. Southdown Sheep — Origin and History, Characteristics and Principal Points 2o6 Lecture No. 8. Tunis Sheep — Their Origin and History, Characteristics and Standard Points 211 Lecture No. 9. Dorset Horn Sheep — Origin and History, Characteristics and Principal Points 217 Lecture No. 10. Shropshire Sheep — Their Origin and History, Charac- teristics and Principal Points 225 Lecture No. ii. Cheviot Sheep — Origin and History, Characteristics and Principal Points 231 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Xlll Lecture No. 12. page. Suffolk Down Sheep — Origin and History, Characteris- tics and Standard Points 237 Lecture No. 13. Hampshire Down Sheep — Origin and History, Charac- teristics and Standard Points 243 Lecture No. 14. Oxford Downs — Origin and History, Characteristics and Standard Points 249 THE LONG WOOLED BREEDS. Lecture No. 15. Leicester Sheep — Origin and History, Characteristics and Principal Points 257 Lecture No. 16. Lincoln Sheep — Origin and History, Characteristics and Standard Points 263 Lecture No. 17. Cotswold Sheep— Origin and History, Characteristics and Standard Points 271 SWINE. Lecture No. i. Swine — Origin of the Domesticated Races . . . 276 Lecture No. 2. Swine — Their Improvement and Classification . . . 280 Lecture No. 3. Swine — Leading Essentials as to Form .... 283 THE LARGE BREEDS. Lecture No 4. Chester Whites — Origin and History, Characteristics and Principal Points 287 Lecture No. 5. The Improved Large Yorkshires — Origin and History, Characteristics, and Standard Points .... 295 XIV TABLE OF CONTENTS. Lecture No. 6. page. Tamworths — Origin and History, Characteristics and Principal Points 301 THE MEDIUM BREEDS. Lecture No. 7. The Berkshires — Origin and History, Characteristics and Standard Points 307 Lecture No. 8. Poland-Chinas — Origin and History, Characteristics and Standard Points 313 Lecture No. 9. The Victorias — Origin and History, Characteristics and Standard Points 321 Lecture No. 10. The Duroc-Jersey — Origin and History, Characteristics and Standard Points 327 Lecture No. ii. The Cheshire — Origin and History, Characteristics and Standard Points Z2>Z THE SMALL BREEDS. Lecture No. 12. The Improved Suffolks — Their Origin and History, Characteristics and Principal Points 339 Lecture No. 13. Improved Essex Swine — Origin and History, Character- istics and Standard Points 343 Lecture No. 14. Small Yorkshire Swine — Origin and History, Character- istics and Standard Points 349 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Frontispicce- -"In the Shade of the El ms." CATTLE. FIG. PAGE. I. Typical Dual-Purpose Cow 18 2. Shorthorn Bull 24 3- Shorthorn Cow 27 4. Hereford Bull 38 5. Hereford Cow 41 6. Aberdeen- Angus Bull . 50 7. Aberdeen-Angus Cow . 12, 8. Galloway Bull 62 9. Galloway Cow 05 10. Sussex Cattle, Group oi 7i II. West Highland Heifer 80 12. Holstein Bull . 84 13. Holstein Cow . 86 14. Dutch Belted Cow . 96 15. " Ayrshire Bull 102 i6. Ayrshire Cow 105 17. Guernsey Bull . 112 i8. Guernsey Cow . 115 19. " Jersey Bull . 122 20. Jersey Cow . 125 21. French Canadian Cow . 134 22. Kerry Cow . 140 23. Polled Durham Cow . 148 24. Brown Swiss Cow . . 150 25. Red Poll Cow . 157 26. Devon Cow . 164 SHEEP. 27. Typical American Merino Ewe 28. " Delaine Merino Ewe 29. " Rambouillet Ewe . 30. " Southdown Ewe 31. " Tunis Ram 32. " Dorset Ewe XV 184 191 199 205 212 218 XVI LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. FIG 33 34 35 36^ 37 38 39 40 Typical Shropshire Ewe '' Cheviot Ewe . *' Suffolk Down Ewe '^ Hampshire Down Ewe " Oxford Down Ewe " Leicester Ewe " Lincoln Ewe . " Cots wold Ram PAGE. 224 232 238 244 250 256 264 270 SWINE. 41. Typical Chester White Sow . . . . .288 42. (( Large Improved Yorkshire Sow • 294 43- <( Tamworth Sow . 302 44- << Berkshire Sow . 308 45. (( Poland-China Sow . 314 46. (( Victoria Sow . . 322 47. (< Duroc-Jersey Sow . . 326 48. << Cheshire Sow . 334 49. (( Suffolk Sow . . 338 50. tt Essex Sow . 344 51. <( Small Yorkshire Sow . 350 APPENDIX A. 52. Illustrating Points of Animal Form 53. Illustrating Points of Animal Form 356 357 PART I BREEDS OF CATTLE LECTURE NO. i. ORIGIN OF THE DOMESTICATED RACES OF CATTLE. I. Reliable information regarding the differ- ent races of cattle is very meager until we reach the seventeenth century, owing (i) To the very partial references made to them by his- torians before that time, and (2) To the imperfect nature of the sketches made by artists, so far as these have been handed down to us. II. It is noteworthy that the first shepherd and the first farmer were cotemporaneous. (i) Likewise the keeping of live stock and grain growing have gone hand in hand through all the centuries wherever agriculture has been distinctively progressive. (2) The exceptions are mountainous and infertile dis- tricts, and those with a great abundance of fertility. (3) The comparatively unimproved condition of the live stock interest is to-day the weakest point in American agriculture. III. The term cattle is applied to the various races of domesticated animals belonging to the genus Bos — the ox. (i) It belongs to the class Mammalia, the order Ruminan- tia, and the family Bovidae and comprises two primary groups, viz: The Bos indicus and Bos taunts. (2) The sub-genus. Bos indicus, includes the zebus or humped cattle numerously found in some parts of Asia and Africa. ^ ' 1 2 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (3) The other sub-genus, Bos taurus, includes all cattle in which the hump is absent, whether domesticated or otherwise. IV. From the testimony of the rocks, we know that the ox existed in northern Europe prior to the glacial period. (i) Whether the species then existing were the ancestors of the breeds of the present time can never certainly be known, but (2) It is more probable that the present types are the descendants of cattle brought by the various migrations of the human family as they journeyed westward. V. Cattle did not exist in America prior to its discovery by Europeans. (i) The bovine races in America are all descended from the cattle of Europe. (2) With but few exceptions they have been furnished by Great Britain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Spain. VI. It is generally supposed that the domes- ticated cattle of Europe, including those of Great Britain, have been derived from at least two distinct species, namely the Bos primigenius or Bos urus, and the Bos longifrons. (i) The Bos urus were of extraordinary size, strength and swiftness, and were withal very fierce. (2) The Bos longifrons were small in size, short in body and had fine, deer-like limbs. (3) Other fossil specimens, formerly classified as Bos frontosus and Bos trochocerus, have more recently been identified as belonging to one or the other of the afore- mentioned species. VII. There is much difference of opinion as to whether the domesticated cattle of Europe and America are descended from the Bos urns, ov the Bos longifrons, or from a blending of the two species. (i) Some regard them as the degenerate offspring of the former. (2) Others regard them as the improved offspring of the latter, and DOMESTICATED RACES OF CATTLE. 3 (3) Yet others regard them as the result from crossing these. (4) The second theory is more likely to be correct, since improved environment is followed by improved development. VIII. Nearly all the improved breeds of cat- tle found in Anglo-Saxon speaking countries have been derived from Great Britain, because (i) Of the great variety and superior excellence of the breeds found there, and (2) Of the natural genius of her people for stock keeping — a characteristic which the colonists have carried along with them. IX. In many of the older countries of the Eastern world the cattle are probably descended from an ancestry going far back beyond the Chris- tian era. (i) They have not improved because agriculture has not materially improved, and (2) This is more particularly true of pastoral countries. X. Nature unaided can in suitable locaHties maintain a certain standard of excellence through the laws that govern natural selection, but she can- not improve upon these, hence (i) Domestication is necessary to effect improvement, but (2) It does not follow, of necessity, that domestication always improves upon nature. LECTURE NO. 2. ORIGIN OF THE BRITISH BREEDS OF CATTLE. I. The precise origin of the British breeds of cattle will probably never be fully known. (i) Fossiliferous remains prove that at least some of the present types of cattle have been long in the land. (2) Some are of the opinion that they came originally from the continent, when the bed of the English Channel was dry. (3) Some regard them as the conglomerate produce of two or more distinctly different species of the genus Bos. (4) Others regard them as the differentiated offshoots of one great parent stem. II. It is not impossible, nor can it be said to be improbable, that the many and varied breeds of cattle now found in Great Britain came from the one parent stem, the aboriginal cattle of the country. (i) Great variations would be induced by locality, and conditions belonging to the same. (2) These variations would relate to such properties as production, size, color, form, flesh, milk and maturity. (3) They would be increased by fusion with other races of cattle brought into the country through the successive invasions of the Saxons, the Danes and the Normans. (4) They would be further intensified by some public and private importations from the continent, in the later centuries. III. The principal agencies in producing evo- lution or variation of race and type in cattle are inter-breeding or crossing, climate, food, habit and treatment. (i) Inter-breeding or crossing is one of the most potent agents in producing variation, especially as to form. (2) Climate affects color, the nature of the coat, develop- ment and maturity. 4 BRITISH BREEDS OF CATTLE. 5 (3) Food affects development both of the frame and flesh, and also the milking qualities. (4) Habit affects constitution and transmission. (5) Treatment affects constitution and performance, and qualifies all the influences indicated above. IV. The great improvement in the many breeds of cattle found in Great Britain has been brought about through the molding influences of man, operating in the line of natural laws. (i) These influences are: Careful selection in breeding, judicious mating, inter-crossing of the progeny for a time, liberal sustenance and wise management generally. (2) They have been aided by a favorable and varied soil and climate and by the fusion of different breeds and types, each possessing intensified peculiarities. (3) The tastes of the British people, arising in part out of their necessities, have conduced to the same end. V. The aboriginal cattle of Great Britain are probably represented in the Kyloes of Scotland and the Black cattle of Wales, with little or no admix- ture of other blood, and in purest form in the wild white cattle still found in certain parks. (i) The differences which characterize these arise from some of the influences named as concerned in variation, more especially climate and food. (2) All or nearly all of the other races have probably been influenced to a greater or less extent by the fusion of the blood of other breeds. VI. The chief of the herds of wild white cat- tle still existing in Great Britain are found in Chil- lingham park, Lyme park, Chartley and Chadzow forest. (i) The prevailing color is white with a few of the bulls cream, but the whole of the ear inside and one-third outside from tip down is red or brown. (2) The horns are rather fine and white, with black tips. (3) The color of the muzzle is black. (4) The bulls have coarse hair on the neck from one and one-half to two inches long. (5) They mature at six years, when the males weigh, dressed, about "550 pounds." 6 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. VII. The many breeds of cattle in Great Britain have been classified as Long-horned, Middle- horned, Short-horned and Polled. (i) The Long-horned varieties represented in the Long- horns, prominent in the closing half of the last century, are probably waning in popularity. (2) The Middle-horned breeds include the Herefords, the Sussex, the Devons, the West Highland and the Ayrshires. (3) The Short-horned breeds include the Durham, more frequently called Shorthorn, the Jersey, the Guernsey and the Kerry. (4) The Polled, or hornless breeds, which are an artificial variety, include the Aberdeen-Angus Polls, the Galloways and the Red Polls. VIII. All the breeds named under Note VII are more or less represented in the United States and Canada, and in addition the following: (i) The Holsteins and Dutch Belted breeds from the Netherlands, the Brown Swiss from Switzerland, the Cana- dian cow of French origin and the Texans of Spanish ancestry. (2) The Texans, numerous on southern ranges, are small in size and long of horn, and they are kept pure as are the other breeds, but are not registered. LECTURE NO. 3. CLASSIFICATION OF CATTLE. I. The formal classification of cattle on the basis of utility does not appear to have been attempted by those who have written on bovine hus- bandry, owing probably (i) To the difficulties attending such classification, arising from (2) Variations in performance growing out of variations in environment and treatment, and from the different ends for which cattle of the same breed are kept, hence (3) No classification can be adopted at the present time that is likely wholly to escape criticism. II. The classification of cattle, and indeed of ^11 domestic animals, cannot longer be deferred, owing (1) To the necessity for such classification. (a) In the systematic teaching of live stock husbandry in our public institutions, and (b) In preventing unfair competition in public showrings. (2) The general adoption of suitably prepared standards of excellence will more and more simplify the work of classi- fication, but (3) No classification can be submitted that may not require modification sometime in the future. in. Cattle in the United States and Canada may be classified as pure bred, common and ''scrub" or unimproved. (i) Pure breds are those which have been bred without admixture of alien blood and whose lineage is kept in suitable public records. (a) They possess marked adaptation to certain conditions of environment, and (b) The males are capable of effecting a marked improve- ment in the offspring of common and unimproved cattle when crossed upon the^e. 8 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (2) Common cattle are those of mixed breeding, and of what may be termed average development. (a) Their blood elements may and do var>' exceedingly, but they are usually possessed of some pure blood. (h) For various reasons their numbers are likely to con- tinue to predominate. (3) Scrub cattle are those of inferior individuality. (a) They have not been improved by up-grading or cross- ing, and (b) They are usually inferior in form and low in performance. IV. The pure breeds of cattle in the United States and Canada may be classified as beef, dairy and dual-purpose. (i) Beef cattle are those which are chiefly valuable for producing beef. (2) Dairy cattle are those which are chiefly valuable for producing milk. (3) Dual-purpose cattle are those which are capable in a fair degree of producing both meat and milk. V. Adaptation in the beef breeds. (i) They should usually be kept on the ranges and on large arable farms where it is not practicable to milk them. (2) They suckle their calves up to the weaning period and then go dry. VI. Adaptation in the dairy breeds. (i) They should be kept by dairj-men who are chiefly concerned in dairy production. (2) The calves not wanted for breeding should be sent to the block at a comparatively early age,, as (3) The dairy form becomes more pronounced with advancing maturity, and the relative meat value correspond- ingly declines. VII. Adaptation in the dual-purpose breeds. Ci) They should be kept on the arable farm where the farmer is seeking a return in both meat and dairy products, and (2) They should invariably be milked and the progeny reared by hand. VIII. The following enumeration of the breeds in America which belong to these respective classes is submitted as being approximately correct : CLASSIFICATION OF CATTLE. Cj (i) Beef breeds: Shorthorn, Hereford, Aberdeen- Angus Poll, Galloway, Sussex and West Highland. (2) Dairy breeds: Holstein, Dutch Belted, Ayrshire, Guernsey, Jersey, French Canadian and Kerry. (3) Dual-purpose breeds: Shorthorn, Polled Durham, Brown Swiss, Red Poll and Devon. IX. Observations. (i) It has been the aim to place all the breeds enumerated under VHI in the order of relative size, beginning with the largest, but the average of size in some of the breeds is not far different. (2) The classification of Shorthorns as beef and also as dual purpose is based on the large use that has been made of them as beef and dual-purpose cattle. (3) The Polled Durhams are very similar, but more attention probably has been given to the development of their milking qualities. (4) Milking properties are somewhat more pronounced in the Red Poll breeds than beefing properties, while these would seem to be about equal in the Devons. (5) Qasses for dual-purpose cattle were first created at the World's Fair, held in Chicago, 1893. (6) Dual-purpose cattle are numerously found among grades of various blood elements, but more especially among those distinctively of Shorthorn lineage. LECTURE NO. 4. INDICATIONS OF CORRECT FORM COMMON TO THE BEEF BREEDS. I. All the beef breeds have certain features of form which they possess more or less in common. (i) These may be considered essential to good beef production. (2) The differences between them relate more to size and to breed peculiarities than to essential features of form. II. The more essential indications, important perhaps in the order named, are : (i) A compact form, that is, one wide and deep throughout and but moderately long in the coupling. (2) A good back, that is, one wide from neck to tail, well fleshed and straight. (3) A good front quarter, that is, one wide, deep and full. (4) A good hind quarter, that is, one long, wide and deep. (5) Good handling qualities, as indicated in soft and elastic flesh and pliant skin. III. Indications of correct form given in detail. (i) Size — The size should be medium to large for the breed and the bone medium. (2) General Outline — The body should resemble a par- allelogram in shape and should be equally and smoothly developed throughout. (3) Head — The head should be medium in size, inclining to short rather than to long, clean cut, broad between the eyes, only moderately dished, and level across the top, save in the polled breeds. (a) Nose, moderately fine, neither dished nor Roman and of medium length. (b) Muzzle, broad, full, distinct and dewy. (c) Nostrils, large. (d) Eyes, large, full, clear and calm. (e) Horns, absent or varying according to breed, not coarse and set on a level with the withers, back and tailhead. 10 BEEF BREEDS. II (f) Ears, medium in size, broad rather than long, not over sensitive nor yet sluggish, and v^ell covered with hair, but varying somewhat in the different breeds. (4) Neck. — Medium to short, longer in the female and also finer. (a) It should not be coarse at the junction with the head, and (b) It should gradually deepen and widen toward the neck vein so as to blend insensibly into the shoulder. (5) Back — Wide from the base of the neck to the tail- head, well covered with flesh, especially on the loin, straight and level. (6) Forequarters — Wide, deep and full and about equally developed with the hindquarters. (a) Withers, wide and level. (b) Shoulders, well developed, laid well back toward the ribs and forward toward the neck vein, sloping but gradually and neither prominent nor bare. (c) Chest, capacious. (d) Breast, broad, deep and full. (e) Brisket, broad and well rounded. (f) Arm, broad, full and tapering nicely toward the knee. (7) Barrel or Coupling — Only moderately long, but wide and deep, and more roomy in the female. (a) Ribs, well sprung, that is, rounding out nicely from the spinal column, long, close spaced, not readily apparent to the eye, and coming well forward and backward. (b) Crops, well filled throughout. (c) Fore flank, full and deep. (d) Hind flank, deep, full and thick. (e) Underline, straight, or nearly so. (f) Girth, good around the heart and about equally good at the hind flank. (8) Hindquarters — Long from hook point to tailhead, deep from hook point to hind flank and hock, and thick from side to side. (a) Hips, full in every part. (b) Thigh, broad and full and tapering gradually toward the hock. (c) Buttock, square and upright, but in some breeds a little rounded. (d) Twist, full and commencing far down. (e) Tail, broad at the tailhead, but fine rather than coarse and hanging at right angles with the line of the back. (9) Legs — Medium to short, straight, fine below the knee, standing firmly under the body, and yet a fair distance apart. (10) Skin — Of medium thickness, but varying with the breed, mellow and elastic, and well covered with hair mossy to the touch. • 12 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (ii) General Appearance —There should be a nicely balanced development and an easy and active carriage, but not sprightly or sluggish. (a) There should be an absence of all undue prominences, as at the shoulder points, the hook points and the pin bones, also (b) An absence of patchiness when in high flesh, as at the shoulders, hook points and rumps. LECTURE NO. 5. INDICATIONS OF CORRECT FORM AND FUNCTION COMMON TO THE DAIRY BREEDS. I. All the dairy breeds have certain features of form and function which they possess more or less in common. (i) These may be considered essential to good perform- ance in the dairy. (2) The differences between them relate more to size and breed peculiarities than to essential features of form and function. II. The more important indications, impor- tant perhaps in the order given, are : (i) Much length and depth in the barrel or coupling, indicating a large consumption and utilization of food. (2) Refinement of form, as evidenced more particularly in the head, neck, withers, thighs and limbs. (3) Good development of udder and milk veins. (4) Constitution, as indicated by a capacious chest, much width through the heart, a broad loin, a full, clear eye, and an active carriage. (See Note VIII below.) (5) Downward and yet outward sprung and open spaced ribs, covered with a soft, pliable and elastic skin. III. Indications of correct form and function given in detail. (i) Size — The size should be medium to large for the breed. (2) General Outline — The triple wedge shaped formation has long been considered essential, although it is not very explicit. It implies (a) Increasing width from the withers downward. (b) Increasing width toward the rear parts. (c) Some increase in distance between the top and bottom lines as they go backward. (3) Head — The head .':hould be medium to fine, clean cut and relatively longer, lighter and more dished than in the beef breeds. , 13 14 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (a) Forehead, broad and dishing. (h) Nose, fine. (c) Muzzle, medium to broad and moist. (d) Nostrils, large and open. (e) Cheeks, clean and spare. (f) Eyes, prominent and lively. (g) Poll, medium to wide, according to breed. (h) Horns, fine. (i) Ears, medium, with ample secretions, thinner than in the beef breeds and somewhat livelier. (4) Neck — Inclining to long and light, almost slim. (a) It should be fine at the junction of the head and should widen and deepen only gradually. (b) The junction with the body should be well defined, almost abrupt in character. (5) Back — Narrow at the withers, wide at the loin, and at least moderately so at the pin bones, and straight or swayed according to breed and individuality. (a) A straight back is to be preferred, other things being equal. (b) The spinal column should be large, well defined and open spaced. (c) There should be more or less of a downward slope from the crupper to the outer edge of the hip. (6) Forcquartcrs — Lighter than the hindquarters, and spare. (a) Withers, narrow. (b) Shoulders, not heavy, pronounced in their upward slope toward one another, and more or less abrupt in front. (c) Chest, wide through the heart and capacious. (d) Breast, wide below, but not prominent. (e) Brisket, wedge-shaped. (f) Arm, inclining to light. (7) Barrel or Coupling — Long, deep, capacious, in a sense, paunchy. (2i) Ribs, broad, wide spaced, with a deep downward and outward spring, and much space between the last rib and hook point. (b) Crops, steep, but not necessarily depressed. (c) Fore flanks, fairly well filled. (d) Hind flanks, thin but not sunken. (e) L^'nderline, more or less sagged. (f) Girth, at least fairly good around the heart, and increasingly so at the hind flank. (8) Hindquarters — Long, but varying somewhat in the breeds, wide at top of the hips and coming well down, but without fullness. (a) Hips, not heavy, but more heavy in some breeds. (b) Thighs, inclining to light, thin and more or less incurved. DAIRY BREEDS. 15 (c) Buttock, upright or receding somewhat toward tlic thigh. (d) Pin bones, prominent and wide spaced. (e) Twist, open, placed high, and roomy. (f) Tail, not coarse, tapering, of good length, and hanging at right angles to the back. (9) Escutcheon — Well defined and well developed from the perineum to the udder and extending well outward on the thighs. (a) Breadth below the perineum is said to denote pro- longed milking qualities. (b) Width at the thighs is said to indicate deep milking qualities. (10) Udder — Long, broad and deep, extending well for- ward and well up behind, and evenly quartered. (a) It should be well let down, but not pendulous, and the skin should hang in loose folds behind when the udder is empty. (b) In quality, it should be fine and elastic, glandular, not fleshy. (c) The hair on the udder should be soft and not plentiful, (d) The veins on the same well defined. (e) The teats of medium size and squarely placed or pointing slightly outward. (11) Milk Veins — Large, tortuous, preferably branched and entering the abdominal wall well forward and through large orifices, usually called milk wells. (a) More commonly there are but two milk wells, but more are much prized. (b) The veins increase in size with advancing age in the animal. (12) Legs — Medium in length, fine in bone and straight, at least fairly wide apart and yet well under the body. (13) Skin — Medium to fine, finer than in the beef breeds, easily movable, and covered plentifully with fine, soft hair. (14) General Appearance — The carriage should be active, the prominences at the angles and also the ribs dis- tinctly apparent, and there should be evidences of a tendency to spareness in form when in milk. IV. The males as distinofuished from the females. fe' (i) They should be stronger in bone and more masculine throughout:, especially in the head and neck, and not so rangy in body or limb. (2) The first requisite is constitution as indicated by a capacious chest, much width through the heart and an active carriage. 1 6 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (3) Prominent among the evidences of milk transmitting power are (a) Easily traceable milk veins in the underline. (b) Embryo teats, large and placed well forward and wide apart. (c) Amplitude of skin on the rear parts of the underline. V. Nerve-power, or temperament, the out- come of form, is supposed to influence favorably milk elaboration and the following are prominent among its indications : (i) A broad and dished forehead with a lively eye and active ear. (2) Good width at the junction of the spine and skull, and large development of the spinal column. (3) A forceful disposition the outcome of energy, not of bad temper, and an active carriage. VI. Prominent indications of abundant milk production : (i) A roomy, capacious, open-ribbed barrel. (2) Good development of udder and milk veins. (3) General refinement and spareness of form, and (4) Marked indications of nerve-power, as given in Note V. VII. Prominent indications of quaHty in milk. (i) Good handling qualities, as evidenced in a nice, pliant skin. (2) Skin, creamy to a rich yellow in color, more especially inside the ears, at the flanks and around and over the udder. VIII. Leading indications of good constitu- tion and vitality given in detail. (i) Absence of extreme refinement in head, neck and limbs. (2) A full, clear and restful eye. (3) Much width of chest cavity and much of roominess in the same. (4) Large development of the spinal column. (5) Much width at the loin, with distinctness in the pelvic arch and roominess in the pelvic cavity. (6) Activity in the secretions of the skin, and (7) Active and easy movement. o U o a. Urn 3 Cl. "<5 a >> LECTURE NO. 6. INDICATIONS OF CORRECT FORM AND FUNCTION IN DUAL-PURPOSE CATTLE. I. Dual-purpose cattle of pure and likewise of mixed breeding have certain features of form which they possess more or less in common. (i) These may be considered essential to good perform- ance in the production of milk and meat. (2) The differences between them are snch as relate chiefly to size, to breed peculiarities in pure breds, and to mixed blood elements in grades. II. The more important indications, impor- tant, perhaps, in the order named, are : (i) ]\Iedium to large size for the breed or grade. (2) Good length and depth in the coupling, especially in the females. (3) Good development of udder and milk veins. (4) Good constitution as indicated by good width" through the heart. (5) Head and neck inclining to long and fine, and (6) Ribs of medium spring, open spaced and covered with a good handling skin. III. Lineage — The best specimens are found in the pure dual-purpose breeds, or in high grades of these, but (i) Mixed blood elements are not seriously objectionable in foundation animals of correct type, and (2) In breeding, well chosen pure bred dual-purpose sires should be used. IV. Indications of correct form and function given in detail : (i) Sise — The dual-purpose cow is large in form and capacious in body, not massive like the high type beef animal, neither coarse nor unduly refined, and possessed of what may be termed a happy equilibrium in development. 19 20 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (2) General Outline — The form should be parallelogram- mic rather than wedge-shaped, and nearly evenly developed in front and rear. (3) Head — Only moderately large and inclining to long, clean cut and free from throatiness. (a) Forehead, wide. (b) Nose, inclining to long and fine. (e) Muzzle, medium to strong and moist. (d) Nostril, large and open. (e) Cheeks, lean. (f) Eyes, large, prominent and neither restless nor sleepy. (g) Poll, varying with the breed or grade. (Ii) Horns, inclining to fine when present. (i) Ears, of medium size, thickness and action, but vary- ing with the breed or grade. (4) Neck — Inclining to long and fine, but not slim. (a) Not coarse at the junction with the head. (b) Of medium increasing width and depth toward the shoulder, and joining the latter neither abruptly nor so smoothly as in the beef breeds. (5) Back — Moderately wide at the withers, wide at the loin and pin bones, and straight. (6) Forequarters — Nearly equal in development with the hindquarters. (a) Withers, moderately wide. (b) Shoulders, large, but not prominent, and possessed of medium upward and forward slope. (c) Chest, wide through the heart, capacious. (d) Breast, wide, moderately deep and full. (e) Brisket, wide and but moderately full. (f) Forearm, broad and but moderately full. (7) Barrel or Cotipling — Long, deep, roomy, capacious. (a) Ribs, at least fairly well sprung and deep, well spaced, easily discernible when the animal is giving milk, and pos- sessed of good snace between the last rib and hook point. (b) Crops, filled up level, or nearly so, with the shoulder. (c) Fore flanks, low and full. (d) Hind flanks, low, moderately full and of medium thickness. (e) Girth, good at the heart and at least good at the hind flank. (f) Underline, straight or slightly rounded downward. (8) Hindquarters — Long, wide, deep and but slightly dropping away from the sacrum and crupper. (a) Hips, straight on the sides. (b) Thighs, broad and in a line externally wath the hips, and possessed of but little or no incurvature behind. (c) Buttocks, straight, or nearly so. (d) Pin bones, wide, but not prominent. (e) Twist, open and placed moderately low. DUAL-PURPOSE CATTLE. 21 (f) Tail, inclining to fine and long, smoothly set on and hanging at right angles with the body. (9) Udder — Capacious, evenly quartered, coming well forward and backward and not too high or too low. (a) When empty it should be pliant, not fleshy, and with much loose skin hanging in folds at the rear. (h) The teats should be of good size and pointing slightly outward. (10) Milk Veins — Large, long, tortuous, all the better if branched, and they should enter the body through large orifices or milk wells. (11) Legs — Medium in length and bone, straight and widely placed. ( 12) Skin — Medium, inclining to fine, easily movable, particularly on the ribs, and plentifully covered with soft hair devoid of coarseness or harshness. (13) General Appearance — The large, refined and fairly smooth form of the dual-purpose animal carries along with it evidences of producing capacity. (a) In movement it is neither sprightly nor sluggish, but easy. (h) When in milk it is not high fleshed, but puts on flesh quickly when dry. V. The more important points of contrast between the males and females : (i) The former are heavier and stronger and shorter in head, horn, neck and limbs. (2) They have relatively more of breast development and are relatively a little shorter in the coupling. VI. Dual-purpose cattle contrasted with beef cattle. (i) In general outline the former are less massive, not so even in their proportions and not so smooth. (2) In size they are about the same, but do not weigh so well. (3) They are a little longer in the head, neck, limbs and barrel. (4) They are not so wide at the withers, are a little less full in the breast, shoulders, hips and twist, and are not quite so rounded or close spaced in the ribs, and (5) The development of udder and milk veins is much more marked. VII. Dual-purpose cattle contrasted with dairy cattle. 22 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (i) In general outline the former are usually much larger and heavier, the fore and hindquarters are more evenly bal- anced, the angular points are not so prominent and the form is not so spare. (2) The withers are wider, the spinal column less promi- nent and the back straighter. (3) The breast is more strongly developed, the spring of rib rounder, the hips and thighs heavier and the bone some- what larger. (4) In general development of head, neck, body, udder and milk veins, the difference is not greatly marked. THE BEEF BREEDS LECTURE NO. 7. SHORTHORN CATTLE THEIR ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. This breed of cattle is so named from the shortness of the horns which characterize it. (i) It is also known as the Durham, from the county in which it originated. (2) These terms are now regarded as synonymous and interchangeable. II. The precise origin of the Shorthorn, like that of nearly all the other British breeds of cattle, is involved in much obscurity. (i) The Romans, Saxons, Danes and Normans, who conquere-d England, in turn brought cattle with them that were successively crossed on the native breeds, and this in part accounts for the variety of these. (2) The lack of interchange in live stock for centuries after the Norman conquest favored the development of dis- tinctive types, through the modifying influences of climate, soil, shelter and treatment. (3) Thus it was, that in the rich pasture lands of the counties of Durham and Yorkshire, and especially in the valley of the River Tees, a comparatively large type of cattle existed several centuries ago, the ancestors of our modern Shorthorns. (4) For a long time there were two independent strains of ancestry, vie: The Teeswater and the Holderness ; but these have long since been blended through the almost indiscriminate crossing of their descendants. III. Those Teeswater and Holderness pro- genitors of the modern Shorthorn possessed high and broad carcasses, good milking qualities and an aptitude to fatten; but their flesh was coarse and accompanied by a large amount of offal. 23 CO c L. o o JZ "oh SHORTHORNS. 25 IV. It is alleged and as stoutly denied that improvements were effected on the Teeswater and Holderness cattle by the use of Dutch bulls and on the improved Shorthorn by the introduction of a Galloway cross. (i) It is pretty certain, however, that a Dutch cross was introduced about the year 1640, and also at a subsequent period or periods. (2) The Colling Bros, introduced a Galloway cross known as ''the Alloy" about the end of the eighteenth century. V. Several good herds of Shorthorns existed in England, in the northern comities, as early as the middle of the eighteenth century. (i) Notable among these were the herds of the Earl of Northumberland, Sir Wm. St. Quinton, Millbank, Croft, Stevenson, Ma3^nard and Wetherell. (2) The averag^ size of the cattle in those days was larger than it is now, but they were not equal to the cattle of to-day in quality, symmetry and early maturing properties. VI. The following include the more noted of the early improvers of Shorthorns : — (i) The Colling Bros, of Ketton, who commenced their work of improvement about 1780, or somewhat earlier. (a) They selected their foundation stocks wherever they could get good animals. (b)^ They aimed at reducing the frame and improving the general symmetry and fleshing properties of their favorites. (c) They bred many famous bulls, and also the "Dur- ham Ox" and the "White Heifer that Traveled." (d) The purchases made at the dispersion sale of the Colling Bros., in 1810, did much to improve the Shorthorn herds in England. (2) Thomas Bates, a faithful disciple of the Colling Bros., who commenced breeding Shorthorns at Kirklevington late in the eighteenth century. (a) The Princess, Duchess and Oxford families, were among the most famous of the tribes which he founded. (b) Mr. Bates died in 1849, and his herd was dispersed in 1850. (3) Richard Booth, who founded the famous herd at Studley about 1790, a work well sustained at a later period by his sons. Thomas and John, at Warlaby and Killerby, respectively. . 26 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (a) The special aim of R. Booth was to lengthen the hind quarter, to fill up the fore flank, to secure greater depth of flesh and a strength of constitution that would stand forcing well. (b) The Booth bulls have been found great improvers of herds into which they have been introduced. (4) Amos Cruikshank of Sittyton, Aberdeenshire. Scot- land, who may be regarded as the originator of Scotch Shorthorns. (a) The many tribes of this famous herd were built upon a mixed Bates and Booth foundation. (b) It was founded in 1837 and dispersed in 1889. VII. The Bates, Booth and Cruikshank cattle contrasted. (i) The Bates Shorthorns were distinguished by their size, good milking qualities, cleanness of head, neck and limbs, and elegant style. (2) The Booth Shorthorns were equally large, possessed greater heart girth and length of hind quarter, and more depth and mellowness of flesh, but in instances not a few they were plain in the head, strong in the horn and deficient in style. (3) The Cruikshank cattle, or Scotch Shorthorns, were less in size than either the Bates or Booth cattle, but they were more compact and blocky in build, took on flesh more readily, and were superior when placed on the block. (4) Scotch Shorthorns have been great prize winners during recent years. o JZ o c/) a. LECTURE NO. 8. SHORTHORNS THEIR DISTRIBUTION IN OTHER COUNTRIES. I. First importations to America. (i) Between 1783 and 1795 Messrs. (joff and Miller of Virginia imported Shorthorn cattle of both sexes into Balti- more, Md. (2) Some of their descendants were taken to Kentucky, where they effected much improvement upon the native stocks of that State. (3) But little is known of the exact genealogy of these cattle, although it has been a fruitful subject of discussion. IT. Importations to other States. (i) The first direct importation of Shorthorns into New York State was made by Samuel M. Hopkins of Moscow in 1815. (2) The first direct importation was made into Kentucky in 1817, by Col. L. Sanders of Grass Hill. (3) The first direct importation was made into Massa- chusetts in 1817 by Steven Williams of Northboro. III. Other importations to the United States. (i) From 1817 onward, importations of Shorthorns from England have been made almost every year until the present time. (2) Notable among those in point of time were the importations made by the Ohio Company for Importing Eng- lish Cattle, of Chillicothe, O., in 1834 to 1836. (3) Kentucky, New York and Ohio early became noted centers of the breed. IV. Prominent Shorthorn breeders. (i) They are so many that their names even cannot be given here, much less can the grand, good work they did be noticed. (2) Lewis F. Allen of New York and William Warfield of Kentucky stand foremost among their advocates. 28 SHORTHORNS. 29 V. The New York Mills sale. (i) The most notable sale of Shorthorns ever held was that of Messrs. Campbell and Walcott of New York Mills, N. Y., in 1873. (2) The 108 animals sold of all ages aggregated $382,000. (3) One Duchess cow was sold for $40,600, the highest price ever bid for a cattle beast. VI. Importations into Canada. (i) The first importation of Shorthorns was made into Canada by the New Brunswick Board of Agriculture in 1825, or the year following. (2) The first importation was made into Ontario by Robert xA.rnold of St. Catharines in 1832. (3) The first direct importation of English Shorthorns from Britain into Ontario was made by Roland Wingfield of Guelph in 1833. (4) Since that time Canada has become famous as an importing center and also as a breeding center of Shorthorns. (5) Prominent among the Canadian breeders and im- porters stand out the names of Simon Beattie, Hon. M. H. Cochrane and James I. Davidson. VII. The Hillhurst herd. (i) This herd was established by the Hon. M. H. Coch- rane in 1865. (2) In 1877, thirty-two animals were exported from it to England and sold by public auction at Millbeckstock, Bowness, Windermere, at an average of about $2,500 each. (3) The tenth Duchess of Airdrie and fifteen of her progeny, bred at Hillhurst and sold at difterent times, aggre- gated more than $175,000. VIII. Dissemination in countries other than the United States and Canada. (i) Shorthorns have been exported to nearly every country colonized by Anglo-Saxons and also to many lands where other languages prevail. (2) Outside of the United States, Great Britain and Canada, they are most numerously found in Bueno.s Ayres, Australia and New Zealand. IX. The English herd book. .(i) The first volume of the English Shorthorn Herd Book was published in 1822, by George Coates of Carlton, Pontefract, Yorkshire, England. (2) Its proprietorship was transferred to Henry Stafford in 1846, after five volumes had been published. 30 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. X. The American herd books. (i) The first volume of the American Shorthorn Herd Book was published by Lewis F. Allen of Black Rock, Buffalo, N. Y., in 1846. (2) The first volume of the American Shorthorn Record was published by A. J. Alexander of Woodburn, Ky., in 1869. (3) The first volume of the Ohio Southern Shorthorn Record was published by the Shorthorn breeders of Ohio in 1878. (4) The American Shorthorn Association purchased the interest in all these American records in 1882, and since that date Shorthorn pedigrees have been published in the American Shorthorn Herd Book. XL Canadian herd books. (i) The first volume of the Canadian Shorthorn Herd Book was published in 1867. of the British- American Short- horn Herd Book in 1881, of the Dominion Shorthorn Herd Book in 1887. (2) The last named record has absorbed the records previously published. XII. Distribution in the United States and Canada. (i) Shorthorns are now found in almost every state of the Union and in every province of Canada. (2) Ontario stands first in the number of its recorded Shorthorns. (3) In the United States they are probably most numer- ous in Illinois and Iowa in the order named, but they are also quite numerous in nearly all the Central States, especially Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. XIII. Registration in the United States and Canada. (i) Forty-five volumes of the American Shorthorn Herd Book have been issued and fifteen volumes of the Dominion Shorthorn Herd Book. (2) In the American Shorthorn Herd Book, 367,950 animals have been recorded, of which 134,566 are males and 233.384 females. (3) In the Canadian Herd Books, 62,071 animals have been recorded, making a total in these two countries of 430,021. LECTURE NO. 9. SHORTHORNS THEIR LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Popularity. (i) Shorthorns have unquestionably been the most popular breed of cattle in the worl^i during the whole of the present century. (2) Of this we have abundant evidence in the fact that they are cosmopolitan to an extent far in advance of any other breed. (3) As enduring popularity is always the result of merit, we find in the favor shown to Shorthorns a proof of their great utility. II. Adaptability. (i) They possess much power of adaptation to the vary- ing conditions of life, as changes of soil and food products and climatic conditions, but they flourish best in temperate zones. (2) They are best adapted, however, to arable countries, level or gently undulating, rich in agricultural production, and where much meat and milk are desired on the same farm. (3) In point of hardihood they are at least medium. III. Relative size. (i) In size and weight they have something of a lead over all breeds as yet introduced into this country. (2) This is owing to their greater scale, combined with good all-round development. IV. Early maturing qualities. d) In early maturing properties they stand second to no breed, and are superior to many. (2) With suitable food and good care they may be made quite ripe for the block at the age of two and a half years. (3) Under average conditions they attain a maximum of growth at about four years. 31 32 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. V. Grazing qualities. (i) These are only average, since the heavy frames possessed by Shorthorns render them less active as foragers, hence (2) When being grazed, the pastures should furnish them with plentiful supplies. VL Feeding qualities. (i) These are of the first order. (2) They make a good use of the food given them, are contented under confinement, will feed well for a long period, stand forcing well and lay on flesh evenly and deeply. VII. Quality of meat. (i) Shorthorns furnish meat tender, juicy and nutri- tious, and (2) They kill well, as the proportion of bone and offal is relatively small, but (3) The fat and lean are not quite so well intermixed as with some breeds, the grain of the flesh is not so fine nor is the meat so highly flavored. VIII. Milking qualities. (i) In the last century and during much of the present, Shorthorns generally were possessed of good milking qualities. (2) Several families still retain these, more especially in England, where, as a breed, they still rank high for dairy uses, but (3) These qualities have been much impaired not only in Britain, but more especially in America, through the lines of breeding and management adopted. (4) However, during recent years much more attention is being given to the restoration of good milking qualities. (5) The milk is excellent for calf rearing, and may be used with advantage in making butter and cheese. IX. Value in crossing and grading. (i) No breed has been equally useful for purposes of crossing, either upon grade cattle or upon pure breds of other breeds. (2) They have wrought a wonderful improvement upon the common cattle of Ireland, North and South America, Australia. New Zealand and some other countries. (3) Nearlv all the cattle exported to Britain from these countries are Shorthorn grades. SHORTHORNS. 33 (4) They impart to other breeds, and especially to grades, size, form, quality, rapid growth, early maturity, marked fattening properties, and in many instances good milk produc- tion, hence (5) When properly bred they are particularly adapted to the production of grades of the dual-purpose type. X. Weak points. (i) In some instances they are possessed of an impaired constitution, resulting from in-and-in breeding and the highly artificial treatment to which they have been subjected, and (2) In other instances they inherit a tendency to sterility, more especially where they have been forced in their feeding. 3 LECTURE NO. lo. SHORTHORNS THEIR PRINCIPAL POINTS. In the absence of an authorized scale of points, the following is submitted : — I. Si::;c — The size should be relatively large, but medium for the breed. (i) The fore and hind quarters should be equally well developed. (2) Compactness of form is more important in the male, but it is essential in the female as well. II. Head — Small in proportion to the size of the animal, clean cut, handsome and well set on, longer and narrower in the female, but stronger in the male. (i) Forehead, broad between the eyes. (2) Face, slightly dished in the female, and tapering gracefully below the eyes to the nostril. (3) Nose, medium in size and straight. (4) Muzzle, medium to broad, full and moist and flesh colored. (5) Nostrils, large and fairly expansive. (6) Cheeks, not heavily fleshed, the lower jaw in the female thin. (7) Eyes, large, full, bright, intelligent, calm. (8) Ears, medium in size and thickness, well covered with soft hair, somewhat erect and possessed of an average amount of play. (9) Poll, fairly broad and level. (10) Horns, short but longer and finer in the female, flat rather than round at the base, spreading and curving grace- fully forward, with a slightly downward or upward tendency, and of a creamy white or yellowish color. III. Neck — Medium in length, strong and arched in the male, but finer in the female, and grad- 34 SHORTHORNS. 35 iially widening and deepening and slightly rounding as it approaches the shoulder. (i) It should spring straight from the back, should set well into the shoulder and brisket and should carry the head gracefully. (2) The throat should be clean cut and without dewlap. IV. Body — Long, broad, deep, only mod- erately Ic^ng in the coupling and rectangular, almost a parallelogram, and evenly covered with firm flesh. (i) Back, straight, wide and level from withers to tail- head, broad and well filled in the loin, and well fleshed throughout. (2) Withers, broad. (3) Shoulders, well developed and lying well within the body, blending nicely with the neck in front and crops behind and well covered. (4) Forearm, strong and broad where it joins the body and tapering gracefully to the knee. (5) Breast, full, wide and deep, and the chest capacious. (6) Brisket, broad and well rounded. (7) Crops, full. (8) Ribs, springing well and level from the backbone, coming well down, and so filling the space behind the shoul- der and in front of the hooks, that the animal will appear straight and level from the shoulder to the buttock. (9) Heart girth and flank girth, good, and about equal. (10) Hind quarters, long and full from the hooks to the pin bones, deep throughout and broad in every part. (11) Hips, broad and on a level with the back and loin. (12) Hind flank, full, deep and thick. (13) Thigh, broad, full and well fleshed within and without. (14) Rumps, broad but not prominent. (15) Buttock, broad and square. (16) Twist, deep and full, and placed low. (17) Tail, rather fine, somewhat broad at the top, but level, set perpendicularly on a level with the back and not too much covered with hair. V. Udder — Broad and full, extending well forward along the belly and well up behind and evenly quartered. (i) Teats of good size and squarely placed, well apart, and having a slight oblique pointing outward. (2) Milk veins, large, tortuous and swelling, and with fairly large orifices leading into the body. 36 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. VL Legs — Short, and well placed under the animal, fine and clean below the knee, and fine, clean and flat below the hock. (i) Hocks, somewhat straight and short, and turning neither outward nor inward. (2) Foot, flat, and in shape an oblong semicircle. VII. Skin — Of medium thickness, finer in the female, mellow and elastic to the touch, of a cream or orange color, and well covered with an abundance of fine, soft hair. VIII. Color — The standard colors are red, white and roan. (i) Red is most in favor, white is now considered objec- tionable, and red and white spots alternating are not in favor. (2) All shades of roan are admissible, but red roan is preferred. (3) The skin around the eye and bald of the nose should be a rich cream color. IX. General Appearance — Shorthorns should have large, rectangular and yet compact develop- ment of body, smoothness of outline, symmetry of form and gracefulness of carriage. LECTURE NO. ii. HEREFORD CATTLE THEIR ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. But little is known regarding the origin and history of Hereford cattle prior to the last half of the eighteenth century. (i) John Speed in a book published in 1627, speaks well of the cattle of Herefordshire. (2) The next reference is made by Marshall in 1788. (3) His description of a Hereford ox would answer well for one of the present day. II. A careful analysis of the somewhat con- flicting statements of the principal writers on Here- fords pretty certainly establishes the following : — (i) That Hereford cattle are descended from one or more of the aboriginal breeds of Great Britain, and that in this respect they share a common ancestry with the Devon and Sussex breeds. (2) That the original color as in the case of the Devon and Sussex was probably a whole red. (3) That at an early period the white cattle of Wales were crossed upon the native stocks, thus enlarging their frames and imparting a tendency to white markings. (4) That the white markings thus originated were further enstamped by a cross of white-faced Flemish cattle imported by Lord Scudamore from Flanders prior to 1671, and by using certain other white-faced bulls obtained in various parts of England. (5) That the white face, though generally recognized as indicating purity of breeding for some time prior to the close of the last century, was not universal, as some of the animals had mottled faces and some were possessed of but little white of any kind. (6) That the greater size of the Herefords as compared with the Devon and Sussex breeds is owing to the abundance of the food products in Herefordshire, and to the effect of crossing them by animals of large size. 37 QQ ■o 3 Urn 'a. ill HEREFORD CATTLE. 39 (7) That the Hereford cattle were noted for their good grazing and beef making properties in the eighteenth cen- tury, and (8) That the oxen were extensively used for purposes of labor prior to the nineteenth century. III. The most noted of the early improvers of Hereford cattle were Benjamin Tompkins, father and son, but the latter was the more noted of the two. (i) The elder Benjamin Tompkins, born at New House, Kings Pyon, in 1714, died in 1789. (2) The younger Benjamin Tompkins was born at the Court House, Canon Pyon, in 1745, and died at Wellington Court in 1815. (3) Many of the best herds afterward built up in England rested upon foundation stocks purchased from the younger Tompkins. (4) Like Bakewell, he improved his cattle through the most careful selection in mating and through in-and-in breeding. (5) At the dispersion sale of his stock in 1819, the breed- ing animals sold for an average of more than $700 each. IV. Prominent among the early improvers of Herefords are the names of Galliers, Tully, Skyrme and Haywood, and somewhat later the names of John Price and John Hewer. (i) At the four sales held by John Price it is said that he realized not less than $100,000 for Herefords. (2) Some of the animals bred by John Hewer were of extraordinary size. V. Progress of Herefords early in the century. (i) Prior to 1835 herds had been established in fifteen English and Welsh counties. (2) During the first half of the century Herefords won more prizes at the Smithfield London Show than the animals of any other breed. VI. Some influences which hindered the dis- semination of Herefords. (i) Their milking powers were not equal to those of some other breeds, notably the Shorthorn. 40 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (2) The unfortunate controversy carried on toward the middle of the century between the breeders of the mottle- faced and white-faced varieties respectively. (3) They were not advertised in the same way or to the same extent as the Shorthorns, and (4) The want of organized effort on the part of the breeders until a comparatively recent period greatly hindered the dissemination of the breed. VII. Distribution of Herefords. (i) They have been reared to some extent in Scotland, Ireland, Jamaica, Canada and Australia, and (2) They have became numerous and popular in many of the prairie sections of both North and South America. VIII. Importations to the United States and Canada. (i) The first accredited importation was made into the United States by the Kentucky statesman, Henry Clay, in 1817. (2) Several sundry importations were made to various states between 1817 and 1839, but during that interval Here- fords do not seem to have made much progress. (3) Between 1839 and 1843, William H. Sotham, who has probably done more than any one person to advance the Here- ford interest in the United States, made three successive importations into the state of New York. (4) In i860 and subsequently, F. W. Stone of Guelph, Ont., imported and bred many excellent animals, and from these many of the herds of the United States have either been built up or greatly enriched. (5) Thomas Aston of Elyria, O., was the third of the leading importers prior to 1880, since when the distribution of Herefords has been phenomenal. (6) Among the leading importers and breeders of the last two decades the names of C. Culbertson, Newman, 111., T. L. Miller, Beecher, 111., and Thomas F. B. Sotham, Chilli- cothe, Mo., stand out pre-eminent. IX. Associations formed. (i) The American Hereford Cattle Breeders' Association was organized in 1881. (2) The Hereford Cattle Breeders' Association of Eng- land was formed in 1884. X. Distribution in the United States and Canada. (i) Nearly every state in the Union and nearly every province of Canada has its quota of Herefords, but o <0 ■q. TOO 42 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (2) They are most numerous in the Central Mississippi basin, and in the range states west of the Mississippi and south of the Missouri. (3) The most important breeding centers are Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana. XI. Registration in the United States. (i) The first volume of the American Hereford Record was published in 1880 and of the English Hereford Herd Book in 1884. - (2) Twenty volumes of the American Record have been issued and 95,000 animals have been recorded therein, of which about one-half are males. LECTURE NO. 12. HEREFORD CATTLE THEIR LEADING CHARACTER- ISTICS. I. Popularity. (i) In the last century and during the early part of the present one, Herefords were equally popular with Short- horns, but (2) Since that time Shorthorns have been more in favor with the average farmer, unless in rich pastoral districts. II. Adaptability. (i) Herefords, like Shorthorns, readily adapt themselves to the changed conditions of soil and climate, and their marked docility is eminently favorable to such adaptation. (2) They are well adapted to arable countries, level or gently undulating, and capable of rich production in grain and pastures. (3) They have proved themselves eminently fitted for range conditions, such as prevail in the western and south- western states. (4) Although they have proved hardy in northern lati- tudes, they would seem better adapted relatively than the Shorthorns to warm temperatures. III. Relative size. (i) In average size and weight, as a breed, they are almost equal to the Shorthorns, while (2) In many instances individual animals outweigh Shorthorns. IV. Early maturing qualities. (i) In early maturing qualities they are fully equal to the Shorthorns. (2) Like the latter, with good feeding, they may be made quite ripe for the block at two and one-half years. V. Grazing qualities. (i) Their grazing properties are decidedly superior, since they take on flesh rapidly on good pastures, and (2) Their grades have shown much capacity for well doing on the dry and not overabundant pastures of the open range. 43 44 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. VI. Feeding qualities. (i) In feeding qualities they stand much on the same plane as Shorthorns. (2) They make a good use of the food given them, and lay on flesh most heavily on the parts of the frame from which the best meat is cut, as the back and loin, but (3) Under heavy forcing they are somewhat inclined to patchiness. VII. Quality of meat. (i) The quality of the meat is very good, and finds much favor with butchers and consumers. (2) It is juicy and tender, the fat and lean are nicely blended, and the proportion of the lean to the fat is large, and (3) The proportion of the dressed meat to the live weight is relatively large. VIII. Milking qualities. (i) The milking properties of Herefords were at one time fairly good, but they have been much impaired through the system of breeding and management adopted. (2) The quality of the milk is good, but it is oftentimes deficient in quantity. IX. Value in crossing and grading. (i) Herefords cross well with some breeds, as Short- horns and Galloways, but not so well with others, as Devons and West Highland cattle. (2) In crossing with Shorthorns the best results have been obtained when the male was Hereford. (3) Herefords answer well for crossing upon grades and common stocks when meat-making is the object sought. (4) Hereford grades are probably more numerous on southwestern ranges than those of any other breed. X. Breeding qualities. (i) The breeding qualities of Herefords are good. (2) When submitted to high pressure feeding, they still usually breed with regularity and oftentimes they breed to an advanced age. (3) They are said to be less subject to abortion and to milk fever than some other breeds. XL Weak points. (i) The chief of these as to properties is scant milk production. HEREFORD CATTLE. 45 (2) As to form, unnecessary dewlap sometimes, and fre- quently lightness of thigh. XIL Compared with Shorthorns. (i) They are probably something ahead in grazing and breeding qualities and in quality of meat. (2) In size, adaptability, maturing and feeding qualities and utility in crossing, they are not greatly different. (3) In all-round popularity and in milking properties they are scarcely equal to Shorthorns. LECTURE NO. 13. HEREFORD CATTLE THEIR PRINCIPAL POINTS. In the absence of an authorized scale of points the following is submitted : — I. Sij:e — Relatively large, but medium for the breed. (i) The fore and hind quarters should be equally well developed, but (2) In many instances the hind quarter is relatively light. (3) Compactness of form is desired in both sexes, but is more sought for in the male. II. Head — The head should be small in pro- portion to the substance of the body, clean cut and well set on, not coming out too low from the neck. In the bull it should be masculine, but finer in the female and not too long in either sex. (i) Forehead, broad between and above the eyes. (2) Face, slightly dished in the female and gently tapering below the eyes. (3) Nose, medium in size and straight, not too fine. (4) Muzzle, broad, dewy and cream colored. (5) Nostrils, large and open. (6) Cheeks, not heavily fleshed nor coarse. (7) Eyes, large, full, calm, mild, and surrounded by a cream-colored circle. (8) Ears, medium in size and thickness, well fringed, fairly erect and active. (9) Poll, broad and level. (10) Horns, springing out straightly from the poll, more than medium in length, flat at the base and of a yellow or white waxy appearance. (a) In the male the curve is in the form of a semi-circle. (b) In the female it is in the form of a graceful wave, with a slightly spreading upward tendency. III. Neck — Medium in length, strong and arched in the male, but finer in the female and grad- 46 HEREFORD CATTLE. 47 ually widening and deepening and slightly rounding as it approaches the shoulder. (i) It should spring straight from the back, should set well into the shoulder and brisket, and should carry the head gracefully. (2) The throat should be clean cut and without dewlap, but frequently there is more or less of dewlap. IV. Body — Long, broad, deep, not too long in the barrel, rectangular, almost a parallelogram and evenly covered with firm flesh. (i) Back, straight, wide and level from withers to tail- head, broad and well filled in the loin, and well fleshed throughout. (2) Withers, broad. (3) Shoulders fully developed and lying well within the body, blending nicely with the neck in front and crops behind, and well covered. (4) Forearm, strong and broad where it joins the body and tapering gracefully to the knee. (5) Breast, full, wide and deep. (6) Brisket, broad and plump, and often lower than in the Shorthorn. (7) Crops, full. (8) Ribs, springing well and level from the backbone, increasingly so toward the back rib, coming well down, and extending well forward and backward, as in the Shorthorn. (9) Heart girth and flank girth, good and about even. (10) Hind quarters, long and broad and deep, as in the Shorthorn. (11) Hips, broad and full and on a level with the back and loin. (12) Hind flank, full, thick and deep. (13) Thigh, broad, full and well fleshed within and with- out, but in many instances it is light. (14) Rump, broad, but not prominent, and on a line with the back. (15) Buttock, broad and square. (16) Twist, deep and full and placed low. (17) Tail, rather fine, somewhat broad at the top, set on a level with the back and falling in a plumb line to the hocks. V. Udder — Broad, full and long and evenly quartered, but oftentimes it is not possessed of much capacity. (i) Teats of good size and well placed, as with the Shorthorn. 48 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (2) Milk veins, same as in the Shorthorn, but frequently they are lacking in large development. VL Legs — Short and well placed under the body, fine and clean below the knee, and fine, clean and flat below the hock. (i) Hocks fairly straight and short, and turning neither outward nor inward. (2) Feet, flat and in shape like a semi-circle. VII. Skin — Of medium thickness, but some- what thicker than in the Shorthorn, mellow and elastic to the touch, and well covered with an abun- dance of fine, soft hair, in many instances more or less ciuded. VIIL Color — In color, the face, throat, chest, legs, lower part of the body, crest and tip of tail are a beautiful white, and all other parts are red. (i) The red should be neither very dark nor light. (2) A small red spot above the eye and a round red spot on the throat have many admirers. IX. General Appearance — Herefords are characterized by large, rectangular and yet compact development of body, smoothness of outline, mild- ness of mien, and easy carriage. X. Compared zvith Shorthorns — They have longer and more spreading horns, more dewlap, lower briskets, rather thicker hides, lighter thighs, more curly coats, and the differences in color mentioned. LECTURE NO. 14. ABERDEEN-ANGUS CATTLE THEIR ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. Fossiliferous remains that have been dis- covered in Britain render it highly probable that the aboriginal cattle from which existing races have been derived were all horned originally, yet (i) Several varieties of hornless cattle have existed in Britain from time immemorial, some of which have disap- peared, hence (2) The only existing polled breeds at present are the Polled Aberdeen, the Galloway and the Red Polls. II. The precise causes that have led to the loss of horns have never been exactly understood. (i) It may have arisen from sudden organic changes, spontaneous, accidental or proper, and was then perpetuated by selection in breeding, as, (2) It is more than probable that these variations occurred within the period of domestication. III. Of the four principal breeds of Scotch cattle, the Ayrshires only have an admixture of for- eign blood. (i) The other three, viz., the Aberdeen-Angus, frequently called Polled Aberdeen and Angus, the Galloway and the West Highland are all supposed to be descended from the aboriginal wild horned cattle of Caledonia. (2) The minor differences which they present are doubt- less due to climatic and other influences. IV. It is highly probable that the Aberdeen- Angus cattle are indigenous to the northeastern counties of Scotland, with Forfar and Aberdeen as their chief centers, as (i) There is much evidence to show that late in the last century and early in the present, polled cattle were numerous in these counties, and 4 49 ABERDEEN-ANGUS CATTLE. 5 1 (2) In the ancient horned domestic races of Scotland, there seems to have been a decided tendency to variation in the loss of horns. V. The Aberdeen-Angus of to-day is no doubt the result of the amalgamation of two sorts of polled cattle inhabiting the districts of Scot- land, where, even now, the breed abounds most numerously. (i) The former of these were puny and thin in flesh, pre-eminently the crofters' cow. (2) The latter were a larger variety, with better all-round development, but could not stand roughing it so well as the former. VI. Hugh Watson of Keillor, Meigle, For- farshire, was the most noted of the early improvers of Aberdeen Polls. (i) Both his father and grandfather owned good herds of the same kind of cattle, the latter as early as 1735. (2) He established the Keillor herd in 1808, and prose- cuted the work of breeding with much vigor and success until 1865, when it was dispersed. (3) He bred from those animals only which came nearest to his ideal, and did not seem to care whether they were closely related or not. (4) He was singularly successful in raising calves, fre- quently suckling five on one cow. (5) Nearly 500 prizes were awarded him in leading show- rings of England, Scotland and France. VII. After Hugh Watson, the most noted improver of Aberdeen Polls- w^as William Mc- Combie of Tilly four, who was born in 1805 and died in 1880. (i) His herd was founded in 1830 and dispersed in 1880. (2) His success in the showyard has few parallels in the history of farm stock. (3) In 1878 he won highest honors in Paris, France, competing against all breeds. VIII. Early in the century Lord Panmure tried to improve the Aberdeen Polls by means of a Galloway cross, but the effort resulted in failure. 52 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. IX. Toward the middle of the century Short- horn bulls were extensively crossed on Aberdeen- Angus cows, the result being a very superior animal for the block. (i) To so great an extent did this practice prevail at one time that fears were entertained for the preservation of the purity of the breed. (2) The after crosses, however, did not prove so satisfac- tory, and the practice was abandoned. X. Extension to other countries. (i) Aberdeen-Angus cattle reached Ireland prior to 1843, and England somewhat later, and several good herds have been established in both these countries. (2) They first reached the United States in 1873, where already there are probably more herds of this breed than in Scotland. (3) They were first introduced into Canada in 1876, and several herds have been established in various parts of that country. (4) They are also kept in considerable numbers in Canada, South America, New Zealand and several countries in Europe. XL Organizations established. (i) The Polled Cattle Society was established in 1879, largely through the efforts of Sir George McPherson Grant. (2) The American Aberdeen-Angus Breeders' Associa- tion was organized in 1883. XII. The first volume of the 'Tolled Herd Book" was published in 1862. (i) In the first four volumes Galloway cattle are regis- tered along with the Aberdeen Polls. (2) The first volume of the American Aberdeen-Angus Herd Book was published in 1886. XIII. Distribution in the United States and Canada. (i) Aberdeen- Angus cattle are now being reared in twenty-seven states and provinces. (2) They are bred and owned by 728 persons. (3) The more important centers for the breed are Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio and Indiana, and in the order named. o U 3 'on c < c i ■Wv "o ."%-. n. ._ ';i.; ■ WM ■ -■--.- t-'-: <9 ,.'':-''*"■-, fj Sj^^j;;.-' 'a. ^^^,-V'' >» ^' H W^-: - CM ..■<-1»,,'.. -■•' ci3v,x .':'■■ W) ;-;'j-.A,- iC % POLLED DURHAM CATTLE. I4g PRINCIPAL POINTS. I. No standard scale of points has as yet been drawn up for this breed, but (i) These are essentially the same as in the Shorthorn, (2) They are given in detail in the scale submitted for Shorthorns in Lecture No. 10. II. They differ in the following essentials : (i) The Polled Durhams are hornless, and (2) They do not carry the beef form to quite the same extent as Shorthorns, since more attention has been given to the development of their milking qualities. o CO c o CO <9 '5. o LECTURE NO. 38. BROWN SWISS CATTLE THEIR ORIGIN AND HISTORY, CHARACTERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. Switzerland has two distinct breeds of cat- tle, and several minor breeds, which are chiefly the offshoots of these two parent stems. (i) One of these, the Berner spotted, a large and heavy breed, is found most numerously in the canton of Berne. (2) The other, the Brown Schwytzer, originated in the canton of Schwytz, and it is now kept numerously in many of the cantons of Switzerland. (3) Both breeds have been refined by many centuries of careful treatment and intelligent breeding. II. The uniformity which characterizes the Brown Swiss cattle has been brought about by a long period of careful breeding. (i) The government gives encouragement to careful breeding, and the cattle receive the best of care. (2) Every animal of the breed exhibited at Pans, m 1878, was awarded a prize, but (3) It can scarcely be said that marked uniformity in type characterizes the breed in the United States. III. Distribution throughout Europe. (i) The demand for Browm Swiss cattle in various Euro- pean countries has been greater than the supply. (2) They stand high in favor in nearly all countries of Europe to which they have been exported, but the greatest demand for them has come from Italy, Germany and Russia. IV. Exportation to the United States. (i) The first importation of Brown Swiss cattle was made into the United States in 1869 by Henry M. Clark of Belmont, Mass. 152 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (2) Since that date many importations have been made, and more especially since 1882. V. Organizations. (i) The interests of the breed are protected by organiza- tion, both in Switzerland and the United States. (2) The American Swiss Cattle Breeders' Association was formed in 1880. VI. Distribution in the United States. (i) Some animals of the breed are found in almost every state in the Union and there are a considerable number also in Mexico. (2) In the east they are probably most numerous in Con- necticut ; in the middle states, Illinois ; and in the west, Colorado. VII. Registrations in the United States. (i) Three volumes of the American Brown Swiss Record have been issued, the first of which appeared in 1882. (2) There have been registered 2914 animals, of which 1207 are males and 1707 females. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Popularity. (i) Brown Swiss cattle are probably the most popular cattle in Europe among continental breeds. (2) They are also steadily coming into favor since their introduction into the United States and Canada. (3) This result is unquestionably based on merit, since no effort has been made to boom them. II. AdaptabiHty. (i) Brown Swiss cattle are best adapted to the arable farm where beef and milk are both sought for. (2) Their strong, vigorous frames enable them to gather food with profit where some breeds not so heavy would prove less profitable. III. Relative size. (i) In size they are medium to large. (a) The weight of the standard cow in Switzerland has been put at 1200 to 1300 pounds, but (b) As the size is much affected by altitude, on the higher elevations the average weights would be considerably less. BROWN SWISS CATTLE. 1 53 IV. Milking qualities. (i) Notwithstanding the strongly built frames of Brown Swiss cattle and the size of their hams, their milk-giving qualities average well. (2) The milk is good for butter production, for con- densing and for cheese-making, and it is excellent for calf- rearing. (3) Their docility and gentleness, largely the outcome of kind treatment, still further commend them for the dairy. V. Early maturing qualities. (i) These are but medium. (2) The breeders have avoided rather than sought undue precocity. VI. Grazing qualities. (i) These are of a high order, as they have been much grazed in their original home, but (2) The larger types require richer and more level pas- tures than the smaller. VII. Feeding qualities. (i) The cows fatten readily when dry, and the steers grow to a good size at an early age when properly fed. (2) The calves especially make a rapid growth, but (3) The strength of the bone detracts somewhat from their feeding value. VIII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) Brown Swiss cattle are particularly valuable for crossing upon common animals more or less debilitated by .injudicious breeding and over-artificial treatment, with a view to infusing renovating power. (2) The cross-bred steers grow with great vigor and at- tain heavy weights at an early age, but they are not quite so smooth as the progeny of some of the distinctive beef breeds. IX. Breeding qualities. (i) These are excellent. (2) They are the outcome of inheritance, of sensible man- agement and of well balanced milking qualities. (3) They do not breed quite so young as some breeds, but they continue to produce to a ripe old age. X. Weak points. 154 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (i) They would seem to have more of bone than is neces- sary, and they are somewhat rough at the shoulder points and sacrum. (2) They are also less uniform in type than could be desired. XL Compared with Shorthorns. (i) Shorthorns are much better known in the United States, are larger and smoother in frame, mature a little earlier and produce a more valuable carcass of beef. (2) The Brown Swiss are more uniformly good milkers, are ahead in average ruggedness and have something of a lead over the Shorthorns in grazing and breeding qualities. STANDARD POINTS. I. The following scale of points was drawn up by the Brown Swiss Cattle Association in America : (I (2 (3 (4 (5 (6 (7 (8 (9 (10 (II (12 (13 (14 (15 (16 (17 (18 POINTS . 2 Head — Medium size and rather long . Face- — Dished, broad between the eyes and nar- row between the horns ..... Ears — Of a deep orange color within . Nose — Black, square, and with the mouth sur- rounded by a light, meal colored band, tongue black Eyes — Full and placid ..... Horns — Rather short, flattish and regularly set with black tips Neck — Straight, rather long and not too heavy at shoulders Chest — Broad and deep Back — Level to the setting on of tail and broad across the loin ...... Barrel-hooped — Broad and deep at flank . Hips — Wide apart, rump long and broad . Thighs — Wide, with heavy quarters Legs — Short and straight with good hoofs . Tail — Slender, pliable, not too long, with good switch ......... Hide — Thin and movable .... Color — Shades from dark brown to light brown and at some seasons of the year gray ; slight splashes of white near udder not objectionable; light stripe along back ..... 6 Hair Between Horns — Light, not reddish. (No points.) Fore Udder — Full in form and carried far for- ward on the abdomen 10 BROWN SWISS CATTLE. 1 55 (19) Hind Udder — Not too deeply hung, full in form and well up behind 10 (20) Teats — Rather large, set well apart and hanging straight down 5 (21) Milk Veins — Prominent 4 (22) Escutcheon — High and broad and full in thighs . 7 {22,) Disposition — Quiet and good-natured . . 4 Perfection 100 (24) In judging bulls and heifers omit Nos. 18, 19 and 20, and for color they should be dark brown, II. Additional particulars submitted though not given in the above scale of points : (i) Poll, in many instances broad and always fringed with long and abundant hair. (2) Horns, fair amount of outward and upward curve. (3) Dewlap, usually present more or less. (4) Breast, of medium fullness. (5) Brisket, wide but inclining to the V shape. (6) Withers, possessed of medium width. (7) Back, usually prominent at the sacrum and tailhead and slanting away somewhat from sacrum downward toward outside of hips. (8) Tailhead, often strong. (9) Hide, thicker than in some breeds. III. General Appearance — They are some- what plainer in form, but evidence contentment, strength and capacity and there is an attractiveness about the uniformity of their markings. IV. Compared with Shorthorns. (i) Brown Swiss cattle are not quite so large nor mas- sive, but they are stronger in bone and limb. (2) They are somewhat longer in the head, larger and -stronger in the horn, more fringed at the poll, less rounded in the breast and more V-shaped in the brisket. (3) They are more prominent at the shoulder points, sacrum and tailhead and have a thicker and richer colored hide. (4) There are also the differences in color markings. LECTURE NO. 39. RED POLLED CATTLE THEIR ORIGIN AND HISTORY, CHARACTERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. The Red Polled cattle are the outcome of the amalgamation of two types which inhabited the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk respectively. (i) The former of these, which was the smaller, was usually of a blood-red color, except the head, which was mot- tled, and it was possessed of fair milking and beef-making properties. (2) The latter had more of the dairy form, and was origi- nally a sort of mouse dun in color, but (3) The colors in both were more or less broken far on into the present century, although a whole red continually grew into favor. (4) Both types were polled and both have been freely inter-crossed for more than a century. (5) They have been recognized as one breed since the year 1846. II. Other breeds, as the Galloways, West Highland cattle and Shorthorns, have to some extent been used in crossing upon the Red Polls. (i) A dark nose, which occasionally appears, would seem to indicate Galloway blood, but (2) These crosses, introduced many years ago, have prob- ably played an unimportant part in the improvement of the breed. III. Improvement has been chiefly brought about by a most rigorous selection, breeding to a certain standard, improved care and liberal feeding. 156 158 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (i) It began early in the century, but was not rapid until the recognition of the Norfolk and Suffolk types as one and the same breed, in 1846, and (2) It has been more general than local in character. IV. In Britain the breeding of Red Polls is still largely confined to the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. (i) This is partly owing to the decimation of the breed by rinderpest several years ago. (2) And partly to the comparatively recent period during which they have been prominently before the general public. V. Extension to other countries. (i) Polled cattle from Suffolk were introduced into Vir- ginia, and probably some other states, fully two centuries ago, but (2) The first regular importation of Red Polls into the United States in their improved form was made by Gilbert F. Tabor of Patterson, N. Y., in 1873. (3) They have also been exported in considerable num- bers to Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. VI. Organizations. (i) Associations have been formed both in England and America to promote the interests of the breed. (2) The Red Polled Cattle Club of America was formed in 1883. VIL Herd books. (i) Sixteen volumes of the English Red Polled Herd Book have been published, the first of which appeared in 1874. (2) Vol. I of the American Red Polled Herd Book, which appeared in 1887, is a condensation of the first six volumes of the English book and subsequent volumes are the same in their registrations. (3) These books contain all the recorded Red Polls in the world, and (4) In registering, a tribal letter is given to the cattle of each herd or neighborhood, for convenience in tracing tribal history. VIII. Distribution of Red Polls in the United States. (i) They are now registered from nearly all the states of the Union, and RED POLLED CATTLE. I 59 (2) They are most numerously kept in the states of Illi- nois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Kansas and Texas, and prob- ably in the order named, IX. Registration in the United States. (i) This is not easily ascertained because of the dual nature of the registrations. (2) There have been registered in England and America 21,172 animals, of which 6753 are bulls and 14,419 cows. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. L* Popularity. (i) If numbers in proportion to recent introduction are taken as the gauge of popularity, Red Polls are probably the most popular at present of the purely dual-purpose breeds in the United States, and (2) That popularity would seem to be increasing in an accelerated ratio. II. Adaptability. (i) The medium-sized bodies and the inherited influences arising from environment adapt the Red Polls in an eminent degree to average arable conditions, and (2) The same inheritance best adapts them to equable climates, although they will doubtless thrive in more severe climates as well as many other breeds. III. Relative size. (i) In size Red Polls stand about midway between the Shorthorns and the Devons. (2) The average weight of mature cows would be about 1200 to 1250 pounds. IV. Milking qualities. (i) The Red Polls are more uniform and persistent in their milking qualities than many other breeds. (2) The milk, like the breed itself, has a happy equilib- rium in its qualities, but (3) The teats are in some instances over-large. V. Early maturing qualities. (i) In early maturity they rank a little better than medium. (2) As a breed they have not been forced, when young, to the injury of their breeding qualities. l6o THE STUDY OF BREEDS. VI. Grazing qualities. (i) These, too, are of the middle zone order. (2) They are most at home where food is plentiful, but can probably gather the same better than their heavier rivals. VII. Feeding qualities. (i) In no breed perhaps is the tendency so strong to pro- duce abundantly when in milk and at the same time to fatten rapidly when dry. (2) The steers, though of good fair size, fatten smoothly and cheaply, kill well and make an excellent quality of beef. VIII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) Red Polls are highly adapted for being crossed upon common stocks to improve them, both in form and utility. (2) The progeny have a close resemblance to the Red Polls in form, appearance and qualities. IX. Breeding qualities. (i) These are at least medium. (2) As with all other breeds they are much affected in this respect by artificial conditions. X. Weak points. (i) More uniformity would be desirable in breeding them, and (2) A little more of heart girth and uniformity in size and setting of teats. XI. Compared with Shorthorns. (i) Red Polls are not nearly so well known or distributed as Shorthorns, and they are considerably less in size. (2) They are more even in milk production and are better adapted to produce steers of the "pony" order. (3) In other respects their characteristics are not far dif- ferent. STANDARD POINTS. I. The following is the only authorized scale of points for Red Polled cattle sanctioned by the American Red Polled Cattle Club: (i) Essentials. (a) Color, red ; the tip of the tail and the udder may be white ; the extension on the udder a few inches along the inside of the flank, or a small white spot or mark on the under part RED POLLED CATTLE. l6l of the belly by the milk veins shall not be held to disqualify the animal whose sire and dam form part of an established herd of the breed, or answer all other essentials of this stand- ard description. (b) Form ; there should be no horns, slugs or abortive horns. (2) Points of a Superior Animal. (a) Color, a deep red, with udder of the same color, but the tip of the tail may be white. (b) Nose, not dark or cloudy. 11. The following notes are appended to the above very incomplete description of so excellent a breed : (i) Sise — Medium, inclining to large. (2) General Outline — Parallelogrammic form, (3) Head — Neat, clean, inclined to fine, polled and promi- nent at the poll. (a) Nose, somewhat fine and a little long. (b) Muzzle, flesh-colored. (c) Nostrils, open. (d) Eyes, full, clear and well apart, with a little dish be- tween them. (e) Ears, a little long and thin and pointed upward and outward. (4) Neck — A little long and inclining to fine. (a) Neat at junction with the head, guarding against dewlap. (b) Widening development at neck vein, but not massive. (5) Back — Wide, particularly at the loin, and straight. (a) Withers, medium to wide. (b) Too much prominence at hook points to be guarded against. (6) Forequarters — Nearly evenly developed with the hind- quarters, but not massive. (a) Shoulders, fairly large, smooth, sloping gradually up- ward and forward. (b) Chest, wide, especially through the lower half. (c) Breast, wide, deep and fairly full. (d) Brisket, between V-shaped and rounded, and wide, (e) Forearm, of medium development. (7) Body — Large, somewhat long, especially in the females, and capacious. (a) Ribs, at least moderately outward and rounded in spring and coming well down. (b) Slackness at crops and fore flank to be guarded against. (c) Hind flank, coming well out and well downward, but only moderately thick. II 1 62 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (d) Deficient heart girth is to be guarded against. (e) Underline, nearly straight. (8) Hindquarters — Long, deep and wide. (a) Straight rather than full. (b) Thighs of medium development. (c) Buttock, straight, square, rather than rounded. (d) Pin bones, wide, but not prominent. (e) Twist, medium. (f) Escutcheon, wide and pronounced. (g) Tail, long and fine rather than coarse. (9) t/rfrfrr— Capacious, not high nor pendulous and nicely quartered. (a) Not fleshy, but glandular. (b) Unduly large teats to be guarded against. (10) Milk Veins — Large, coming well forward, branched and milk wells well defined. (11) Skin — Medium in fineness, pliant, flexible and unc- tuous and covered with soft hair. (12) Legs — Medium in length, fine rather than coarse, clean and placed wide apart. III. General Outline — Red Polls are a neat, trim and active breed of cattle, with clean cut outline and much uniformity of color. IV. Compared with Shorthorns. (i) Red Polls are considerably smaller, somewhat less angular, and less broad throughout. (2) They are somewhat finer in head, neck and limb. (3) They have more marked development of milk veins, and (4) The differences in horn development and in color. LECTURE NO. 40. DEVON CATTLE THEIR ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. The Devons are one of the most ancient and pure of the distinct breeds of cattle found in Great Britain. (i) They belong to the middle horned class, and are sup- posed to be descended from the same aboriginal breed as the Herefords and the Sussex. (2) The most ancient records tend to show that they have been bred without admixture from time immemorial, in parts of Devonshire and Somerset. II. They now occupy, with Httle exception, the whole of the district from Dartmoor forest to the Bristol channel, and from West Somerset to Cornwall. (i) Good herds of the breed were established early in the century in the shires of Leicester, Gloucester and Shropshire, and in some other parts of England. (2) Individual herds have also been established at various other points in England and in Ireland, but not to the extent of becoming the prevailing breed, and (3) Where they were supplanted for a time in the south of England by other breeds, as Shorthorns and Herefords, they are again regaining the ground lost. III. Of all the British breeds they had the greatest reputation as grazers a century ago, hence (i) The precedence given them in the prize lists of the Smithfield Cattle Club, and of the Bath and West of England Society. (2) At that time the North Devon was considered the breed par excellence for small bones and high quality. (3) They were also very popular as oxen, owing to their activity, combined with their staying powers. IV. It cannot be said that the name of any one person stands out supremely conspicuous as the great improver of Devons, as improvement was 163 o U c o CL in v^ DEVON CATTLE. 1 65 effected by a number of persons working simultane- ously and more or less in concert. (i) Prominent among the early improvers stand the names of Francis Quartly of Champson, Molland ; John T. Davy of Rose Ash; Walter Farthing of Stowey Court, Bridgevvater ; and the Earl of Leicester of Holkham, Leicestershire. (2) In several instances Devons have been bred in the same families for at least 150 years. V. The high prices paid for meat early in the century, while the wars with France continued, tempted many breeders to part with their best animals. (i) This led to a lowering of the average standard of excellence in many herds, but (2) The equilibrium has again been restored, largely through the establishment of agricultural societies and the demand for good breeding stock. VL Devon cattle were early distinguished as North and South Devon respectively, the latter variety being also known as South Hams and Som- ersets. (i) The North Devon v^as the smaller variety, their coat was softer and more curly, and they were more distinguished for their fleshing properties. (2) The South Devons, supposed to contain a dash of Guernsey blood, w^ere of larger size and of coarser appear- ance, and were more distinguished for milk production. (3) These have been so intercrossed in many instances as to obliterate the distinguishing marks of the two classes. VII. Exportation to the United States. (i) The first well authenticated importation of Devon cattle was made into the United States by Robert Patterson of Baltimore. Md., in 1817. (2) They came from the herd of the Earl of Leicester, Holkham, and a very large number of the Devons now in the United States trace to this importation. (3) From 1817 onward, importations have been frequent until quite recently. VIII. Exportation to other countries. (i) Devons were imported somewhat freely into Ontario, Can., shortly after the middle of the century, but they have not prevailed to any considerable extent in that country. 1 66 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (2) They have also been introduced into Jamaica, Mexico, the Cape of Good Hope, Australia and New Zealand. IX. Herd books. (i) The first volume of the English Devon Herd Book, edited by J. Tanner Davy, was published in 1851. (2) The first volume of the American Devon Herd Book was published in 1863. (3) The first volume of the American Devon Record was published in 1881. (4) Registrations are also kept in Ontario and Nova Scotia. X. Distribution in the United States. (i) Devons are kept in every state in the Union, save North Dakota, Washington, Wyoming, New Mexico and Arizona, hence, (2) They are more generally distributed than any breed largely devoted to meat making except the Shorthorns. (3) They are most numerous in the states of Ohio, Penn- sylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Illinois and Texas, and probably in the order named. XL Registration in the United States. (i) Six volumes of the American Devon Record have been issued. (2) There have been recorded 18,843 animals, of which 6902 are bulls and 11. 941 are cows. LECTURE NO. 41- DEVON CATTLE THEIR LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Popularity. (i) In all-round popularity the Devons occupy a place not higher than medium. (2) Their want of size is against them in rich pastoral and arable sections, and (3) Their qualities being only medium in the dairy, they are not often preferred to the distinctive dairy breeds for dairy uses, while (4) It is probably true that less effort has been made to popularize them than in the case of other breeds introduced somewhat early. II. Adaptability. (i) The relatively small bodies of the Devons and their active habits and good grazing qualities adapt them to locali- ties where the land is broken, and the soil possessed of but moderate fertility, and (2) Their fair milking qualities fit them for situations where the arable portions of the land are small in proportion to the pastoral, and where at the same time the system of husbandry is of the mixed order. (3) They are also better adapted to warm latitudes than the heavier-bodied breeds. III. Relative size. (i) In size they are considerably less than the Shorthorn and Hereford, less than the Polled Aberdeen, and something less than the Sussex and Galloway, but (2) The size is largely dependent upon the strain, the pasture, the breeding and the care. IV. Milking qualities. (i) Devons are noted rather for the quality than the quantity of their milk. (2) Their symmetry of form, their proverbial docility, their well-shaped udders, their medium-sized teats, and their good butter making properties all tend to make them favorites in the dairy under the conditions of adaptation named above. 167 l68 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. V. Early maturing qualities. (i) In this respect they are fair, but probably not quite the equal of some of the heavier breeds that have been more forced in feeding, and yet (2) Their neat, pony-like frames will mature quickly with good keep. VI. Grazing qualities. (i) The grazing qualities of Devons are of the first order, owing (2) To their muscularity, their activity, and to the inheri- tance of the grazing habit. (3) They readily obtain a good livelihood on lands where the heavy-bodied breeds would probably fail, and when food is plentiful they fatten quickly. VII. Feeding qualities. (i) They feed quickly in the stall, and make good gains in proportion to the food consumed, but (2) They cannot stand forcing for so long a period as some of the other breeds. (3) They lay on flesh evenly and smoothly, hence they are not given to patchiness. (4) The quality of the meat is excellent, and in the mar- kets of Great Britain it fetches prices nearly as high, and, in some instances, quite as high as those paid for Galloway and West Highland beef. (5) The meat is nicely veined and marbled, and is well flavored, juicy, and of prime quality. (6) A large proportion of roast meat is furnished, and the offal is small in proportion to the weight of the carcass. VIII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) Devons are highly prepotent, owing to their inherent vigor and to the long period during which they have been bred pure. (2) They should answer well for crossing upon common stocks where the aim is to improve their easy keeping qualities without impairing their butter producing powers. (3) Such crossing should be confined within the limits of adaptability suitable to the successful rearing of pure Devons. (4) The grades from Devons are well adapted to the home market, as they may be fattened at any age. IX. Breeding qualities. (i) The natural conditions under which Devons are kept are favorable to the development and maintenance of good DEVON CATTLE. 1 69 breeding qualities, hence we find those possessed by them in at least a fair degree. (2) Many of the females breed to an advanced age, as, like all the grazing breeds, they are noted for their longevity. X. Weak points. (i) Their lack of size, which renders them less suitable for exportation for beef. (2) Their lack of supreme dairy qualities, which circum- scribes the field of their adaptability in dairying. XL Compared with Shorthorns. (i) Devons are not nearly equal to Shorthorns in general popularity and in size; they are also behind them in all-round adaptability, and are not quite equal to them in maturing qualities, in feeding qualities, and in the extent of the field within which they are useful for crossing. (2) In milking qualities they are not far different. (3) In grazing qualities, in the quality of the meat, and in breeding qualities they have a decided lead. LECTURE NO. 42. DEVON CATTLE THEIR STANDARD POINTS. I. The following scale of points was adopted by the American Devon Cattle Club in 1886: FOR cows. COUNTS (1) Head — Moderately long, with a broad, indented forehead, tapering considerably toward the nos- trils ; the nose of a flesh color, nostrils high and open, the jaws clean, the eye bright, lively and prominent, and surrounded by a flesh-colored ring; throat clean, ears thin, the expression gentle and intelligent ; horns matching, spread- ing and gracefully turned up, of a waxy color, tipped with a darker shade 8 (2) Neck — Upper line short, fine at head, widening and deep at withers and strongly set to the shoulder 4 (3) Shoulders — Fine, flat and sloping, with strong arms and firm joints 4 (4) Chest — Deep, broad, and somewhat circular in character ........ 8 (5) Ribs — Well sprung from the backbone, nicely arched, deep, with flanks fully developed . . 8 (6) Back — Straight and level from the withers to the setting on of the tail, loin broad and full, hips and rump of medium width, and on a level with the back 16 (7) Hindquarters — Deep, thick and square . . 8 (8) Udder — Not fleshy, coming well forward in line with the belly and well up behind ; teats mod- erately large and- squarely placed ... 20 (9) Tail — Well set on at a right angle with the back, tapering, with a switch of white or roan hair, and reaching the hocks . . . . 2 (10) Legs — Straight, squarely placed when viewed from behind, not to cross or sweep in walking, hoof well formed 4 170 DEVON CATTLE. I7I (11) Skin — Moderately thick and mellow, covered with an abundant coat of rich hair of a red color; no white spot admissible, except the udder 8 (12) Siir^'— Minimum weight at three years old, 1000 pounds . . . . • • • • 2 (13) General Appearance — As indicated by stylish and quick movement, form, constitution and vigor, and the underline as nearly as possible parallel with the line of the back .... 8 Perfection ^ . .100 FOR BULLS. COUNTS (i) //^a(/— Masculine, full and broad, tapering to- ward the nose, which should be flesh-colored ; nostrils high and open, muzzle broad, eyes full and placid and surrounded with flesh-colored ring, ears of medium size and thickness ; horns medium size, growing at right angles from the head, or slightly elevated, waxy at base, tipped with a darker shade 10 (2) Cheek — Full and broad at root of tongue, throat clean ......... 2 (3) Neck — Of medium length and muscular, widen- ing from the head to the shoulders, and strongly set on 4 (4) Shoulders — Fine, flat, sloping and well fleshed, arms strong with firm joints .... 6 (5) Chest — Same as in female .... 10 (6) Ribs — Same as in female 10 (7) Back — Same as in female 20 (8) Hindquarters — Same as in female . . .12 (9) Tail — Same as in female 2 (10) Legs — Short, then same as in femib . . .4 (11) Skin — Moderately thick and mellow, covered with an abundant coat of rich hair of a red color; no white spot admissible unless around the purse ........ 8 (12) Size — Minimum weight at three years old 1400 pounds 4 (13) General Appearance — Same as in female . 8 Perfection 100 II. Additional particulars submitted though not given in the above scale : 1^2 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (i) Horns, somewhat of the semi-spiral upward and out- ward curvature in the female. (2) Withers, of medium width. (3) Breast, full and somewhat rounded. (4) Brisket, between the V-shape and round. (5) Forearm, full and neat. (6) Crops, full. (7) Hooks and pin bones, not prominent. (8) Thighs, full and straight. (9) Twist, full rather than open. (10) Milk veins, well developed. (11) Limbs, inclining to fine and clean. (12) Shape, parallelogrammic. III. General Appearance — In general appear- ance the Devon is neat, smooth, tidy and graceful in form and movement. IV. Compared with Shorthorns. (i) Devons are smaller in form and limb, less broad throughout and less massive. (2) They are finer in the muzzle, more spiral and elevated in horn curve and longer in the horns and something less prominent at the angles. (3) They are more active and sprightly in movement, and (4) There are the differences in color. V. Compared with Red Polls. (i) They are a little smaller and somewhat more tidy in form and limb, and (2) They are more rounded in the breast, have a more arched spring of rib and a rather more pronounced beef form. PART II BREEDS OF SHEEP LECTURE NO. i. SHEEP THEIR INTRODUCTION INTO AMERICA. I. The sheep (Oz'is) is a genus, or, according to some authors, forms a group of genera of mam- mals belonging to the family Bovidcc, and are Rum- inants, of the Artiodactyle or pair-toed section of the Ungulafa or hoofed mammals. (i) As many as 21 dififerent wild species have been enumerated. (2) They are indigenous only to Asia, Europe, Africa and the western mountain ranges of America. II. They have been grouped under two sub- genera, viz. the Oz'is and the Miisinwn. (i) Of the former, twelve species have been named, of which ten are in Asia and two in North America. (2) Of the latter, seven species have been mentioned, of which one inhabits the mountains in certain islands of the Mediterranean. (3) In Asia these are generally spoken of as the Argali, or wild sheep, in North America as the Rocky Mountain sheep or Bighorn, and in Europe as the Musimon. III. Wild sheep are essentially inhabitants of mountainous districts. (i) They never from choice frequent level deserts, open plains, or dense forests or swamps, and (2) These natural instincts should be recognized in their domestication. IV. It is uncertain whether the various species of sheep now under domestication were derived from ^7?> 174 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. any of the existing wild forms, or from the cross- ing of some of these, or from some now extinct species. (i) It was a domestic animal in Asia and Europe before the dawn of history, but was unknown as such in America until after the Spanish conquest. (2) It is now to be found wherever there is a settled agriculture, but (3) Is much better adapted to the temperate than to the torrid zone, unless when reared on mountain ranges. V. The variations of external character in sheep include the following : (i) The number of the horns, which, in many species, are entirely wanting, while others have no fewer than eight. (2) The arching of the nasal bones. (3) The form and length of the ears. (4) The length of the tail. (5) The development of fat at each side of its root, and within the tail. (6) The color markings of the face and legs, and (7) The color, length and quality of the wool. VI. Sheep are apparently not indigenous to the British islands, as (i) No fossil remains have been found in the as yet explored true Tertiary beds, hence (2) It is probable they were brought from the east in pre-historic times. VI I. The breeds of sheep now most in favor in Great Britain show great diversity in size, form and general characteristics, owing (i) To a difference in origin. (2) To a difference in climate and food, and (3) To the nature of the breeding and variations in arti- ficial treatment. VIII. Although domesticated sheep as they existed in Europe were not found in America at the time of its discovery, yet (i) In South America four forms of the genus Auchenia were found, viz., the Guanaco and Vicuna, and the Llama and Alpaca. SHEEP. 175 (a) The former were known only in the wild, and th'^ latter in the domesticated state. (b) These all furnished wool for clothing, and the Llama was also used as a beast of burden, and (2) In North America there existed the mountain sheep, or Bighorn (Ovis montana), and a sub-species, the Ovis mon- tana dalli. (a) The former, commonly called the Rocky Mountain sheep, is found on both slopes of the Rocky mountains, from the head waters of the Saskatchewan on the north, down into Mexico on the south. (b) The latter, commonly called the Alaskan sheep, is found on the slopes of the mountains from within the Arctic circle southward, nearly as far as the head of Bristol bay. IX. Domesticated sheep were first introduced into North America by the Spaniards in 1493. (i) From these are descended the immense native stocks of Mexico, New Mexico and Texas and other parts of the continent first settled by the Spaniards. (2) It is now pretty certainly proven that these were not Merinos, but were descended from the common sheep of Spain. (3) In 1736, they numbered more than 1,500,000 head in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. (4) They were taken to California in 1773, and in 1825 the Catholic church owned 1,003,970 head, and the ranchers probably as many. X. Sheep were introduced into South America from the Spanish settlements in Panama and Mexico. (i) They were taken to Peru prior to 1550. (2) From Peru they were taken to Chili about 1550, and at a later period to Chuquisaca, and (3) From Chuquisaca they were taken to Paraguay and thence to the country of the La Plata. XL Sheep were introduced into the EngHsh colonies of North America soon after the settlement of each. (i) They reached Jamestown, Va., in 1609. (2) They were first brought to New York, then the New Netherlands, in 1625, by the Dutch East India Company. (3) They were first introduced into New Jersey from Sweden in 1634, or shortly prior to that date. 176 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (4) They were brought into Massachusetts between 1624 and 1629. XII. In the English speaking colonies, the sheep were essentially British in origin. (i) They were much inferior to the stocks of the present day. (2) The extension of the industry was much retarded for a time through losses from wolves, thefts by the Indians, and European enactments forbidding the manufacture of wool. XIII. Sheep were introduced into various provinces of Canada at an early period in the settle- ment of each. (i) They have been bred in these for both wool and mutton uses. (2) Ontario is justly noted for the many varieties of sheep found there and for their high average in quality. LECTURE NO. 2. SHEEP THEIR IMPROVEMENT AND CLASSIFICATION. I. From the very earliest ages, sheep-rearing has been one of the most important and profitable industries engaging the attention of mankind, but (i) Until the more recent centuries they were kept for the wool and milk which they furnished, rather than for their fles.h, hence (2) The improvement of tneir flesh-producing properties received but little attention prior to the eighteenth century. II. The improvement of the fleece engaged the attention of mankind at a very early period. (i) Woolen goods were manufactured in Asia at least 2000 years before the Christian era, and (2) While Rome was yet a republic the fine wools of Italy were improved to a degree unexcelled by us at the pres- ent day. III. The improvement of the fleece first seri- ously engaged the attention of the people of the United States. (i) The object was to enable them to manufacture a fine class of goods for home consumption, and (2) The breed introduced to enable them to attain this end was the Spanish Merino. IV. The people of Great Britain and Canada have rather sought improvement in the carcass. (i) They have attained this end largely through selec- tion, crossing and improved keep, and (2) In realizing it they have in every instance effected improvement in the wool. V. Robert Bakewell of Dishley Hall, Leices- tershire, was the first great improver of the modern breeds of sheep. 12 177 I/O THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (i) He began this work about 1760, and originated what is now known as the New or Improved Leicester breed. (2) The material chosen by him was taken from the Dishley or old Leicester breed. VI. The improvements he sought were more perfect symmetry, aptitude to fatten, early maturity, smaller bone and improved in quality, an increased quantity of improved flesh and a diminution in the quantity of offal. (i) In accomplishing these objects he also incidentally secured a larger quantity of more valuable wool. (2) He effected improvement through the selection of the most perfect specimens of the medium types, judiciously crossed and intercrossed for a long term of years. VII. The aim at the present time in the United States is to improve the mutton qualities of the sheep now in the country, and the means more commonly resorted to in eft'ecting this improvement include the following : (i) Crossing successively upon these, rams of one or other of the improved mutton breeds. (2) Selecting with much care breeding stocks from the progeny, and (3) Giving better food and providing better shelter. VI I I. Nearly all the improved breeds now in the United States, except the Merino, were imported from Great Britain, the country in which they originated. (i) They are sometimes classified as the heavy breeds, the down breeds and the mountain breeds, but (2) This classification is not sufficiently concise or complete. (3) A more common classification is based upon the character of the wool. IX. The principal breeds imported into North America may be classified as fine wooled, medium wooled and coarse wooled. SHEEP. 179 (i) Of these the fine wooled breeds are the American Merino, the Delaine Merino and the Rambouillet, fine probably in the order named. (2) The medium or middle wooled breeds are the South- down, Tunis, Dorset, Shropshire, Cheviot, Suffolk Down, Hampshire Down and Oxford Down, fine probably in the order named. (3) The coarse wooled breeds are the Leicester, Lincoln and Cotswold, fine probably in the order named. X. Exception may be taken to the above classi- fication, owing (i) To the influences of climate and food in producing variations in the same breed, and (2) To the differences arising from variations in the tastes of the breeders and a want of harmony in their aims, hence (3) It is not improbable that the above classification, though accepted now, may have to be somewhat modified in the future, and (4) The same may be said of the average weights of car- cass and fleece submitted when discussing the various breeds. XL Other breeds. (i) The Black-faced Highland and Wensleydale breeds have been introduced into the United States, but only in lim- ited numbers. (2) The Black-faced Highland is a mountain breed from the highlands of Scotland, small, active and hardy, horned in the rams, spotted on the head and legs, covered with a long fleece of coarse carpet wool, and produces mutton unexcelled in quality. (3) The Wensleydales are a large and heavy-bodied breed from the north of England, with long and coarse wool which hangs in spirals. (4) As public records are not as yet kept of those inter- esting breeds in the United States, they will not be further noticed in this work. LECTURE NO. 3. SHEP:P LEADING ESSENTIALS AS TO FORM AND WOOL. I. The mutton breeds all possess the same leading essentials as to form. These include : (i) Width, depth and length of body and compactness of frame. (2) The cylindrical shape which is the outcome of plump shoulders and hips, and well sprung ribs, and (3) A fleece of even length and quality, covering all parts of the body. II. The minor points of difference include : (i) Variations in size of carcass and bone. (2) Variations in the length of the leg and of the coup- ling of the body. (3) The color of the head and legs, and the amount of covering on them. (4) The form and carriage of the head. (5) The length, shape and carriage of the ears, and (6) The length and density of the fleece and the char- acter of the staple. III. Leading essentials of the rams of the mutton breeds as to form. (i) Sice — Medium to large for the breed, and the bone medium to strong, but not coarse. (2) Outline — The body should be smooth, compact and strong, cylindrical in shape and square at the ends. (3) Head — Medium to strong in size, short rather than long, but varying with the breed, and carried proudly. (a) Nose and muzzle tapering, but not too fine. (b) Nostrils, wide and expanded. (c) Forehead and poll, wide. (d) Eye, large, full, bright and daring. (e) Ear, medium in size and thickness for the breed, broad rather than long, erect rather than drooping, and pos- sessed of lively play. 180 SHEEP. l8l (4) A^^ri^— Short rather than long, not coarse, and car- rying the head well erect. (a) It should not be coarse at the junction with the head, and should be free from throatiness. (b) It should be round rather than flat, and should increase in width laterally and underneath as it recedes from the head. (c) It should fit into the withers evenly above, and into the shoulders evenly and strongly at the sides and underneath, the blending being imperceptible. (5) Body — Long, wide, deep, round and equally well bal- ancea before and behind. (a) Back, level, wide, well fleshed and slightly rounded outward, with the spinal column hidden and even depressed from the loin to the tailhead. (b) Loin, broad and full. (c) Underline, straight. (d) Breast, broad, deep, full, massive. (e) Brisket, broad and well rounded. (f) Shoulder, large, plump and smooth, wide above, rounded out from above, forward and below to the center, well filled before and behind, and well covered. (g) Forearm, strong and well developed. (h) Crops, well filled. (i) Girth, good around the heart, and about equally good at the hind flank. (j) Coupling, short rather than long. (k) Ribs, well sprung from backbone, nicely arched and deep, not distant from one another and coming well forward and backward. (I) Hindquarters, long, broad and deep, rounded out from above and behind toward the center of the hip, and broad at the buttock. (m) Twist, well filled and placed low. (n) Hind flank, well filled outwardly, low and thick. (o) Thigh, broad and well filled within and without. (p) Tail, set on smoothly and on a line with the back. (q) Skin, a rich pink in color, and possessed of good handling qualities. (6) Wool — The whole body should be well covered with wool, characteristic of the breed. (a) It should be of uniform length and texture, and (b) Possessed of all the qualities essential in first-class wool (see Note V. below). (7) Legs — Short, straight and strong, wide apart and yet well under the body and standing firmly on hoofs of good shape and quality. (8) Appearance — The appearance should be animated and the carriage easy, proud and graceful. 1 82 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. IV. The ewes of the mutton breeds possess the same leading essentials as to form as the rams, with the following points of difference : (i) They are not so large in frame, are finer in bone and are more roomy in the barrel or coupling. (2) The head is smaller and finer and is carried less proudly. (3) The neck is longer and finer, more especially where it joins the head. (4) The twist is not quite so well filled, and (5) The wool is finer in the fiber, at least in some instances. V. The following include the more important of the characteristics of a good fleece : (i) Good length, strength and sufficient density of staple for the breed. (2) Even distribution over the body, both as to length of staple and quality in the wool. (3) A fine bright uniformly lustrous appearance. (4) Absence of cloudiness. (5) Freedom from kemp and cot and (6) The absence of all such impurities as sand, burs and chaff. FINE WOOLED BREEDS LECTURE NO. 4. THE AMERICAN MERI-NO ORIGIN AND HISTORY^ CHARACTERISTICS AND PRINCIPAL POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY, I. The Merino sheep, now found in various countries, came originally from Spain, but there is much clifierence of opinion as to the exact origin of the Spanish Merino. (i) Even anterior to the Christian era, fine wooled sheep abounded in Spain, the fleeces of which were much prized for purposes of manufacture, and (2) It has been claimed that these were improved by sheep brought from Tarentum ju the first century. II. For several centuries past, the Merinos in Spain have been divided into provincial varieties, and these again into sub-varieties, or great permanent flocks, usually termed Cabanas. (i) These Cabanas were again known as Transhumantes, or travehng flocks, and Estantes, or stationary flocks. (2) Prominent among the sub-varieties were tlie Infan- tadoes, Paulars, Escurials, Negrettis, Montarcos, Guadaloupes and Aguirres. III. Merinos have been extensively imported into France, Germany, the United States, Australia and other countries. (i) They were imported into Saxony in 1765, where the wool has been brought to an unprecedented condition of fine- ness, but at the expense of size of carcass and constitution. 183 o c < Lu 00 THE AMERICAN MERINO. 185 (2) They were imported into France in 1786, and there they have been much improved, more especially in size and in weight of fleece. (3) They were imported into Australia about the begin- ning of the century and now they are more numerous there than in any other country. IV. The first importation of the Spanish Merino was made into England by George III in 1 79 1, but (i) Though backed by numerous and influential patrons of the breed, they have never come into general favor, owing . (2) To their deficiency in mutton qualities. (3) For the same reason they have never become popular in Canada. V. Importations into the United States. (i) The first traceable importation of IMerinos into the United States was made by Col. David Humphreys of Derby, Conn., in 1802. (2) Other importations followed quickly, and on the dis- persion of many of the Spanish flocks during the wars with the French, many thousands were imported, more especially in 1810 and 1811. VI. All the varieties and sub-varieties of Merinos in the United States are of Spanish origin. (i) They may be classified as xA.merican Merino, Delaine Merino and Rambouillets or French Merino. (2) The American Merinos are possessed of all the valu- able essentials of the Spanish Merino and these have been greatly improved upon. (3) The Delaine families are offshoots of the American Merinos and have a longer fleece and an improved mutton form. (4) The Rambouillets are the offshoots of Spanish Merinos, much increased in size by long years of careful breeding. VII. Improvements made in the United States. (i) The Merino has been greatly improved in size, form, mutton qualities and weight of fleece since it was first imported into America. (2) This improvement has been brought about through selection, breeding and improved conditions of keep. lS6 the study of breeds. (3) Prominent among the early improvers stand the names of Stephen Atwood, Woodbury, Conn. ; Edwin Hammond, Middlebury, Vt., and the Hon. C. Rich, Shoreham, Vt. VIII. Organizations. (i) Probably more than a dozen organizations have been formed in the United States in the interests of American Merinos. (2) Several of these are local, since they restrict registra- tion to a single state. (3) The number of these organizations and the conflict of interest which of necessity has grown out of them has in some instances been harmful rather than helpful to the breed. IX. Distribution of Merinos in the United States. (i) Merinos and their grades are now bred numerously in almost every state and territory in the Union. (2) About a quarter of a century ago they were thought to comprise 95 per cent of all the sheep in the United States. (3) During recent years the relative proportion of Merinos has been greatly reduced by the increased attention given to the production of sheep of the mutton breeds. (4) While they are found almost everywhere they prevail most in states where the conditions, food and climate are less propitious, as, for instance, in the range states. X. Registration in the United States. (i) It is almost impossible to state accurately the number of registered Merinos, because of the decadent condition of some of the organizations. (2) The increased demand during recent years for sheep of the mutton types and for wool longer and less fine than the Spanish Merinos furnish, has given them a less prominent place relatively than they formerly occupied. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size. (i) The Merinos are among the lightest of the pedigreed breeds in the United States, and (2) The average weight of the rams in fairly good flesh may be put at about 140 to 17.S pounds and of the ewes at about 90 to 125 pounds, but the weights of Merinos vary much with variations in environment. THE AMERICAN MERINO. 187 II. Adaptability. (i) In general adaptability no breed on the continent has shown itself equally flexible, and this will apply both to climate and food products, but (2) They are specially fitted to "rough it" under con- ditions of privation as to food and shelter. (3) They have a higher adaptation to the production of wool than of mutton, but their mutton producing qualities are being continually improved. III. Early maturing qualities. (i) Though improved in this respect, they are yet behind the other pedigreed breeds in early maturity, but on the other hand they are ahead of them in longevity. (2) An average Merino does not become fully matured until between three and four years old. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) As grazers they are entitled to a first place. (2) They will eat almost any kind of herbage, however dry, in the summer season. (3) Their active habits peculiarly adapt them for grazing on broken lands and wide ranges, where they must travel much to secure their food. V. Feeding qualities. (i) In feeding qualities Merinos are not equal to some of the other breeds, as they cannot be made to gain so quickly as a rule, but (2) They feed better probably than any breed when con- fined to a ration of dry hay and corn. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) Much of the meat of the pure Merino is lacking in tenderness, juiciness and flavor, and it has much bone in pro- portion to the meat, but (2) The quality of the meat has greatly improved during recent years. VIL Value in crossing and grading. (i) The Merino has been found peculiarly valuable for crossing upon common grades, where more and finer wool was wanted, but (2) When crossed upon pure-breds, improvement in wool production is often counteracted by impaired mutton qualities. t88 the study of breeds. VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) Merinos are not noted for their prolificacy, nor are the dams really first-class milkers or mothers, but (2) They breed profitably to a greater age than some other breeds. IX. Wool production. (i) The pure Merino produces beyond all comparison the finest wool grown on this continent. (2) It also produces the heaviest fleece in proportion to the live weight of the animal. (3) The average weight of the fleece from the matured ram may be put at fifteen to twenty pounds and of the matured ewe at twelve to fifteen pounds, according to type. PRINCIPAL POINTS. I. In the absence of an authorized scale of points the following is submitted : (i) Si::e — Medium for the breed, with a decided leaning to increase. (2) General Outline — Parallelogrammic, but a nearer approach to the cylindrical would be desirable. (3) Head — Medium in size, but strong in the ram, broad above the eyes, wedge-shaped and covered nearly all over with wool which almost hides the eyes. (a) Nose, short and wrinkly. (b) Ears, small and of moderate erection, with a coat of soft, mossy hair about half way to the roots, the remainder covered with wool. (c) Horns, in the rams only, of considerable size, angular at the base and projecting spirally outward. (4) Neck — Inclining to short and thick, almost throaty, especially in the rams. (a) Flatness in the neck should be avoided. (b) In both sexes it is frequently wrinkled, but especially in the rams, and both have more or less of dewlap. (5) Back — Wide, straight and level. (a) High withers and a high pelvis are to be guarded against, and (b) A sharp spinal column is equally objectionable. (6) Forequarters — Of equal development with the hind- quarters. (a) Withers not narrow nor sharp, as they are in some instances. (b) Shoulders, plump and rounded out and blending nicely with the neck. THE AMERICAN MERINO. 189 (c) Chest, wide. (d) Breast, wide, deep and at least moderately full. (e) Brisket, low, wide and rounded and extending well in front. (7) Barrel — Moderately long and roomy. (a) Ribs, round and deep, though frequently lacking in spring, which is of course objectionable. (b) Crops, full and even. (c) Flanks, full and deep. (d) Heart girth, good. (c) Underline, straight. (8) Hindquarters — Long, deep, wide. (a) Hips, large and full. (b) Crupper, straight, not drooped, nor sloping outwardly. (c) Thighs, plump. (d) Buttock, wide, straight. (e) Twist, well filled and low. (9) Legs — Short, strong and straight. (a) They should be placed wide apart and should stand firmly. (b) The wool, which covers them to the hoof, makes them appear larger than they are. (10) Skin — Thin, mellow, elastic, loose and of a rich rose or pink color. (a) Excessive wrinkling or folding of the skin is not so much encouraged now, but (b) Heavy neck folds on the rams are still in favor with many. (11) Fleece — The fleece should contain fine wool from two to three inches long, evenly distributed and even in quality. (a) It should present a dense, smooth, even surface or exterior, opening only in the natural cracks which separate the masses. (b) It should stand at right angles to the skin. (c) It should possess even strength of fiber from end to end. (d) It should be wrinkled, curved or crimped, and should be highly elastic. (e) Regularity and beauty of curvature are considered important. (/) Hairs growing up through the wool in any part is quite inadmissible. 11. General Appearance — In general appear- ance the American Merino is a somewhat small and deep-bodied sheep of only moderate width, encased in a fleece of very fine, close, short and dense wool IpO THE STUDY OF BREEDS. and carrying more or less of wrinkles or folds in the skin, especially about the neck and breast. III. Weaknesses to be particularly guarded against in selecting Merinos : (i) Lack of width and flatness of rib. (2) A V-shaped brisket and narrow chest. (3) Legs standing closely together. (4) Excessive wrinkling or folding of the skin. LECTURE NO. 5. DELAINE MERINOS ORIGIN AND HISTORY^ CHAR- ACTERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. I. Delaine sheep are simply American Merinos with a larger carcass, a better mutton form, fewer wrinkles on the body and a longer fleece of wool. (i) They are of several snb-varieties, all of which have been evolved from the American Merino by selection and careful breeding. (2) They are a creation of the skill of breeders operating more particularly in Ohio and Pennsylvania. II. Origin of the name. (i) The name originated from the class of goods known as delaines, for the manufacture of which the wool of these sheep has been found eminently adapted. (2) Delaines, i. c untwilled dress goods, were originally all wool, but are now manufactured with cotton warp and woolen filling. III. The principal varieties. (i) No classification of Delaine Merino sheep can be made at the present time that can be looked upon as complete or final because of the transition that is yet apparently uncom- pleted in some of the types, but (2) It would probably be correct to say that the chief of the types, or sub-types, always designated Delaine, are the Standard, the National and the Improved Delaines respec- tively, and (3) The chief of the types, or sub-types, essentially Delaine in their leading characteristics, but not always so designated, are the Black Top Spanish Merino, the Improved Black Top Merino and the Dickinson Merino, respectively. (4) The distinctions between these two classes are such as relate to size, character of the fleece, the absence or presence of wrinkles and horns, and blood elements varying in what may be termed purity in descent from more or less distin- guished ancestry. 192 DELAINE MERINOS. I93 (a) The distinctive Delaine Merinos have horns, in the rams, and more or less of wrinkles or folds on the neck and breast. (b) The Black Top varieties have horns in the rams, but no wrinkles, and are further characterized by an abundant closure of fleece of a black color. (c) The Dickinson Merinos have no horns or wrinkles, and they are further distinguished by size and length of fleece. IV. In all these types the improvement sought related chiefly to size, form, smoothness, wool pro- duction and breeding qualities. (i) The aim was to secure a considerably greater size and weight than that possessed by the average American Merino. (2) The form was broadened and deepened, that is to say, it was more conformed to the mutton producing types. (3) The wrinkles and folds were entirely removed, or left only on the neck and breast. (4) The length of the wool was increased and the weight of fleece preserved, or measurably so, without an excess of ■yolk in it, and with but little diminution in fineness and density. (5) More regular breeding was secured with an increased milk production. V. How improvement was effected. (i) Improvement was almost entirely brought about through breeding, selection and feeding. (2) In some instances line breeding was resorted to, but not in all. (3) The selection had a careful regard to all the ends sought, but especial prominence was given to the wool, which changes so much more slowly than the form. VL When improvement was effected. (i) The improvement in the types designated Delaines has been chiefly effected within the past half century, though (2) Some of the foundation flocks in the less improved form were started earlier. VIL Organizations. (i) The associations formed in the interest of the types denominated Delaine are known as the Standard Delaine, the National Delaine and the Improved Delaine. (2) These have only been organized during recent years. (3) Each has a scale of points, keeps records and issues flock books. 13 1^4 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. VIII. Distribution in the United States. (i) Delaines are found most numerously in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio. Iowa, Michigan and New York, and probably in the order named. (2) They have also been introduced into quite a number of the other states. IX, Registration in the United States. (i) The Standard Delaine and National Delaine associa- tions have registered 24,700 animals, of which 9,500 are rams and 15,200 ewes. (2) The three associations named in Note VII have probably registered considerably over 30,000 animals. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size., (i) They are larger and heavier than the American Merino, but not so large or so heavy as the Rambouillets. (2) The average weight of the matured rams in the vari- ous types when in good flesh may be put at 140 to 190 pounds, and of the matured ewes at 100 to 150 pounds. II. Adaptability. (i) They are adapted virtually to the same kinds of pas- tures as the' American Merinos, though their larger frames call for better grazing. (2) They are relatively better adapted to arable conditions than the American IMerino, but are perhaps not quite equal to the former in hardihood. III. Early maturity. (i) In early maturing Qualities they are something of an improvement on the American Merino, Ijut are not quite equal to some of the Down breeds. (2) The lambs can. however, be made ready for market within a few months of the date of birth, where this may be desired. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) These are good in the Delaines, but they have not quite the same rustling qualities as the American Merino. (2) The latter will thrive better on scant supplies of herbage, but the former will give returns more satisfactory where food is abundant. DELAINE MERINOS. 195 V. Feeding qualities. (i) The feeding qualities of Delaines are at least equal to those of any of the Merino families, if not indeed superior, but (2) As yet it can scarcely be said that they feed to so fine a finish as the Down breeds. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) The mutton has no superior among the Merino families. (2) The improved mutton form which they possess is reflected in the excellent quality of the mutton which they furnish and in the fair proportion of the dressed meat in the carcass. VII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) They have special adaptation for being crossed upon grade stocks where dense and fine wool is wanted and where at least fair mutton qualities are to be maintained. (2) At the present time the Delaine cross is very popular on western ranges, where the average fleece has become too light and open. VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) These, it is claimed, are superior to those in the American Merino, since the breeders have carefully sought improvement in this direction. (2) The milking qualities have also shared in the improvement thus secured. IX. Wool production. (i) The fleece in the matured ram well kept should average in the various types about twelve to eighteen pounds and in the matured ewe about nine to fifteen pounds. (2) The wool is fine and scours well, since the yolk in it, though plentiful, is not excessive. (3) It should not be less than three inches in length, but is usually considerably longer. X. Compared with American Merinos. (i) Delaine Merinos are considerably larger and heavier, have higher adaptation for arable conditions, mature some- what more quickly, make better mutton, are superior in crossing for mutton production, are somewhat ahead in breeding qualities and have a longer and nearly equally heavy fleece of wool, which loses less in scouring. 196 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (2) American Merinos are possessed of somewhat supe- rior ruggedness, have a wider adaptation for grazing, fare better on indifferent food supplies summer and winter, are superior for crossing where closeness of fine wool and highest hardihood are to be maintained, and have on the whole a shorter and finer fleece of wool and heavier in proportion to the live weight of the animals. STANDARD POINTS. I. The following- is the scale of points drawn up by the Standard Delaine Spanish Merino Sheep Breeders' Association : POINTS. (i) Pure Merino Blood, which must be established by certificate ....... — (2) Constitution, indicated by a deep chest, long rib well arched, giving heart and lung room, with great digestive capacity 20 (3) Fleece XX and Delaine Wool — This i dudes the quantity and quality as shown by weight of fleece, the length and strength of staple, crimp, fineness and trueness of fiber . . . .10 (4) Density of fleece 3 (5) Evenness of surface 3 (6) Evenness of crimp 3 (7) Length of fiber . . . . . . .2 (8) Free Floiving Oil of the best quality and the right quantity to protect the sheep and preserve the fleece 9 (9) Head, medium size. Ewes showing a feminine appearance ; rams, a masculine with properly turned horns . 4 (10) Eyes, bright, prominent and well set apart, with thick, soft eyelid 3 (11) Nose, short, broad with well expanded nostrils, skin thick and covered with a thick, furry coat- ing, joining the wool one inch below the eyes 4 (12) Ears, medium size, set well apart, thickly coated 2 (13) Neck, short on top, deep and strongly attached to shoulders, tapering to head ; rams with a fold across the breast, and deep neck ... 4 (14) Fleece, covering over the entire body, head and legs ; skin thick and spongy .... 4 (15) Legs, short, strong and well apart ... 2 (16) Feet, neatly shaped, thin hoof, well 'set under the leg 4 (17) Quarters, deep and well rounded; back, broad, straight and strongly coupled to quarters . 10 Delaine merinos. 197 POINTS. (18) Weight of Ezves at maturity, 100 pounds an 1 above; rams, 150 and above .... 8 (19) General Appearance, good carriage, bold and vigorous style, symmetrical form ... 5 Perfection 100 II. Scaling prior to registration. (i) Before being admitted to registry the sheep must be scaled, by a competent person, on blanks furnished by the secretary. (2) They cannot be recorded unless they scale 60 per cent in every particular and 70 per cent in the total of points, but (3) The scale of points given above does not apply to all sheep of this class, since a standard of excellence has been drawn up by some of the other Delaine associations. III. General Appearance — In general appear- ance Delaines are compact and strong in build, nearly free from wrinkles and folds, covered with an even and abundant fleece of wool, dark in color on the outside, and possessed of a vigorous style and easy carriage. IV. Compared with American Merinos. (i) Delaines are larger, more compact and symmetrical in build, stronger in bone and possessed of better average spring of rib. (2) The limbs stand wider apart before and behind. (3) They are more free from wrinkles, folds and dewlap. (4) They have a longer fleece, equally well distributed over the body, hvX not quite so fine nor so well glued together on the surface, although (5) These contrasts do not equally apply to all of the improved varieties of the American Merino. LECTURE NO. 6. RAMBOUILLETS ORIGIN AND HISTORY^ CHARAC- TERISTICS AND PRINCIPAL POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. Rambouillets are the direct descendants of the Spanish Merino, improved by more than a cen- tury of careful breeding and selection. (i) The improvement thus made was principally achieved in France, hence the breed is frequently spoken of as the French Merino, and (2) This improvement relates chiefly to size, vigor, length of wool and strength of texture in the same. II. Where improvement was effected. (i) Until recent years the improvement of Rambouillets has been effected almost entirely at the government farms in France, and chiefly at Rambouillet, which gave the name to the breed. (2) The Royal flock at Rambouillet was established in 1786 by Louis XVI of France. (3) In that year 383 animals were selected from the best flocks of Spanish Merinos in Spain and brought to Ram- bouillet, and a second importation was made in 1801. (4) The ultimate object sought was to prevent Spain from securing a monopoly in the manufacture of fine wool. III. How improvement was effected. (i) The improvement of Rambouillets has been brought about by long years of careful breeding within the fold at Rambouillet, by the most rigid selection and by liberal feeding. (2) Much experimenting was done with a view to further the ends sought. IV. The extent of the improvement made. (i) The mutton form has been greatly improved, also the quality of the meat, and the weight of the carcass has been 198 200 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. increased from 50 to 100 per cent over that of the old Spanish Merino. (2) Greater density has been secured in the fleece without any deterioration in the quality of the wool, and its weight has also been increased from 50 to 100 per cent. (3) The stamina and breeding qualities have also been greatly improved. V. Distribution in other countries. (i) Rambouillets have been exported to many countries in Europe, to the United States, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand, and (2) They have been thus introduced into these countries chiefly to effect improvement in the wool product of other classes of sheep. VI. Introduction into the United States. (i) From 1840 to i860 several importations were made into the United States from France and were distributed chiefly in Vermont, New York and Michigan. (2) In the decade following the civil war, Rambouillets in their purity, in a great measure, disappeared because of the little premium put upon mutton qualities. (3) Within the last two decades there has been a great revival in importing and breeding Rambouillets. VII. Crosses made. (i) Rambouillets have been extensively used in crossing on the Spanish Merino flocks, pure and graded, to secure increased size and vigor. (2) These crosses have been most extensively made in California, Utah and Kansas. (3) They have increased the length of the staple and also the weight of the scoured fleece. VIII. Introduction on Western ranges. (i) Rambouillets are now in high favor for crossing upon mixed types on the ranges of the west. (2) The cross increases the weight of the fleece without impairing the mutton qualities of range stocks or their hardi- hood. IX. Organizations. (i) Associations have been formed for the protection of Rambouillets on the continent of Europe and in the United States. (2) The American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders' Associa- tion was organized at Pontiac, Mich., in 1889, RAMBOUILLETS. 20T (3) In the first volume of the Record published in 1891, Bernardin's history of the origin of the breed is published in condensed form. X. Distribution in the United States. (i) Rambouillets are already distributed more * or less over nearly all the Northern and Middle states, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and they are now found in several of the Southern states. (2) They would seem to be most numerously kept in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. XL Registration in the United States. (i) There have been recorded in all about 9,000 animals, of which approximately one-third are males. (2) The number recorded would have been greater but for the fact that many of the males sent to the western ranges have not been recorded. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size. (i) Rambouillets are much the largest of the fine wooled breeds, and they are also heavier than some of the middle wooled breeds. (2) The average weight of the rams at maturity when in good flesh is about 175 to 225 pounds, and of the ewes about 125 to 175 pounds. II. Adaptabihty. (i) Because of their great hardihood they have much adaptation to range conditions where the vegetation is not sparse nor lacking in nutrition. (2) For a similar reason they are admirably adapted to arable conditions where valley and broken land alternate and where much meat and fine wool are wanted. III. Early maturing qualities. (i) As with the other fine wooled breeds these are not more than medium, but (2) On the other hand they are noted for longevity. (3) In many instances deterioration has not been observed in the wool clip until beyond the age of ten years. TV. Grazing qualities. (i) These are unexcelled by any breed with so large a frame. 202 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (2) They have the true Merino instinct for a variety of plants, including some which are not relished by the mutton breeds. V. Feeding qualities. (i) Rambouillets will winter on coarser food products than some other breeds. (2) They will also fatten in good form, but must have liberal feeding. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) While the quality of the meat is good it is not fully equal to that of the mutton breeds, owing (2) To more of coarseness and ranginess of frame. VI T. Value in crossing and grading. (i) Rambouillets are admirably adapted for crossing upon range stock where the object is to secure a fairly large carcass covered with a good heavy fleece of wool, so dense that it will resist the influences of much exposure, but (2) They should not be crossed on mutton breeds where the highest quality of mutton is sought. VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) Rambouillets breed regularly and are fairly good nurses, but (2) They are not distinguished for their prolificacy. IX. Wool production. (i) Rambouillets produce a long, dense and heavy fleece of fine wool with a sufficiency, but not an excess, of yolk and possessed of good strength of fiber. (2) The average weight of the unwashed fleece in matured rams may be put at about fourteen to eighteen pounds, and in ewes at about ten to fourteen pounds. X. Compared with American Merinos. (i) Rambouillets are much larger, have better mutton form and better feeding qualities and a longer staple of wool. (2) The American Merinos have a wider adaptation in grazing, since they would maintain themselves under some conditions where the larger Rambouillets would fail. (3) In other respects they are very similar in their char- acteristics. RAMBOUILLETS. 203 PRINCIPAL POINTS. I. In the absence of an authorized scale of points, the following is submitted : (i) Size — Medium for the breed, but considerably larger than in any of the other Merino families. (2) General Outline — Large, strong of limb, and at least fairly even and smooth. (3) Head — Medium in size, wide at the poll and som.e- what fine at the muzzle. (a) It is completely covered with dense wool, except for a short distance from the muzzle upward. (b) Eye, large and clear, though closely surrounded with wool. (c) Ears, inclining to short, with outward and slightly upward erection and covered with fine hair. (d) Horns, in the male only, which, on leaving the poll, make a backward, downward and forward semi-circular curve, and then circle outward at the tips. (4) Neck — Inclining to short and deep. (a) It should blend evenly into the shoulders. (h) Excessive dewlap and throatiness are to be guarded against. (5) Back — Broad, straight and of even width. (a) Withers, wide and not sharp or elevated, as they sometimes are. (b) Loin, wide, strong. (c) Pelvic arch, not elevated. (6) Fore quarters — Fully equal to the hindquarters in development. (a) Shoulders, well rounded out, and not rough at the points. (b) Chest, wide and deep. (c) Breast, wide, well forward and carrying one or more folds or wrinkles, especially in the rams. (d) Brisket, wide. (e) Forearm, strong and well muscled. (7) Barrel — Deep, inclining to long, but not really rangy. (a) Ribs, deep and rounded rather than downward in their spring. (b) Crops, level and not sunken as they sometimes are. (c) Fore and hind flanks, well down and full. (d) Girth at heart and hind flank, good and about even. (e) Underline, straight. (8) Hindquarters — Long, wide, deep, square behind. (a) Hips, large and rounded on the side rather than sloping. 204 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (b) Crupper, creased, and possessed of moderate and gradual downward slope. (c) Thighs, broad and full. (d) Twist, well down and full. (9) Legs — Strong, straight and of but moderate length. (a) They should be placed well under the body and wide apart. (b) Too much of length is to be guarded against. ("lo^ Fleece — Long, fine, even in length and quality and dense. (a) The fiber should be strong, elastic, beautifully crimped, not less than four inches long at one year, and should stand at right angles to the body. (b) When opened it should present a bright, .lustrous, oily appearance. (c) While the yolk or oil should be abundant, flakes and scurf should be absent. (d) It should cover every part except for a short distance above the muzzle, the eyes and ears, and below the fetlock. (e) Skin, pinkish or flesh-colored. IT. General Appearance — The Rambouillet is a tall, strong sheep, a little upstanding, only fairly symmetrical in form and of easy action. III. Compared with the American Merino. (i) The Rambouillets are much taller, larger, heavier, stronger limbed and are somewhat more rangy. (2) They have a better mutton form and are also con- siderably less wrinkled, and (3) The wool is much longer, but is not quite so dense or fine, and is much more free from excess of yolk. IV. Compared with the Delaines. (i) The Rambouillets are considerably taller, larger, heavier and stronger limbed and are somewhat more rangy. (2) They have a mutton form not quite so smooth or refined. (3) The wool of the two types is very similar in many respects, but the Rambouillet fleece is not so heavy in propor- tion to the size of the sheep. LU C o -o .£: 3 O 'o. o CO o THE MEDIUM WOOLED BREEDS LECTURE NO. 7. SOUTHDOWN SHEEP ORIGIN AND HISTORY, CHAR- ACTERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. The Southdowns are so named from a long range of chalky hills upon which they originally pastured. (i) These hills extend through the southern part of the counties of Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Dorsetshire. (2) They are some sixty miles long and five or six miles broad and are contiguous to the sea and also to vale land capable of furnishing plentiful supplies of food. (3) They have a dry soil and are covered v^ith a rich, sweet, short, dense herbage. II. On these hills the progenitors of the South- downs have fed for many centuries. (i) They are one of the smaller varieties of sheep originally found in various parts of England, which were characterized by dark faces and feet, and in some instances by wool of the same character, and nearly all of which were horned. (2) Improvement in Southdowns was effected much earlier than in any of the other dark-faced breeds. III. External characters of the original South- down. (i) They were small in outline, long and thin in the neck, narrow in the forequarters, high in the shoulder, sharp on the back, low behind, flat in the rib and long though not coarse in limb. (2) The wool was short, fine and curling. 206 SOUTHDOWN SHEEP. 207 (3) It is thought originally they were horned, but none have existed within the historic period of the breed. IV. The improvement of Southdowns began about the period of the American Revolutionary war in 1776. (i) It received its chief impulse, however, from the high prices paid for mutton during the Napoleonic wars. (2) The two most noted improvers of the breed were John Ellman of Glynde, near Lewis in Sussex, and later Jonas Webb of Babraham, Cambridgeshire. V. John Ehman began his work of improve- ment about 1780, and died in 1832. (i) While improving the form he guarded well the con- stitutional qualities of the animal. (2) He left this beautiful breed much the same in type as it is to-day. VI. Distribution of Southdowns in Britain. (i) They have virtually superseded the ancient breeds of Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire, and for a time greatly circumscribed the limits of the area occupied by horned Dorsets. (2) They occupy limited areas suited to their require- ments in many of the counties of England and they have also been introduced into Scotland to some extent, and (3) They have been so fused into several breeds as to almost obliterate their distinctions. VII. Importations into the United States. (i) They were imported into America from England about the beginning of the century. (2) Dr. Rose of Fayette, Seneca county, N. Y., possessed a small flock as early as 1803. (3) Importations have been made at intervals during the century, but not in large numbers. (4) The great demand during much of the century for fine wool and the relatively small size of this excellent breed have militated against its rapid distribution. VIII. Organizations. (i) Associations to promote the interests of the breed have been established, first, in the United States and later in Great Britain. (2) The American Southdown Breeders' Association was organized in 1882. 208 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. IX. Distribution in the United States and Canada. (i) Southdowns have been recorded from forty-three different states and from six provinces of Canada. (2) They are most numerously kept in the province of Ontario and in the states of Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Vermont and Kentucky, and in the order named. X. Registration in the United States. (i) In all, 12,350 animals have been recorded. (2) Of these, 3,650 are rams, 8,587 are ewes and 113 are wethers. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size. (i) The Southdowns are the smallest of the medium- wooled breeds that have been imported into America, but (2) Owing to their compact form, they weigh remarkably well in proportion to their size. II. Adaptabihty. (i) Southdowns are best adapted to undulating, rolling or broken and hilly lands with a dry soil and a short, fine herbage, but (2) They can also be grown in good form in arable sec- tions where the land is fairly productive. III. Early maturing- qualities. (i) In early maturing qualities Southdowns stand in the very first rank. (2) When well fed, the lambs are in condition for market at almost any age. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) Their small size and active habits pre-eminently adapt them to grazing on hilly and broken land, and (2) Their tidy, thick fleece of short wool enables them to endure well, exposure to storms. V. Feeding qualities. (i) These also have placed them in the front rank. SOUTHDOWN SHEEP. 2O9 (2) Their tidy, neat forms constitute them easy keepers and they are sufficiently docile to submit to the necessary restraints of feeding. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) In this respect also they stand in the front rank. (2) The mutton is tender, juicy, fine grained, of good flavor and yields a large proportion of good meat, both to live and dead weights. VII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) They have been used more than any other breed in the origination of various other pure dark-faced breeds. (2) They may with much advantage be crossed upon grades of *the various long-wooled breeds, upon large-bodied common ewes and upon grade Merinos, where a more com- pact and easy keeping mutton sheep is wanted. VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) The breeding qualities of Southdowns are good, but not more than average. (2) They are not distinguished for the number of couplets which they produce. IX. Wool production. (i) The fleece is flner than that of any of the other British breeds imported into America, and it has something more of closure. (2) It is dense, however, and would probably average five to seven pounds unwashed. STANDARD POINTS. I. The following is the standard of excellence adopted by the American Southdown Breeders' Association : POINTS. (i) Head — Medium in size and hornless; fine, car- ried well up, the forehead or face well covered with wool, especially between the ears and on the cheeks, and in the ewe slightly dished . . 5 (2) Lips and Under Jaw — Fine and thin . .1 (3) Ears — Rather small, tolerably wide apart, cov- ered with fine hair, and carried with a lively back and forth movement 2 (4) Eyes — Full and bright 3 14 2IO THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (5 (6 (7 (8 (9 10 II 12 13 14 15 i6 17 19 ,20 POINTS. Face — A uniform tint of brown or gray, or mouse color 3 Neck — Short, fine at the head, but nicely taper- ing, and broad and straight on top at the shoulders 4 Shoulders — Broad and full, smoothly joining the neck with the back 5 Breast — Wide, deep and projecting well for- ward, the forelegs standing wide apart . . 5 Back and Loin — Broad and straight from shoul- ders to rump 7 Ribs — Well arched, extending far backward, the last projecting more than the others . . 6 Rump — Broad, square and full, with tail well set up 6 Hips — Wide, with little space between them and last ribs ........ 6 ThigJis — Full and well let down in the twist, the legs standing well apart .... 6 Limbs — Short and fine in bone and in color to agree with face 3 Forelegs — Well wooled and carrying mutton to the knee, but free from meat below . . 2 Hind Legs — Well filled with mutton and wooled to the hocks, neat and clean below . . .2 Belly — Straight and well covered with wool, the flank extending so as to form a line parallel with the back or top line 5 Fleece — Compact, the whole body well covered with moderately long and close wool, white in color and carrying some yolk . . . .12 Form — Throughout smooth and symmetrical, with no coarseness in any part .... 9 General Appearance — Spirited and attractive, with a determined look and proud and firm step, indicating constitutional vigor and thorough breeding 8 Perfection 100 II. Additional remarks. (i) A good Southdown furnishes in its form the true ideal type of the mutton sheep. (2) It is admirably proportioned and of perfect sym- metry, but (3) Lack of size and lack of weight in the fleece to some extent interfere with its more general distribution. LECTURE NO. 8. TUNIS SHEEP THEIR ORIGIN AND HISTORY, CHAR- ACTERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. The Tunis sheep, as the name would indi- cate, came originally from Tunis, in Northern Africa. (i) In their native home they are what may be termed a mountain or semi-mountain breed. (2) They feed upon the ranges southward to the desert and eastward to Algeria. II. Origin of the breed. (i) Their earliest origin is lost in the obscurity of a distant past. (2) They fed upon those ranges before the commence- ment of the Christian era. III. When imported into the United States. (i) The first and only importation was made, it has been claimed, in 1799. (2) In that year a few specimens were shipped to the United States by or through Gen. William Eaton, who was then United States consul at Tunis. (3) Only one male and one female survived the voyage, and these are the progenitors of all the Tunis sheep now found in the United States. IV. Progress in the United States. (i) The original pair were placed on the farm of Judge Richard Peters near Philadelphia. (2) They and their grades multiplied until the neigh- boring counties were well stocked with them. V. Hindrances to rapid extension. (i) The dominance of the fine wool interests operated against the rapid extension of the breed southward, and 211 E c 3 Q. CO TUNIS SHEEP. 213 (2) The advent of the Down breeds hindered their exten- sion northward. VI. Introduction into the South. (i) It is said they were introduced into Georgia early in the century and some flocks were early established in Virginia and the Carolinas. (2) These were kept with satisfactory results until they were almost annihilated by the Civil war, VII. Re-estabHshment of the breed. (i) Their continued existence was made known to the general public by an exhibit made at the World's Fair, held at Chicago in 1893. (2) This exhibit attracted the attention of Charles Roun- tree of Yountsville, Ind., who visited the Carolinas in 1894 and purchased a small flock for his Indiana farm. (3) They were selected from what some have claimed was the only surviving flock bred pure at that time in the United States. VIII. Organization. (i) An association was organized in the interests of the breed in 1896, with headquarters in Indiana. (2) Records are also being kept. IX. Distribution in the United States. (i) The number of pure flocks in the United States is probably less than a score. (2) These are centered in Indiana and South Carolina, but they are extending southward. X. Registration in the United States. (i) Only a few hundred individuals have yet been recorded, but (2) The number is rapidly increasing. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size. (i) In size, the Tunis sheep are not far different from the Dorset, and in general outline they have some resemblance, but the Dorsets are considerably heavier. (2) The average weight of the matured rams in good form may be put at about 180 pounds and of matured ewes at about 135 pounds. 214 "^HE STUDY OF BREEDS. II. Adaptability. (1) Because of their great hardihood the Tunis sheep are adapted to conditions where breeds other than the Merino would fail. (2) They seem to have much ability to withstand the heat of a warm climate, hence they will probably spread southward rather than northward, where the field is much more occupied with other breeds. (3) Their habit of breeding at almost any season desired emphasizes such adaptation. III. Early maturing qualities. (i) These are of the best, since the lambs can be rapidly pushed along for the market. (2) This property should prove especially valuable under southern conditions, where winter lambs could be grazed much of the time on pastures grown for the purpose. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) These are excellent, since they are active foragers and like the Merino will consume a great variety of plants. (2) They take kindly to the native grasses of the south, including those that infest the corn and cotton fields. V. Feeding qualities. (i) These are good, since they can be fed for market at almost any age. (2) Their value in fattening under the folding system has not apparently been proved, but there would seem to be no reasons why they should not do well under such a system. (3) It is also claimed that the carcass dresses profitably on the block. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) The quality of the meat is said to be of the very best. (2) The fat is blended with the lean, rather than laid on externally and internally, and the flavor of the meat has been highly praised. VII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) When crossed upon the various Down breeds they put their stamp upon the progeny, thus showing their great prepotency. (2) The cross upon the Merino, pure or graded, is said to improve the mutton qualities, and that upon native stocks in the south results in marked improvement in the entire animal. TUNIS SHEEP. 215 VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) Like the Dorsets, Tunis sheep are prolific. (2) They not only produce many couplets, but in some instances they breed twice a year. IX. Wool production. (i) The wool would seem to be not very dissimilar \o that of the Dorset in quantity and quality. (2) The average fleece may be put at about seven and one-half pounds unwashed. X. Compared with Southdowns. (i) The Tunis sheep are larger and more rangy than the Southdowns, are ahead of the latter in adaptation to warm climates, have better breeding qualities and produce a heavier fleece. (2) The Southdowns have a somewhat more perfect mut- ton form, probably keep more easily and dress even better on the block. (3) In other essential characteristics they do not greatlv differ. STANDARD POINTS. I. The following is the scale of points adopted by the American Tunis Sheep Breeders' Association : POINTS. (i) Blood — Imported from Tunis or a perfect line of ancestors extending back to the flock owned and bred by Judge Richard Peters of Penn- sylvania ......... 20 (2) Constitution — Healthful countenance, lively look, head erect, deep chest, ribs well arched, round body with good length, strong, straight back, muscles fine and firm ...... 15 (3) Fleece — Medium length, medium quality, me- dium quantity, color tinctured with gray, never pure white, evenness throughout . 10 (4) Covering — Body and neck well covered with wool, legs bare or slightly covered, face free of wool and covered with fine hair ... 10 (5) Form — Body straight, broad and well propor- tioned, small bone ; breast, wide and prominent in front; tail, the little end should be docked, leaving the fleshy part fan shape or tapering, three to six inches broad, four to six inches long and well covered with wool . . . .12 2l6 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. POINTS (6) Head — Small and hornless, or nearly so, taper- ing to end of nose ; face and nose clean ; in color, brown and white ; ears broad, pendulous and covered with fine hair, in color brown to light fawn lo (7) Neck — Aledium in length, well placed on shoul- ders, small and tapering 5 (8) Legs — Short; color, brown and white (slightly wooled below the knee not objectionable) . 6 (9) Size — In fair condition ; wdien fully matured, rams should weigh 150 pounds and upward, ewes 120 pounds and upward .... 6 (10) General Appearance — Good carriage, head well up, quick, elastic movements showing symme- try of form and uniformity of character throughout 6 . Perfection 100 II. Compared with Southdowns. (i) Tunis sheep are larger, though perhaps not heavier, and are more rangy and somewhat longer in the limbs. (2) The ears are longer and droop, and the tail is much broader. (3) The head and legs are not quite so well covered, the wool is somewhat longer and coarser, and the fleece a little heavier. III. Peculiarities of the tail. (i) At birth the tail has much loose skin extending from the base for a considerable distance downward. (2) Unless when cut close while the animal is young the space thus furnished fills with a fatty substance to the width of three to four inches. (3) It will then weigh from three to six pounds, accord- ing to the condition of the sheep. (4) The Tunis breed is not to be confounded with various other races of fat-tailed sheep found in the old world. LECTURE NO. 9. DORSET HORN SHEEP ORIGIN AND HISTORY^ CHAR- ACTERISTICS AND PRINCIPAL POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. The Dorsets are an ancient breed of sheep, which, in large numbers, inhabited certain of the midland and southeastern counties of England dur- ing previous centuries. (i) They had substantially the same characteristics, but some minor differences existed, largely due to variations of climate and food. (2) In nearly all of those districts their identity has been obliterated through crossing with other breeds, II. The central home of the breed at present is in Dorsetshire and Somersetshire, where they have been bred from time immemorial. (i) The leading flocks in Dorset are found in the south and west with Dorchester as a center, and in the isle of Purbeck. (2) In Somerset it is claimed that they are more numer- ous than in Dorset and are somewhat larger in frame. III. The original sheep of Dorset and Somer- set compared. (i) The sheep of Dorset were rather small and light of carcass, black of nose and lip, wide of horn, light and low in the shoulders, long but not coarse of limb, and ragged in coat, but they were broad and somewhat deep of loin. (2) The Somerset Dorsets were larger and more lank in form, had pink noses, longer wool, and produced larger lambs. IV. Breeding characteristics of the original Dorsets. 217 DORSET HORN SHEEP. 2ig (i) There is evidence to show that for at least 200 years past it was customary with many to breed them so as to drop lambs in the early autumn, and (2) In many instances they have been bred twice a year, like the sheep of some warm climates. V. The improvement of the breed. (i) But little was done for the improvement of the breed until near the middle of the century. (2) They did not receive much encouragement from the agricultural societies, and were not recognized as a distinct breed at the Royal Agricultural Society's show until 1862. (3) The improvement of the breed was brought about by careful selecting, judicious mating and improved food, and without drawing upon alien blood. VI. The improvers of Dorsets. (i) No one name stands out pre-eminently as an improver of Dorsets, but the first distinguished in this line was Richard Seymour of Bradpole. (2) During recent years many breeders have been zealous in this work. VII. Period of retrogression. (i) During the first half of the century, Dorsets were at first superseded by Merinos, and to a far greater extent by Southdowns. (2) They were also much crossed upon by Southdowns and Leicesters, insomuch that (3) At one time fears were entertained in some quarters for the preservation of the breed, but they are rapidly regaining lost ground. VIII. Distribution in Britain. (i) Outside of Dorset and Somerset. Dorsets are most numerous in Devon and the Isle of Wight, but (2) During recent years small flocks have been estab- lished in other counties of England, and in Scotland and Ireland. (3) Prior to 1885 they were very largely confined to the counties of Dorset and Somerset. IX. Distribution in other countries. (i) They were first imported into Canada in 1885 by E. Stanford of Markham, Ont. (2) They were first introduced into the United States from Hamilton, Ont., by William Dalev of Lockport, N. Y., in 1887. 220 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (3) The first direct importation was made from Britain by A. Thayer, Hoosick Falls, N. Y., and E. F. Bowditch of Massachusetts, in 1887. (4) They were introduced into France in 1890. X. Organizations. (i) Associations to promote the interests of the breed have been established both in England and in the United States. (2) The American Dorset Horn Association was estab- lished in 1891. (3) The American Continental Dorset Club was estab- lished in 1897. XL Distribution in the United States and Canada. (i) Dorsets are now being recorded from 27 states and from several of the provinces of Canada. (2) In the United States they are found most numerously in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut, and probably in the order named. XII. Registration in the United States. (i) The two American associations have registered 10,738 animals. (2) Of these a small percentage only are duplicates. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size. (i) In size the Dorsets are larger than the Southdowns, but do not weigh so well in proportion. (2) The size has, however, been much improved during recent years. (3) The average weight of matured rams in fair flesh is about 215 pounds and of matured ewes 165 pounds. II. Adaptability. (i) They have a semi-mountain character which well adapts them to grassy slopes, plains and hills of moderate elevation, and yet (2) They can be reared in fine form on arable land, and even on land not sufficiently drained. (3) For the production of "winter lambs," that is, unweaned lambs which can be marketed in the winter and early spring, they are unrivalled. DORSET HORN SHEEP. 221 III. Early maturing qualities. (i) They stand in the front rank in early maturing qualities. (2) The lambs especially attain heavy weights at an early age. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) Their grazing qualities are excellent, as they are quick in movement and are possessed of good staying pow- ers, and ,2) They will eat coarser herbage than some of the other breeds. V. Feeding qualities. (i) Owing to their docility they stand the confinement of folding and housing well. (2) When srfficiently well fed the aged dams are ready for the market almost as soon as the lambs which they suckle. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) The meat is tender, good and well flavored where the pasture is suitable, and it has a fair proportion of lean, but (2) The proportion of dead meat to the live weight is not quite equal to that obtained from the Southdown. VI I. Value in crossing and grading. (i) Dorsets answer better for being crossed upon than for crossing for mutton uses, as (2) Horns in mutton sheep are not desirable, but (3) In producing a class of cross bred or grade ewes possessed of the propensity to breed early, they are of great value. VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) These are of the very first order. (2) They may be mated in the spring, breed regularly, and will in some instances breed twice a year. (3) It is claimed that they produce from 130 to 180 per cent of lambs, and the dams are good nurses and great milkers. IX. Wool production. (i) It has been estimated that the mature sheep will shear on an average from six to eight pounds unwashed wool and the lambs from two and one-half to three pounds. (2) In fineness it is next to that of the Tunis. 222 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. X. Compared with Southdowns. (i) Dorsets lead considerably in size, are more prolific and better milkers, are superior for crossing when early lambs are sought, and grow a heavier fleece. (2) The Southdowns have more of general adaptability, mature even more quickly, and fatten and kill somewhat better. PRINCIPAL POINTS. I. In the absence of an authorized scale of points, the following is submitted : (i) Size — Medium for the breed, but the size is of course affected by environment. (2) General Outline — Inclining to long and not too com- pact or massive. (3) Head — Large rather than small, tapering toward the muzzle and longer than in some breeds, and covered with a tuft of wool of medium length. (a) Forehead, broad and covered with a tuft of wool of medium length. (b) Nose, frequently slightly Roman, more especially in the males. (c) Poll, wide. (d) Horns in both sexes, small and flat in the female, but considerably longer, stronger and more angular in the male and curved spirally outward from the side of the head. (e) Ears, fairly long and fine and inclining a little outward. (4) Neek — Not less than medium in length and general development. (a) Not strong at the junction with the lead, nor of more than average development at the junction with the shoulders. (b) Depression on the top is to be guarded against. (5) Back — Fairly wide, straight and level. (a) Withers fairly wide and not elevated. (b) Loin, broad and long. (6) Foreqiiarters — Of nearly equal development with the hindquarters, but not quite so well filled out. (a) Shoulders of fair size and moderately rounded out above, with increasing fullness in center and lower portion. (b) Chest, capacious. (c) Breast, wide, deep and at least moderately well filled. (d) Brisket, rounded and of much width. (e) Forearm, inclining to long and tapering. (7) Body — Inclining to long in the barrel and capacious. DORSET HORN SHEEP. 223 (a) Ribs of medium closeness and fairly round and deep in their spring, (b) Crops, undue depression is to be guarded against, (c) Foreflank, full. (d) Hindflank, low and moderately full. (e) Deficient heart girth is to be guarded against. (f) Underline, nearly straight. (8) Hindquarters — Long, wide, deep and full. (a) Hips, large, of at least medium fullness and depth, and long. (b) Crupper, creased above the spinal column. (c) Thighs, full, inclining to long and tapering, (d) Buttock, wide and square. (e) Twist, full and placed medium low. (9) Legs — ]\Iedium in length, size and strength, and straight. (a) They should stand firmly and well apart, (b) In color they are white. (10) Fleece — Evenly distributed over the body, coming but a short distance forward on the cheek and down to the knee and hock. (a) The wool inclines to fine, is about three and one-half inches long when grown, and not more than medium in density. (b) It is beautifully white and has a fair amount of yolk. (c) The skin should be flesh-colored, II. General appearance. (i) The Dorset is a somewhat long-bodied sheep of fair symmetry and style, and (2) It is active, easy and graceful in its movements, III. Compared with the Southdown. (i) The Dorset is considerably larger and more rangy in form and limb. (2) It is longer in the head, neck and body, not so plump relatively in the breast, shoulder and crops, nor quite so round in the spring of rib. (3) The wool covers less of the head and legs, is longer, a little coarser and considerably less dense. (4) The head and legs are white, while those of the Southdown are some shade of brown. LU CU o x: 'a. CO CO "oh LECTURE NO. lo. SHROPSHIRE SHEEP THEIR ORIGIN AND HISTORY, CHARACTERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. The Shropshire is a sheep composite in character, the improvement of which has been chiefly effected during the present century. (i) The original breed from which they are descended were chiefly known as "Morfe Common" sheep, from an extensive tract in Shropshire on which they fed, but (2) Some are the descendants of sheep that fed on Can- nock Chase in Staffordshire and on Whittington Heath, and (3) The blood of all these strains now mingles in the improved Shropshire. II. How improvement has been effected. (i) Improvement has been effected very largely through crossing and selection, and also through better care and food. (2) The blood of the Southdown, Cotswold and Leicester breeds has all been freely used in their improvement, but not in a regular or settled order, although (3) Since the middle of the century but little outside blood has been used, and for many years none at all. III. The breed while yet unimproved. (i) Originally the Shropshires were horned, had black or brown or spotted faces, and were an active and hardy race. (2) They produced about two and one-half pounds of wool per fleece, and about forty pounds of mutton to the carcass. IV. The improvers of Shropshires. (i) Improvement was effected by a number of breeders working simultaneously and not always in the sam.e lines, hence (2) The lack of uniformity in types which characterized the breed for many years after improvement had commenced. 15 225 226 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. V. Recognition at exhibitions. (i) Shropshires first gained marked distinction at the Royal Society's show at Gloucester in 1853 and again at Salis- bury in 1857. (2) They were first recognized in the prize lists of the said show in 1859. (3) In 1884, at the Royal show at Shrewsbury, 875 Shrop- shires were on exhibition, or more than twice as many as were brought forward of all the other breeds combined. VI. Distribution of Shropshires in Britain. (i) While the central home of the breed is Shropshire, they are now bred numerously in more than half the counties of England. (2) They are also bred in considerable numbers in several counties in Scotland and Ireland. VII. Distribution in other countries. (i) Although not imported into the United States until 1855, they are now more numerous than any of the other breeds, and are also more generally distributed over the Union. (2) Excellent flocks have also been established in Canada, more especially in Ontario, where also they are more numerous than any of the other pure breeds. (3) And they are foun^ in considerable numbers in vari- ous countries in Europe anc the continent of South America. VIII. Organizations. (i) Shropshires are protected by breeders' associations both in England and America, and registration is carefully maintained in both countries. (2) The American Shropshire Registry Association was organized in 1884, and at least two other associations some- what local in character have since been organized. (3) The first volume of the American Shropshire Sheep Record was published in 1889. IX. Distribution of Shropshires in the United States and Canada. (i) They are now being recorded from 50 states and provinces. (2) The leading centers of distribution are probably Ontario, New York, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin, but (3) They are relatively quite numerous in all the central states. SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. 227 X. Registration in the United States. (i) The American Shropshire Association has recorded 128,623 animals. (2) About 40 per cent of these are males. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size. (i) In size Shropshires are considerably larger than the Southdowns and they are of heavier build than the Dorsets, but are not so large as the other Down breeds. (2) In weight they are not a little ahead of the South- downs, and they are probably heavier also than the Dorsets. II. Adaptability. (i) Their wide diffusion and increasing popularity are sure indications of their general adaptability. (2) They are best adapted, however, to surfaces not vio- lently undulating, and to sections where a fair proportion of the land is arable. III. Early maturing qualities. (i) They mature quite as early probably as any other breed except the Southdown. (2) This property in the Shropshire is peculiarly valuable, owing to the extent to which they are used in crossing. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) The grazing qualities of the Shropshire are good, but it requires better pastures than the Southdown and Merino. (2) Its docility also adapts it well to folding. V. Feeding qualities. (i) Shropshires feed very well under suitable conditions. (2) The closeness of the fleece enables them to be fattened where the shelter is very moderate, and they give an excellent return for the food fed. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) The quality of the meat is excellent, about equal to that of the Southdown, while the quantity furnished is con- siderably more, and (2) Like the Southdown they dress well in proportion to the live weight. 228 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. VII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) For crossing upon Merino grades and common stocks generally, the Shropshires have shown themselves as possessed of especial value. (2) They also cross excellently upon the grades of the long wool varieties, and for that purpose they are now being used more extensively in the United States than any other va: iety. VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) The claim has been made that Shropshires are the most prolific of all the breeds, but this claim is certainly extravagant. (2) It would be correct, however, to say that in this respect they are at least average. IX. Wool production. (i) The average fleece from a good flock should clip nine to ten pounds unwashed in the ewes and twelve to fifteen pounds in the rams. (2) The wool should be of medium length, between the Southdown and Hampshire Down in fineness, and it should be even and close. X. Compared with Southdowns. (i) The Shropshires are considerably larger, require better grazing lands, produce larger progeny when crossed on other stocks and a heavier fleece of wool. (2) The Southdowns are something ahead in maturity and it may be in easy keeping qualities, and (3) In other essential characteristics they are not far different. STANDARD POINTS. I. The following is the standard scale ol points of excellence adopted by the American Shrop- shire Association : POINTS. (i) Constitution — Constitution and quality indi- cated by the form of body; deep and large in breast and through the heart ; back wide, straight and well covered with lean meat or muscle; wide and full in the thigh, deep in flank; skin thick but soft and of a pink color; prominent, bril- liant eyes and healthy countenance . . .25 SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. 229 POINTS. Objections — Deficiency of brisket, light around the heart, fish back, pointed shoulders, tucked in flank, pale or too dark skin objec- tionable. (2) Sice — In fair condition when fully matured, rams should weigh not less than 225 pounds and ewes not less than 175 pounds . . 10 Objections — Rams in full flesh 175 pounds or under, ewes in full flesh 150 pounds or under, (3) General Appearance — General appearance and character ; good carriage ; head well up ; elastic movement, showing great symmetry of form and uniformity of character throughout . . ro Objections — Head drooping, low in neck, sluggish movement. (4) Body — Well proportioned ; medium bones ; great scale and length ; well finished hindquar- ers; thick back and loins; twist deep and full, standing with legs well placed outside; breast wide and extending well forward ... 15 Objections — Too fine bones, short body, defi- cient in twist, legs close together, light in brisket. (5) Head — Head short and broad; wide between the ears and between the eyes ; short from top of head to tip of nose ; ears short, of medium size ; eyes expressive ; head should be well cov- ered with wool to a point even with the eyes, without any appearance of horns ; color of face dark brown 10 Objections — Horns disqualify; white face dis- qualifies; head with prominent bones; bare on top of head. (6) Neck — Medium length, good bone and muscu- lar development; and especially with the rams, heavier toward the shoulders, set high up and rising from that point to back of head . . 5 (7) Legs and Feet — Broad, short, straight; well set apart ; well shaped ; color dark brown and well wooled to the knees 10 (8) Fleece — Body, ,head, belly and legs to knees well covered with fleece of even length and quality; scrotum of rams well covered with wool (9) Quality of Wool — Medium such as is known in our markets as "medium delaine" and "half combing wool," strong, fine, lustrous fiber, with- out tendency to mat or felt together, and at one 10 230 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. POINTS. year's growth not less than three and one-half inches in length 5 Perfection 100 II. Additional points. (i) The nose of the rams should be broad and wrinkled. (2) The ears of both sexes of an even dark color, and neither erect nor drooping. (3) A soft black color of face and legs is preferred to dark brown, and (4) Black and gray wool anywhere and coarse wool on the hips are objectionable. III. Compared with Southdowns. (i) Shropshires are larger and longer in body and carry a heavier fleece. (2) The head has a more complete covering of wool and the wool everywhere is longer, but not so fine, and (3) The color of the face and legs is considerably darker. LECTURE NO. ii. CHEVIOT SHEEP ORIGIN AND HISTORY, CHARAC- TERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. A narrow strip of country along the River Tweed and amid the Cheviot hills formed the origi- nal home of this breed of sheep. (i) Amid the hills and valleys of this semi-mountain range they have pastured for long centuries. (2) Neither history nor tradition has given the slightest clue as to the origin of the Cheviots which may be accepted as satisfactory. II. Their former characters. (i) Originally they were small, light boned and light in the breast and forequarter. (2) The wool was finer than at present, but it was also much shorter. (3) They were then, as now, a singularly hardy breed. III. How improvement was effected. (i) Improvement in breeding flocks has been secured entirely by selection, improved keep in winter and intelligent management. (2) The blood of both the long and medium wooled breeds has frequently been introduced, but to no purpose, except with the drafts held for disposal, as a lessened hardi- hood is the invariable result. IV. Exposure in their native home. (i) During the whole of the year Cheviots are exposed without any shelter save that which their native glens afford. (2) They are fed some hay in time of deep snow, and the ewes get turnips at the lambing season. (3) The terrible winter storms which occur at intervals sometimes occasion severe losses. 231 lU CO LU CHEVIOT SHEEP. 233 V. Disposal of Cheviots. (i) They are seldom finished on the lands on which they are reared, but ^ . , , 1 1 j (2) Are sold at various ages to be finished on lowland pastures. VI. Distribution in Britain. (i) They are now found as far south as Cornwall, and have been extended to the extreme north of Scotland, but only on elevations found suitable for them. (2) On many of the hills they have entirely superseded the Black-faced Highland breed. VII. Distribution in other countries. (i) They were first imported Into Delaware county, N. Y., in 1838, by Robert Young, but (2) Their diffusion was very slow and gradual untd sub- sequently to 1880. (3) A number of flocks have also been established m the Dominion of Canada. VIII. Organization. (i) The American Cheviot Sheep Breeders' Association was organized at Hartwick, N. Y., in 1891. (2) The National Cheviot Sheep Society was organized at Indianapolis, Ind., in 1894. (3) Records are being kept by both associations. IX. Distribution in the United States. (i) Flocks of more or less size exist in nearly all the states east of the Mississippi river and north of the Ohio and Potomac. (2) They are most numerous in the states of New York and Indiana and in the order named. (3) Strange to say, they do not appear to have been intro- duced into the range country. X. Registration in the United States. * (i) There have been recorded in all by the two American associations 5,743 animals. (2) Of these about one-fourth are males and the remain- der females. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size, (i) In size they are about equal to the Dorsets, which to some extent they resemble in shape, but they carry a longer fleece. 234 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (2) The average weight of the rams in good flesh is about 200 to 220 pounds and of the ewes 150 to 160 pounds, II. Adaptability. (i) They are well adapted to hilly lands, where hardihood is an important essential, but they can also be successfully reared on undulating surfaces. (2) They should do well on the lower ranges of the Alle- ghenies and the Rocky mountains, more especially the former. III. Early maturing qualities. (i) These are not so good as in some breeds, owing lo the manner of rearing which the conditions necessitate, but (2) In this respect they have been improved during recent years. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) These are superlatively good, but (2) Cheviots do better on short, fine herbage than on coarse grasses and heath. V. Feeding qualities. (i) Being a semi-mountain breed they would not submit so well to close confinement as some other breeds, hence (2) They are more commonly finished on pastures and by folding. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) The mutton is very good, but (2) It is not quite equal to the Southdown in delicacy, nor to the mountain breeds in flavor. VII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) There is probably not very wide room for using this breed for crossing in rich, arable sections, but (2) On exposed ranges and in bleak situations they could doubtless oftentimes be used with much advantage. VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) Cheviots breed with much regularity, but (2) They are not particularly noted as producers of couplets. IX. Wool production. (i) The average fleece should weigh eight to ten pounds. CHEVIOT SHEEP. 235 (2) The wool is coarser now than formerly, and is not always even in quality. X. Compared with Southdowns. (i) Cheviots are larger and more rangy and even more hardy, are adapted to even a wider range of conditions, are better for crossing where hardihood is sought and carry a heavier fleece of wool. (2) The Southdowns mature earlier, feed more quickly, dress somewhat better on the block, and are superior for cross- ing where improvement in mutton qualities is sought. STANDARD POINTS. I. The following is the scale of points drawn lip by the American Cheviot Sheep Breeders' Asso- ciation : POINTS. (i) Blood — Pure bred from one or more importa- tions from Scotland 10 (2) Constitution and Quality — Indicated by the form of body ; deep and large in breast and through the heart ; back, wide and straight and well covered with lean meat ; wide and full in the thigh ; deep in flank ; skin soft and pink in color ; prominent eyes, healthful countenance . 25 (3) Sice — In fair condition, when fully matured, rams should weigh not less than 17s pounds; ewes 135 pounds when bred in America. Im- ported stock: Rams 125 to 150 pounds, ewes 100 to 125 pounds 10 (4) General Appearance — Good carriage ; head well up ; elastic movement ; shov/ing symmetry of form and uniformity of character throughout . 10 (5) Body — Well proportioned; small bone; great scale and length ; well finished hindquarters ; thick back and loins ; standing with legs placed well outside ; breast wide and prominent in front ; tail wide and well covered with wool . 10 (6) Head — Long and broad and wide between the eyes ; ears of medium length and erect ; face white, but small black spots on head and ears are not objectionable; straight or Roman nose; end of nose dark, but never smut nose on top with black or brown ; no tuft of wool on head 10 (7) Neck — Medium in length; thick and well placed on the shoulders 5 236 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. POINTS. (8) Legs and Feet — Short legs, well set apart ; color white ; no wool on legs ; fore legs round, hind legs flat and straight; hoofs black and well shaped 5 (9) Covering — Body and belly well covered with fleece of medium length and good quality . . 10 (10) Quality of Wool — Medium; such as is known in the market as half combing wool . . 5 Perfection 100 11. Compared with Southdowns. (i) Cheviots are larger in size and considerably longer in body. (2) They are longer and stronger in limb and are less compact in the coupling. (3) They are longer in the head and ears, are more bare of wool on head and legs, and these are white in color. (4) The wool is longer, but less fine in character, and not so evenly distributed. LECTURE NO. 12. SUFFOLK DOWN SHEEP ORIGIN AND HISTORY, CHARACTERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. Suffolk sheep are a composite breed, whose central home is in the counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge and Essex in England. (i) They are essentially the outcome of the crossing of Southdown rams upon ewes of the old Norfolk breed. (2) These crosses continued to a greater or lesser extent until the middle of the present century. II. The old Norfolks may be described as follows : (i) Their bodies and limbs were long and robust. (2) They carried their heads erect, and both sexes had horns. (3) The fleece was fine, soft and silky, and weighed about two and one-half pounds. (4) The color of the face and feet was a jet black. (5) They were hardy and prolific, but shy, and their active habits admirably adapted them for grazing on scant pastures. III. The improvers of Suffolks. (i) The work of improvement was carried on simulta- neously by a number of breeders in the counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge and Essex. (2) George Dobito of Ludgate, Suffolk, was the most zealous and distinguished of the early improvers. (3) Some of the existing flocks date back to the earlier years of the century. IV. Suffolks on exhibition. (i) They were first called "Suffolks" in 1859 when classes were created for them at the show held by the Suffolk Agri- cultural Association. -^17 LU C o O m ■q. CO SUFFOLK DOWN SHEEP. 239 (2) In 1883, 1884 and 1885, they were awarded first honors in competition with all other short wooled breeds at the shows held during those respective years, by the Royal Agricultural Society. (3) For many years past they have also made a creditable exhibit at the Smithficld Club and other fat stock shows. V. Distribution of Suffolks in other countries. (i) Suffolk's have been exported, but only during recent years, to several countries in Europe, to South America, Can- ada and the United States. (2) The first importation of Suffolks to Canada was made by B. W. Sewell, Frederickton, N. B., in 1888. (3) The first importation was made to the United States by M. B. Streeter, Brooklyn, N. Y., in iJ VI. Suffolk sheep societies. (i) The Suffolk Sheep Society of England was estab- lished in 1886. (2) The American Suffolk Flock Registry Association was established in 1892, with headquarters at Des Moines, la. (3) Registration is being given careful attention by both associations. VII. Distribution in the United States and Canada. (i) The chief center of distribution in the United States is Iowa, and in Canada, Ontario, but (2) There are now flocks of Suffolks in several of the states. VIII. Registration in the United States. _ (i) Owing to the recent introduction of Suffolks into the United States the number entered for record is not yet numerous. (2) The initial volume of the American Suffolk Flock Book has not yet appeared. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size. (i) The Suffolks are larger than the Southdowns, Dor- sets and Shropshires, and nearly as large as the Hampshires and Oxfords, but (2) They are not quite so heavy as the two last named breeds. 240 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. II. Adaptability. (i) The Suffolks are well adapted to farms with some good arable land, and a considerable range of pastures, not over luxuriant. (2) Their active habits and hardihood make them good rustlers. (3) The average weight of rams in good thrift is about 230 pounds and of ewes 185 pounds. III. Early maturing qualities. (i) The strong infusion of Southdown blood has given the Suffolks good maturing qualities, and (2) The good nursing qualities of the dams favor the same in a marked degree in the lambs. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) The Suffolks are capital grazers, but they want undu- lating rather than violently hilly land. (2) They should graze well on ranges not mountainous in character. V. Feeding qualities. (i) They feed fairly well. (2) Their inclination to ranginess in form is somewhat against highest feeding qualities. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) In 1797, Arthur Young describes the mutton as hav- ing no superior in texture, grain or flavor. (2) These fine qualities are retained, and there have been added to them juiciness and a greatly increased proportion of meat with fat and lean intermixed. VII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) They have proved themselves very valuable for cross- ing upon the Merino grades of South America, and they should be specially valuable for this purpose on ranges of moderate elevation. (2) They cross particularly well on grades of the blocky type. VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) These are exceptionally good, hence in this respect they are not far behind the Dorsets, and (2) The dams make exceptionally good nurses. SUFFOLK DOWN SHEEP. 24 1 IX. Wool production. (i) In wool production, they shear a little more than the Southdowns, and the wool is about as fine as that of the Shrop- shires or nearly so. (2) The average fleece may be put at about seven to nine pounds unwashed. X. Compared with Southdowns. (i) Suffolks are much larger, are adapted to more inten- sive conditions and relatively better pastures, are better average milkers and produce a heavier fleece. (2) Southdowns mature somewhat earlier, fatten more quickly and dress better on the block. (3) In other essential characteristics they are much alike. STANDARD POINTS. I. The following scale cf points was drawn up for Suffolks by the American Flock Registr}' Association in 1892: POINTS. (i) General Appearance — Pleasing outline; good carriage and symmetry of development . . 7 (2) General Form — Large in size ; inclined to long in body ; medium strength of bone ; somewhat cylindrical in shape, and straight above, below and in the rear 15 (3) Head — Medium in size, inclining to long, and covered with fine, short, glossy black hair to the junction with the neck; a small quantity of clean, white wool on the forehead is not objected to ; muzzle moderately fine, especially in ewes ; eyes bright and full ; ears of medium length and fineness . . . . . .10 (4) Neck — Moderately long and veil set, and blend- ing well with the body, with some crest in the rams ....... 5 (5) Forequarfers — Well developed; breast, wide, deep and full ; brisket broad ; chest, capacious, with good heart girth ; shoulders, broad, oblique and well filled in the neck-vein and crops ; withers, broad ; arm, well developed . . .15 (6) Barrel — Roomy ; back, straight, broad and well fleshed throughout its entire length ; ribs, well sprung and moderately deep; fore and hind flanks full and deep 15 16 242 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. POINTS. (7) Hindquarters — Long, deep and full; tail, broad and well set up ; buttock, broad ; twist, full ; thigh, broad and full 15 (8) Feet and Legs — Straight, of medium length with flat bone ; bare of wool below the knee and hock ; glossy black in color and set well apart , 8 (9) Fleece — Moderately short, with close, fine lus- trous fiber and without tendency to mat or felt together, or to shade off into dark or gray wool or hair, especially about the neck and tail. The fleece should cover the whole body except the head and the legs below the knee and hock ; and the skin underneath it should be fair, soft and of a pink color 10 Perfection lOO II. Compared with Southdowns. (i) The Suffolks are considerably larger and heavier, and are longer in body and limb. (2) The head is longer and much more bare of wool ; the ear is larger and the face and legs are much blacker, and (3) The wool is a little longer, but not quite so dense. LECTURE NO. 13. HAMPSHIRE DOWN SHEEP ORIGIN AND HISTORY, CHARACTERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. The Hampshire Down is the outcome of a cross of the improved Southdown upon the old Wilt- sliire horned sheep and the old Berkshire Knot. (i) The old Wiltshires were the largest of the fine wooled breeds of England, but they were lank and ungainly in body; they were white or mottled in the face and legs, and both sexes had horns. (2) The old Berkshires were strong, active and vigorous ; one type only had horns, and both types generally had dark faces and feet. (3) Both the Wiltshire and Berkshire breeds had long and strong limbs, both had Ivoman noses, and both were very hardy, but were hard feeders and slow in maturing. II. How improvement was effected. (i) In very many instances Southdown rams were used upon the native ewes, but sometimes the native rams were used upon Southdown ewes. (2) A careful system of selection followed, and after a time crossbred rams of the progeny were chosen. (3) In this way a breed was formed which retained the size and hardihood of the old native breed, and the good feed- ing qualities of the Southdown. III. When improvement was effected. (i) It commenced about the beginning of the century, or even prior to that date, but (2) The perfecting of the breed belongs rather to the last than to the first half of th^ century. IV. There was lack of uniformity for a time in the Improved Hampshire Downs, owing (i) To the varied nature of the methods of improvement adopted, and 243 UJ c o -I l'^ Vi. 'i ;*-'", !r:#| IS.- '. ■*'' "3 "-''■^' .-*■- y -- CL E z: CO HAMPSHIRE DOWN SHEEP. 245 (2) To the variations in soils in different sections where they were reared, yet notwithstanding, (3) The Improved Hampshires have been brought to a high state of uniformity. V. The improvers of Hampshire Downs. (1) Early in the century many farmers engaged in the work without concerted action, and hence without uniformity in plan, but (2) About 1834 or 1835, William Humphrey of Oak Ash, Newbury, commenced a work which resulted in great improve- ment to the breed, and later (3) Improvement was carried still further by Mr. Law- rence of Bulbridge, and Mr. Morrison of Fonthill. VI. Distribution of Hampshire Downs. (i) Although this breed originated in the counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire, they are now found to some extent in Dorset, Sussex, Surrey and other counties of England. (2) Prior to the Civil war they were introduced in con- siderable numbers into the southern states, but the flocks were practically annihilated during that contest. (3) The first importation to the northern states was made by Thomas Messenger of Great Neck, L. I., N. Y., in 1855, but importations were infrequent until within the last two or three decades. VII. Organizations. (i) Associations in the interests of the breed have been formed both in Great Britain and the United States. (2) The Hampshire Down Breeders' Association of America was organized in 1889. (3) The first volume of the Hampshire Down Flock Record was issued in 1890. VIII. Distribution in the United States. (i) Hampshires are now distributed in nineteen states of the Union and small flocks exist in Ontario and Quebec. (2) They are most numerous in the states of New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio and in the order named. (3) Distribution has not yet been extended to the south- ern and southwestern states. IX. Registration in the United States. (i) In all 7,450 animals have been recorded. (2) Of these 2,088 are males and 5,362 females. 246 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size. (i) In size the Hampshire Downs are second only to the Oxfords among the middle wool breeds, and they are a close second to them in average weight. (2) The average weight of rams at maturity and in good flesh may be put at 250 pounds and of ewes 200 pounds. II. Adaptability. (i) Hampshires are admirably adapted to locations near large cities, where both arable and pasture lands are inter- spersed, as they furnish large lambs for the early markets, either pure or when crossed. (2) In other words, they are best adapted to an intensive system of farming. III. Early maturing qualities. (i) These are excellent. (2) They produce lambs of heavier weight at an earlier age, it is claimed, than any other breed. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) These are good when the pastures are not too broken, as (2) The staying powers of the old original breeds have in a measure been retained. V. Feeding qualities. (i) Here also they excel, as has been amply testified by their winnings at leading fat stock shows. (2) Hampshires may be fattened at an early age and they stand forcing well. (3) Lambs have frequently been made to gain a pound per day from birth until marketed. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) The meat is juicy and tender, and ordinarily has the fat and lean well intermixed, but (2) The proportion of the bone is larger than in some breeds. VII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) Hampshires are specially valuable in crossing where early and quick maturing and large-sized lambs are wanted, HAMPSHIRE DOWN SHEEP. 247 and more especially where the ewes are of the compact and small order. (2) Lambs from crossbred ewes may be made to attani much size at an early age. VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) These are excellent, as good milking and good breed- ing qualities go together. (2) They inherit their good breeding qualities from the old original breeds. IX. Wool production. (i) They shear somewhat heavier fleeces than the South- downs, averaging probably from seven to ten pounds per fleece, unwashed. (2) The wool is of medium length, but a little coarser perhaps than Shropshire wool. X. Compared with Southdowns. (i) Hampshires are much larger, are more prolific and better milkers and produce a heavier fleece. (2) Southdowns have wider adaptation, especially in their grazing qualities, and dress somewhat better on the block. (3) In other respects they are nearly equal. STANDARD POINTS. I. The following is the standard of excellence drawn up by the American Hampshire Down Breed- ers' Association in 1890: (i) Head and Legs — (a) Head, moderately large but not coarse; well covered with wool on forehead and cheeks. (b) Nostrils, wide. (c) Color (head and legs), dark brown or black. (d) Eyes, prominent and lustrous. (e) Ears, moderately long and thin, and dark brown or black in color. (f) Legs, well under outside of body, straight, with good size of bone ; black. (2) Neck, Shoulders and Chest — (a) Neck, a regul. r taper from shoulders to head, without any hollow in front of shoulders, set high up on body. (b) Shoulders, sloping, full, and not higher than the line of back and neck. 248 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (c) Chest, deep and full in the heart place, with breast prominent and full. (3) Body— . . (a) Back, straight, with full spring of rib. (b) Loin, wide and straight, without depression in front of hips. (c) Quarters, long from hips to rump, without sloping, and deep in thigh. Broad in hips and rump with full hams. Inside of thighs full. 11. Scale of points. POINTS. (i) Head — Size and shape, 5; eyes and ears, 3; color, 5 ; legs and feet, 2 15 (2) Neck, Shoulders and Breast — Neck, 5 ; shoul- ders, 10; chest and breast, 15 30 (3) Body — Back and loin, 15 ; ribs, 5 20 (4) Quarters — Length. 10 ; width, 10 ; twist, 5 . 25 (5) Wool — Forehead and cheeks, 2; belly, well cov- ered, 3; quality, 5 10 Perfection 100 III. Compared with Southdowns. (i) Hampshires are much larger and longer and are more rangy. (2) Are stronger in the head, ears and limbs. (3) Are darker in the face and legs, and (4) Are a little longer and considerably more open in fleece. LECTURE NO. 14. OXFORD DOWNS ORIGIN AND HISTORY, CHARAC- TERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. The Oxford Downs originated in a cross of Cotswold rams upon Hampshire Down ewes, and to a hmited extent probably on Southdown ewes. (i) Their cleanly cut profile, the thinner nose, the longer forelock, the longer and thinner ear, and the compact form of the body are derived from the Cotswold parent, and (2) The dark face and legs, the comparatively close fleece and the good quality of the mutton are largely due to the Down parentage. II. When improvement was effected. (i) These crosses cannot be traced beyond the year 1833, and (2) It is thought that no outside blood has been intro- duced since 1854. III. How improvement was effected. (i) Sometimes the crosses were from one parent breed and sometimes from the other, but more commonly Cotswold males were used. (2) Those who made them at first were seeking the improvement of mutton and wool qualities rather than the establishment of a new breed. (3) After a time the improvement secured was more than maintained, through judicious selection and mating. IV. The leading improvers of the breed. (i) Foremost among these is Samuel Druce of Eynsham, Oxon, Oxfordshire, who commenced the work of crossing in 1833 or 1834. 249 UJ c o a 3 X O (9 'o. CO in o to OXFORD DOWNS. 25 1 (2) At a later period the names of William Gillett of South Leigh, J. Gillett of Brize Norton and J. Hitchman of Little Milton are prominent among the many who helped to improve the breed. V. Recognition at exhibitions. (i) They were first recognized as a distinct breed by the Royal Agricultural Society in 1862. (2) For many years they wert exhibited as crossbreds. and were first called Oxford Downs in 1857. VI. Distribution of Oxford Downs. (i) The original central home of Oxford Downs was the county of Oxford, but now they are somewhat numerously found in several of the neighboring counties. (2) They are found in nearly every state and kingdom in Europe, in South x\frica, Australia, South America, Canada and the United States. VII. Importations to the United States and Canada. (i) Oxford Downs were first imported to the United States in 1853 by R. S. Fay of Lynn, Mass., and William C. Rives of Virginia. (2) Since 1880 considerable importing has been done both by the United States and Canada. VIII. Organizations. (i) Registration has received attention both in England and America. (2) The American Oxford Down Sheep Record Associa- tion was organized in 1884. IX. Distribution in the United States and Canada. (i) Oxford Downs are distributed over thirty-one states of the Union and over nearly all the orovinces of Canada. (2) Ontario, Indiana, Illinois, New York and Wisconsin are the great centers of distribution, and probably in the order named. X. Registration in the United States. (i) More than 18,800 Oxford Downs have been recorded, of which nearly 8,000 are rams and the remainder ewes. (2) The number of individuals recording is 619, of whom 142 are in Ontario. 252 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size. (i) The Oxford Downs are the largest and heaviest of the Down breeds, and they are also probably heavier than the Leicesters in average weight. (2) When in good flesh Oxford Down rams should weigh about 250 to 275 pounds at maturity and the ewes about 200 to 225 pounds. II. Adaptability. (i) Oxford Downs are best adapted to arable sections where the lands produce good pastures, but they will do fairly well on coarse herbage. (2) They are better adapted to intensive conditions than to those opposite in character. III. Early maturing qualities. (i) These are at least average. (2) The lambs attain heavy weights when one year old. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) Like the Cotswold, they graze well for so heavy a breed, but (2) They should not be kept on rugged or broken pas- tures. V. Feeding qualities. (i) They will make good gains for a long period, owing to their great scale, but (2) To suit the markets of to-day, they should be fattened when young. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) The meat, like that of all the Down breeds, ranks high. (2) It is abundant in quantity, of medium fineness of grain and well intermixed. VII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) Wherever lambs are wanted of large size, good niut- ton qualities and good producers of heavy fleeces of medium wool, the Oxford Downs will make a good cross. (2) Where pastures are good they have been found to cross well upon Merinos, but not under conditions the opposite. OXFORD DOWNS. 253 VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) These are very good. (2) They breed regularly, have fair prolificacy and are good milkers and nurses. IX. Wool production. (i) The wool is coarser than in any of the other Down breeds, but it is also considerably heavier to the fleece. (2) In well kept flocks, the average fleece should weigh from ten to twelve pounds, unwashed. X. Compared with the Southdowns. (i) Oxford Downs are mi^ch larger and heavier, arc better adapted to intensive conditions and also for crossing when increase in size and weight of wool are wanted. (2) Southdowns mature more quickly, have a wider range of general adaptation and are better suited for crossing and grading when refinement in form and quality is desired. (3) In other essentials they are about equal. STANDARD POINTS. I. The following is the scale of points adopted by the American Oxford Down Record Association . BREED TYPE OF ANIMALS, POINTS. (i) Form of a good general appearance, made by a well balanced conformation, free from coarse- ness in any part, and showing good style both at rest and in motion 15 (2) Head of moderate length and wid^h between the ears and between the eyes, and well covered with wool over poll and down to the eyes. Color of face, an even dark gray or brown, either with or without gray spot on tip of nose ... 6 (3) When fully matured and in good condition, rams should weigh 250 to 350 pounds, ewes 180 to 275 pounds "5 (4) Ears medium size, not too thick and of an even brown or dark gray color .... 2 (5) Legs short, strong in bone, flat and of even dark gray or brown color, placed squarely under the body and well apart . , , , '3 254 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. CONSTITUTION. (6) Large around the heart and wide ancr fiill in the chest lo (7) The movement • 'St be bold and vigorous . . 5 (8) Eyes, bold, prominent and bright . . .4 (9) Skin, bright pink in color 3 ( 10) Neck strong and muscular in rams and well set on in both sexes 3 MUTTON FORM AND QUALITY. (11) Wide and straight on top of shoulders, back, loin and rump, from base of neck to tail . .15 (12) Full shoulders and thighs, well meated both inside and outside 5 (13) Flanks well filled and strong so as to make the lower lines of the body as straight as possible, and side lines straight or rather full . . .4 (14) The whole carcass evenly covered with good, well marbled meat 6 WOOL. (is) Fleece of moderate length, close and of even quality, covering the whole carcass well, and free from black patches upon the body, neck or head I5 Perfection 100 II. The following additional points are sub- mitted : (i) The color of the face and legs is usually a little darker than brown. (2) The rear portion of the cheeks is covered with wool. (3) The ears have but moderate erection and play. (4) The legs are usually darker than brown and the fore legs are round rather than fiat. (5) The movement is at least moderately vigorous. (6) pyes, at least moderately bold. (7) Neck, inclining to round, of medium length, not large at the junction with the head and increasing gradually in width and depth until it blends nicely with the shoulder and breast. (8) Shoulders and thighs, broad. (9) Carcass, evenly covered with meat. III. ' General Appearance — The Oxford Down is a large, substantial and stately looking sheep, OXFORD DOWNS. 255 neither rangy nor yet of the most compact or low set type and covered with a heavy fleece of medium wool which stands at right angles to the body. IV. Compared with Southdowns. (i) They are much larger, heavier and stronger in bone. (2) They have a longer head, considerably longer ears and much longer foretop of wool. (3) The face and legs are more of a dark brown in color, and (4) The fleece is very much longer, heavier and coarser. V. Compared with Shropshires- (i) They are considerably stronger in body, and not so long for the width. (2) They are longer in head and ear and have less but longer wool on head. (3) The face and legs are not so dark, and (4) The fleece is very much heavier and coarser. a. >» E- 00 CO TOO VO LONG WOOLED BREEDS LECTURE NO. 15. LEICESTER SHEEP ORIGIN AND HISTORY, CHARAC- TERISTICS AND PRINCIPAL POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. The Leicester breed of sheep is so named from the county in England in which it originated. (i) It was formerly frequently spoken of as the New Dishley breed, from the home of Robert Bakewell, its origi- nator, who lived at Dishley Hall, near Loughboro, in Leices- tershire, but (2) It was more commonly known as the New Leicester. II. The formation of the breed. (i) The Improved Leicester was built upon a foundation of the old long wooled sheep of the neighborhood, commonly spoken of as the Old Dishley breed. (2) They were large, coarse, long and thin in the carcass, had flat sides, large bones and thick, rough legs ; their wool was long and coarse and they were withal slow feeders. III. When improvement was effected. (i) Bakewell commenced the work of improvement in I755i or about that date, and continued it until his death. (2) He left an animal so perfectly developed that there was left little chance for further improvement unless in the line of wool production. IV. How improvement was effected. (i) Bakewell invariably chose animals for breeding which possessed in the highest degree the qualities which he sought. (2) He rendered these permanent by continued selection and in-and-in breeding. 17 257 258 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. V. Leading qualities sought by Bakewell. (i) Greater symmetry of form. (2) Improved qualities of food assimilation and fattening. (3) An earlier maturity. (4) A reduction in the proportion of bone and offal, and (5) Greater development in the parts most valuable on the block. VI . Weaknesses resulting from Bakewell' s methods. (i) Too great a delicacy of constitution. (2) A less degree of prolificacy. (3) Impaired milking qualities, and (4) An insufficient wool product. VII. System of ram letting. (i) This system seems to have been first introduced by Bakewell. (2) At first he could only realize 17s. and 6d. per ram for the season, but ere long he readily secured 100 guineas for the best animals. (3) In 1789 he was paid 6,200 guineas for the hire of his rams. VIII. Distribution of the breed. (i) Within fifty years from the establishment of the New Leicester breed it had superseded nearly all the long wooled breeds in England, or had been so mingled with them as to obliterate their former distinctions. (2) Years ago they were more widely distributed in ether countries than any of the British breeds. (3) They were introduced into Virginia and New Jersey prior to the War of Independence, and later into other states, particularly New York, where for a time they became the pre- vailing breed, but they have not obtained an extensive foothold in the west. (4) They were first imported into Canada about 1800 by Rev. Mr. Toofy of Quebec, and in all the Dominion they have been used in grading to a greater extent than all the other breeds combined. IX. The two types of Leicesters, viz., the Bake- well and the Border. (i) The latter are of the same general style as the Bake- well Leicester, but they are larger, though not quite so compact. LEICESTER SHEEP. 259 (2) They are also more prominent in the nose, have whiter faces and legs, but are more inclined to bareness on the belly. X. Organizations. (i) It is simply imexplainable that a breed which has per- formed so prominent a part in the formation of other breeds should have been so many years without organized protection in Great Britain. (2) The American Leicester Breeders' Association was formed in i^ XI. Distribution in the United States and Canada. (i) Pure bred Leicesters are now recorded from twenty- one states and provinces of Canada. (2) In the United States they are most numerously kept in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa and Illi- nois, and in the order named. (3) In Canada they are most numerously kept in Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and British Columbia, and in the order named. (4) It is thought that Ontario possesses more Leicesters than all the states combined. XII. Registration in the United States. (i) Two volumes of the flock book have been issued and 3,486 animals are recorded, of which 958 are males and 2,528 females. (2) Owing to their early introduction into this country the number of grades is relatively far greater in proportion to the pure breds than with the other breeds. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size. (i) Leicesters are not so heavy as the Cotswolds or Lin- colns. but they weigh more than any of the middle wooled breeds unless the Hampshire Down and Oxford Dowm. (2) The average weight of a mature Leicester ram in good flesh may be put at 225 to 250 pounds and of a ewe at 175 to 200 pounds. II. Adaptabihty. (i) They are specially adapted to arable sections, and 26o THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (2) To climates which produce an abundance of succulent vegetation. III. Early maturing qualities. (i) No breed excels them in early maturing qualities or in aptitude to fatten at an early age, hence (2) They are easy keepers, and the lambs can be marketed when young. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) These are only fair, as they are not particularly well adapted to "roughing it," but (2) They are eminently adapted to folding and feeding on specially prepared pastures, as turnips and rape. V. Feeding qualities. (i) These are of the very best. (2) No other breed is more docile, feeds more quickly, or gives a better return for the food fed. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) The meat is juicy and plentiful and the offal is light, but (2) The proportion of fat is large, and it is laid on too much externally. VII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) No breed will render better service in crossing where early maturity and good fleshing and easy keeping qualities are sought, and (2) High grade Leicesters are equally well adapted for being crossed upon by the Down breeds. (3) Such crosses usually lessen the size somewhat, but they improve the quality of t.^e meat. VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) Like the highly improved Southdowns they are not specially noted for prolificacy and high milking qualities, but (2) When properly managed there will be no trouble from the sources named. IX. Wool production. (i) The fleece should average from nine to eleven pounds of unwashed wool. (2) The wool is lustrous, and is perhaps the finest pro- duced by the long wooled breeds. LEICESTER SHEEP. 261 PRINCIPAL POINTS. I. In the absence of an authorized scale of points, the following is submitted. (i) Sice — Medium, with a leaning to increase rather than decrease. (2) General Outline — Symmetrical, parallelogrammic and everywhere well proportioned. (3) Head — Small for the size of the body, but much stronger in the rams, somewhat long and fine, tapering toward the muzzle, and Roman-nosed, especially in the Border varieties. (a) It is snowy white when young, but becomes some- what darker with age, and the same is true of the legs. (b) It is usually entirely free from wool, but sometimes there is very short wool, covering a part of the forehead, which is broad, as is also the poll. (c) Eye, prominent, with a quiet expression. (d) Ears, thin, moderately long, and without droop. (4) Neck — Short rather than long, round rather than flat, straight above, fine at the junction with the head, broad and deep at the base and carrying the head with but moderate erection. (5) Back — Wide and straight from base of neck to tail- head and well covered in every part when in good flesh. (a) Withers, broad, close and level. (b) Loin, wide, strong and full. (6) Foreqtiarters — Fully equal in development to the hindquarters. (o) Shoulders, splendidly rounded out from the withers and blending nicely with a full neck-vein and crops. (b) Chest, very wide and deep. (c) Breast, to correspond with chest in width and depth and beautifully filled and rounded. (d) Brisket, wide, rounded and well forward. (e) Forearm, broad, full and neatly tapering. (7) Barrel — Only moderately long in the barrel and nicely rounded out. (a) Ribs, close, coming well forward and backward and of round and deep spring. (b) Fore and hind flanks equally low and full. (c) Heart girth and flank girth excellent and about equal. (d) Underline, straight. (8) Hindquarters — Long, wide and deep, but sometimes there is over much narrowing toward the buttock. (a) Hips, large, level on top with line of back and on side with barrel. (b) Crupper, creased above the spinal column. 262 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (c) Thighs, broad, full and nicely tapering toward hock. (d) Buttock, square and straight. (e) Twist, full, broad and low. (9) Legs — Of moderate length and fine rather than coarse in bone, white in color, bare of wool on the lower half of the length and standing straight and wide apart. (10) Fleece — The wool is of good length, glossy and of good fiber, and should cover the whole carcass save the head and legs. (a) It hangs in fine spirals at the outer surface rather than in masses, and ih) The skin under it inclines to thin, soft, elastic and is of a pinkish tinge. II. General Appearance — The Leicester is symmetrically, evenly and plumply developed, has a massive and yet refined frame, a restful but not slug- gish carriage, and is, when in good form, a beautiful animal. LECTURE NO. i6. LINCOLN SHEEP ORIGIN AND HISTORY, CHARAC- TERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. This breed has long inhabited the lowlands of Lincolnshire and to some extent other counties on the east coast of England. (i) Their value was not recognized to any great extent beyond their native county and those adjoining it prior to 1850. (2) Now they are found over the whole of Lincoln and Rutland, and over parts of several of the neighboring counties. IL A century ago they were large, ungainly animals with an immense fleece of ragged, oily wool. (i) They had thick, large necks with flabby dewlap, were forward in the shoulder, had flat ribs and deep bellies, and were inclined to lay on fat at the rumps and internally. (2) They were covered with wool even longer than at present. IIL How improvement was effected. (i) The old Lincolns were chiefly improved through the free use of Leicester blood and improved modes of breeding and feeding. (2) The Leicester cross greatly improved the symmetry and the feeding qualities of the Lincolns. IV. Recognition at the shows. (i) The Lincolns were first recogni/ced as a pure breed by the Royal Agricultural Society in 1862. (2) Before that time they could only be shown in the general long wooled classes. V. Distribution in other countries. (i) Lincolns have found their way into Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America, Canada and the United States, but 263 Fi^. 39. Typical Lincoln Ewe (264) LINCOLN SHEEP. 265 (2) They have not been so numerously introduced into Canada and the United States as many of the other breeds. (3) They were first imported into the United States bv Leonard D. Clift of Carmel, N. Y., in 1836. VI. Organizations. (i) The breeders of Lincohis have been somewhat slow in organizing. (2) The National American Lincoln Sheep Breeders' Association was organized in 1891. VI I. Distribution in the United States and Canada. (i) Lincoln sheep are distributed throughout many of the northern and middle states and in several of the provinces of Canada. (2) They are most numerous in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado and Ohio, and probably in the order named. VIIT. Registration in the United States. (i) There have been recorded 6,215 animals by the National Lincoln Sheep Breeders' Association. (2) Of these about 2,500 are rams and the remainder ewes. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size. (i) Lincolns are considered the largest and heaviest of the domesticated breeds, and their weight is even greater rela- tively than their size. (2) The average weight of matured rams in good flesh may be put at 275 to 300 pounds and of ewes at 225 to 250 pounds. II. Adaptability. (i) Lincolns are best adapted to arable sections where production is abundant and where the pastures are level rather than hilly. (2) When kept in the pure form they are best adapted to an intensive cultivation, but when crossed upon Merinos the progeny do well on the ranges. III. Early maturing qualities. (i) Lincolns mature very quickly for their great size, but (2) On the condition that food supplies are plentiful all the time. 266 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) Lincolns are adapted only to such grazing lands as are productive and level, or gently undulating, hence (2) They answer admirably where folding is desired. V. Feeding qualities. (i) Lincolns rank very high in feeding qualities. (2) Their docility, improved breeding and vigorous diges- tion enable them to make good returns for the food fed, VI. Quality of the meat. (i) Lincolns dress well and furnish a large proportion of good meat, but (2) The amount of fat is large, and the grain and flavor are not equal to those in some of the middle wool breeds. VII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) Lincolns may be profitably used in crossing where increased size and greater weight of fleece are wanted, but (2) When so used the food supplies should be adapted to the improvements made. (3) A cross of t' e Lincoln upon the grade Merino has long been a favorite with many ranchmen in the United States, and more particularly in Australia. VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) These are fair when the animals are kept in condition not too high, but (2) They are not more distinguished for prolificacy than the other long wooled breeds. IX. Wool production. (i) In wool production, Lincolns are seldom excelled as to the weight of the fleece, which should not be less on an aver- age in good flocks than twelve to fourteen pounds, unwashed. (2) In fineness of quality it is nearly the same as the Leicester, some authorities claiming that it is the finer of the two. X. Compared with Leicesters. (i) The Lincolns are considerably larger and heavier than the Leicesters and carry a considerably heavier fleece. (2) The Leicesters have teen crossed upon other breeds for their improvement to a much greater extent than the Lincolns. LINCOLN SHEEP. 267 (3) In other essential characteristics they resemble each other somewhat closely. STANDARD POINTS. I. The following is the scale of points adopted by the National Lincoln Sheep Breeders' Associa- tion : POINTS. (i) Constitution — Body deep, back wide and straight ; wide and full in the thigh, bright large eyes; skin soft and of a pink color . . .25 (2) Size — Matured rams not less than 250 pounds when in good condition, matured ewes not less than 200 pounds 10 (3) Appearance — Good carriage and symmetry of form . 10 (4) Body — Well proportioned, good bone and length; broad hindquarters; legs standing well apart, breast wide and deep . . . .15 (5) Head — Should be covered with wool to the ears; tuft on forehead; eyes expressive; ears fair length, dotted or mottled in color . . 10 (6) Neck — Medium length; good muscle, well set on body ......••• 5 (7) Legs — Broad and set well apart; good shape; color white, but some black spots do not dis- qualify; wooled to the knees .... 10 (8) Fleece — Of even length and quality over body; not less than eight inches long for one year's growth 10 (9) Qitality of fFoo/— Rather fine; long wool; strong, lustrous fiber ; no tendency to cot . .5 Perfection 100 II. As the above scale of points is somewhat lacking in detail, the following additional particulars are submitted : (i) 5t^£'— Medium for the breed, but varying to suit the conditions of environment. (2) General Outline — Strong, broad, massive. (3) Hfac?— Medium but rather stronger than in the Leicester, and of a somewhat darker tinge. 268 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (a) The nose is scarcely so fine as in the Leicester. (h) A tuft of rather short wool is found on the upper part of the broad forehead. (c) Eye, large, clear, restful. (d) Ears, broader relatively than in the Leicester, fairly long and dotted. (4) Neck — Medium in length, but inclining to short. (a) Not large at the head, straight above and so enlarged as to blend perfectly at the shoulders. (b) Throatiness is to be avoided even in the rams. (5) Back — Straight, broad and wide to the tailhead. (a) The withers and loin have much width, and (b) The back should carry much flesh. (6) Forequartcrs — Of plump development, fully equal to that in the hindquarters. (a) Shoulders, large, fully and smoothly rounded out and well covered with flesh. (b) Chest, wide and cylindrical. (c) Breast, broad, deep, full and nicely rounded out. (d) Brisket, broad, rounded and well forward. (7) Barrel — Medium in length, cylindrical. (a) Ribs, close, well sprung from the spinal columYi and coming well forward and backward. (b) Crops, full and even with shoulder. (c) Fore and hind flanks, full and low. (d) Heart girth and flank girth, excellent and about equal. (e) Underline, straight. (8) Hindquarters — Long, wide, deep, plump. (a) Hips, large and most full in the center. (b) Crupper, creased. (c) Thighs, broad, full and well filled out downward. (d) Buttock, broad and square. (e) Twist, placed low and possessed of full development. (9) Legs — Inclining to short, wide apart, strong and straight, bare below knee and hock, and of a dull, white color, but frequently spotted. (10) Fleece — Very long, bright, strong in fiber and well distributed over the body. (a) It hangs in fairly large and wavy spirals, but some- times it is flaked, and (h) The skin beneath it should be of a pinkish color. III. General Appearance — The well furnished Lincoln in full fleece has a square-like and massive form, the long wool coming well down toward the ground. LINCOLN SHEEP. 269 IV. Compared with Leicesters. (i) Lincolns are larger, stronger in bone and more massive. (2) The head is stronger, has a tuft of short wool on the forehead, is of a darker shade of white and has somewhat broader ears. (3) The wool is much longer, is more evenly distributed on every part, particularly the underline, is retained in good form to a greater age and usually hangs in larger and more wavy spirals. o o U u © LECTURE NO. 17. COTSWOLD SHEEP ORIGIN AND HISTORY^ CHARAC- TERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. The Cotswolds are a breed of sheep which originated amid the low calcareous hills in the eastern part of Gloucestershire, England. (i) They were also found to some extent in Hereford and Worcester. (2) These hills, known as the Cots wold, produced a short, nutritious herbage. II. Cotswolds were so named (i) From the sheds called cots or cottos, in which they were housed in time of storms, and (2) The naked hilly ground termed weald or wold upon which they pastured. III. The wool produced by these sheep was famous centuries ago, hence (i) Some regard the Cotswolds as of great antiquity, but (2) As the wool in those times was fine, others regard the Cotswolds as more modern in origin, and descended from sheep brought from lower lands. IV. The Cotswolds before improvement. (i) They were large, tall and rangy, and were light in the forequarters and flanks, but (2) They produced n long and heavy fleece of coarse wool, and were withal a very rugged and hardy breed. V. How improvement was effected. (i) Improvement was at first secured by the introduction of the Leicester cross, which soon extended' to all the flocks of the breed. (2) This cross diminished the size and coarseness of the 271 2^2 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. old Cotswold, but it lessened the wool product, and imparted greater delicacy of constitution. VI. When improvement was effected. (i) Crossing Cotswolds with Leicesters was introduced about 1780 and continued until about 1820. (2) Since 1820, selection and good managerrrtint Jtavc effected still further improvement. VII. Distribution of Cotswolds. (i) During recent years they have been exported into France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and other countries. (2) They have been chiefly used in these lands with a view to increase the size and wool product of other breeds. VIII. Introduction into the United States. (i) About 1832 the first Cotswold ram imported into the United States was brought into New York state. (2) -Subsequent importations were infrequent until within the last quarter of a century. (3) Some good flocks have also been established in Canada. IX. Organizations. (i) The interests of the breed are now protected by organizations both in Great Britain and the United States. (2) The American Cotswold Association was organized in 1878. X. Distribution in the United States. (i) Cotswolds are registered from every state in the Union save Arizona, Louisiana, Texas and Florida, and from every province in Canada. (2) Wisconsin is probably the leading center for Cots- wolds in the United States and Ontario for Canada. XL Registration in the United States. (i) Eight volumes of the American Cotswold Record have been issued. (2) In all, 19,500 animals have been recorded. LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. I. Relative size. (i) Cotswolds are the largest of the domesticated breeds of sheep except Lincolns. (2) They have quite as much scale as the former, but COTSWOLD SHEEP. 273 stand rather higher from the ground, and are a little less in the flanks. (3) The average weight of the mature Cotswold ram in fair flesh is about 250 to 275 pounds and of the ewe 200 to 225 pounds. II. Adaptability. (i) When pure, Cotswolds require good pastures, but can climb moderate elevations. (2) When crossed with some hardy breed, as the Merinos, the progeny can feed on more rugged land and less fruitful pastures. III. Early maturing qualities. (i) In early maturity they are now almost if not quite equal to the Leicesters. (2) The lambs make heavy weights at an early age. IV. Grazing qualities. (i) Relatively they are good grazers for a heavy breed, but (2) No heavy breed can graze so well upon lands more rugged than mildly hilly. V. Feeding qualities. (i) Cotswolds feed well either when folded or in sheds, and (2) When ill fed they are mere ungainly than some other breeds. VI. Quality of the meat. (i) Cotswolds dress well on the block, but (2) Much of the fat is laid on externally, and the meat is only moderately fine in the grain. VII. Value in crossing and grading. (i) Cotswolds cross well upon fine wooled breeds, as Merino grades, when much medium wool with unproved mut- ton qualities are desired. (2) They also make an excellent outcross for restoring size and wool production in certain grades where these have been unduly diminished. VIII. Breeding qualities. (i) These are much the same as in the other long wool breeds, but (2) In milking qualities the Cotswolds may have some advantage, and they produce strong lambs, 18 274 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. IX. Wool production. (i) The fleece is almost as heavy as that of the Lincoln, and it is coarser. (2) In good, well kept flocks it should weigh on an average from eleven to fourteen pounds, unwashed. X. Compared with Leicesters. (i) Cotswolds are larger and have shown a somewhat higher adaptation for outcrossing for renovating purposes. (2) Leicesters are better adapted for crossing to effect improvement in the form and meat producing qualities of rough stocks. (3) In other essentials they are very similar. STANDARD POINTS. I. The following standard of excellence was drawn up by the American Cotswold Association : FOR RAMS. POINTS. (i) Head — Not too fine, moderately small and broad between the eyes and nostrils, but without a short, thick appearance, and in young animals well covered on crown with long, lustrous wool 8 (2) Face — Either white or slightly mixed with gray, or white dappled with brown .... 4 (3) Nostrils — Wide and expanded, nose dark. , i (4) Eyes — Prominent but mild looking ... 2 (5) Ears — Broad, long, moderately thin, and cov- ered with short hair 4 (6) Collar — Full from breast and shoulders, taper- ing gradually all the way to where the neck and head join. The neck should be short, thick and strong, indicating constitutional vigor and free from coarse and loose skin ... 6 (7) Shoulders — Broad and full, and at the same time join so gradually to the collar forward and chine backward as not to leave the least hollow in either place 8 (8) Forelegs — The mutton on the arm or fore thigh should come quite to the knee ; leg, upright with heavy bone, being clear from superfluous skin, with wool to fetlock, and may be mixed with gray 4 COTSWOLD SHEEP. 275 POINTS. (9) Breast — Broad and well forward, keeping the legs wide apart ; girth or chest, full and deep . 10 (10) Fore Flank — Quite full, not showing hollow behind the shoulder 5 (11) Back and Loin — Broad, flat and straight, from which the ribs must spring with a fine circular arch 12 (12) Belly — Straight on underline . . . . 3 (13) Quarters — Long and full, with mutton quite down to the hock ....... 8 (14) Hock — Should stand neither in nor out . . 2 (15) Tzvist or Junction Inside Thighs — Deep, wide and full, which, with a broad breast, will keep the legs open and upright 5 (16) Fleece — The whole body should be covered with long, lustrous wool 18 Perfection 100 FOR EWES. II. The scale of points is the same as for rams, with the differences mentioned below : (i) Head — Moderately fine instead of "not too fine, mod- erately small," as in the rams. (2) A'eck — The neck should be fine and graceful instead of "short, thick and strong, indicating constitutional vigor,' as in the rams. (3) For neck, including collar, foreflank and belly, five, four and five points are allowed respectively, whereas for the rams "six, five and three" points are allowed. III. General Appeoraiiee— The Cotswold is a stately looking animal, of rectangular outline when the fleece is well grown, massive in build and pos- sessed of a fairly proud carriage. IV. Compared with Leicesters. (i) Cotswolds are considerably larger, something stronger in the leg, and are more "upstanding." (2) They are scarcely so wide in the chest, and are a trifle lighter in the hind flank. (3) Their wool is longer, hangs In larger and more wavy spirals; they have a long and beautiful forelock, and they are a less pure white in the face and legs. PART III BREEDS OF SWINE LECTURE NO. i. SWINE ORIGIN OF THE DOMESTICATED RACES. I. Swine (Stis scrofa) have been known to exist in a wild state on the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa ever since the dawn of history. (i) With certain variations they are also found wild on the continent of America and the islands of the Pacific, but (2) They were not found in a wild condition on the con- tinent of Australia. II. Some zoologists have divided the various species of swine into three genera, viz : (i) True swine, including the wild hog of Europe, Asia and Africa ; the babirussa of certain East Indian islands ; the Papuan hog of New Guinea, and the wood swine of South Africa. (2) The wart bearing hogs of Africa, and (3; The peccaries of America. III. The various species of swine with certain minor variations possess the following points of resemblance in a greater or less degree : (i) The head is prolonged, somewhat cone-shaped, and ends in a movable cartilaginous disc. (2) The neck is short, strong and muscular, and the limbs are short and strong. (3) The skin is thick and covered more or less with hair and bristles. (4) They are fond of plants and more especially of the roots of these. 276 SWINE. 277 (5) They eat flesh, but do not seek to capture living ani- mals for food. (6) They naturally resort to watery places in which to wallow. (7) They produce a number of individuals at one birth. (8) Their senses of smell and hearing are peculiarly acute, and (9) The peculiarities of voice are very similar. IV. The various species of the true wild hog (Sns aper) have the following characteristics in common : (i) They are swift of foot and fierce in disposition. (2) The males are possessed of enormous tusks. (3) They are more easily tamed if captured when young. (4) When matured they are solitary in their habits. (5) They are nocturnal in their habits of feeding. (6) The young are longitudinally striped for a time, and (7) The sows suckle their young for many weeks and defend them for a long period after they are weaned. V. It is now pretty generally conceded that the domestic varieties are descended from the wild species, as (i) The general anatomy is the same and the form and general outline bear a somewhat close resemblance. (2) The period of gestation is the same in both; they can be successfully bred together and there is a general resem- blance in the habits. VL Under domestication the following are some of the changes that take place : (i) The ears become less movable, the tusks and muscles of the neck diminish in size, the back and sides lengthen, the flank and hindquarters deepen, the body becomes less capa- cious, the limbs grow shorter, the bristles are partially or wholly removed, and the animal becomes much less active. (2) The stomach and intestines enlarge, they desire more food and the tendency to obesity increases. (3) The male loses the solitary habit, the female breeds more frequently and has larger litters, and they seek their food in the day. VII. The domesticated species have been known to revert to the wild state, as is witnessed by 278 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. herds in South America, New Zealand and other countries, but (i) Such reversion is always slow. (2) They do not revert to the solitary habit again, nor have they the same fierceness of disposition as the wild species. VIII. Swine have been subjected to domesti- cation from a very early period, and even among semi-barbarous peoples. (i) Their flesh was held in high esteem by many of the nations of antiquity, but (2) The Jews, ancient Egyptians and Hindoos were not allowed to eat it, nor are the followers of Mahomet. IX. Two of the original breeds of swine in Great Britain are still represented in what is known as the Old English hog, and a breed found in the Highlands and islands of Scotland. (i) The distinctions of the former, represented at one time by several sub-varieties, have been almost obliterated thiough crossing. (a) They were mostly white in color, had large and lank bodies, a long snout, large pendant ears, long legs and coarse hair with some bristles. (b) They were hard feeders and slow maturers, but grew to an enormous size. (2) The latter were small, wnth rather erect ears and coarse bristles along the spine, were dusky brown in color and could subsist on the poorest fare. ♦ X. The improved races of swine in England are probably nearly all descended from the Old Eng- lish hog and certain foreign crosses. (i) They have been so much crossed and intercrossed thiii it is difficult to classify them aright. (2) While some of them are of world-wide reputation, others are only known within limited areas. XL The principal breeds of pigs in Britain at the present time are the Yorkshire with certain sub- varieties, as the Berkshire, the Tamworth, the Suf- folk and the Essex. SWINE. 279 (i) The more local breeds Include the Dorset, Lincoln- shire, Cheshire, Norfolk and Westmoreland. (2) The three varieties of the Yorkshire are the Improved or Large White, the Middle White and the Small White breed. (3) The Suffolks are bred both black and white, the former being frequently called the Black Suffolk. XII. The originals of the swine in the United States were brought from various countries in Europe by the early settlers, but more especially from Britain. (i) Since that time all the British breeds possessed of more than local notoriety have been introduced, and (2) To a very limited extent only has improved blood been drawn from any other source. XIII. The purely American varieties are the Chester White, the Poland-China, the Duroc-Jersey or Jersey Red, the Cheshire and the Victoria. XIV. Swine may be almost regarded as cos- mopoHtan, as they can be reared in almost any coun- try outside of the Arctic circles. (i) Being gross feeders they utilize a large amount of food that would otherwise go to waste. (2) They are more prolific than any of the other domes- ticated quadrupeds except the rabbit, and (3) They are of inestimable use to the human family in the food which they furnish. LECTURE NO. 2. SWINE THEIR IMPROVEMENT AND CLASSIFICATION. I. The swine of Great Britain have been improved chiefly through crosses made with certain foreign and native breeds, better food and improved care. II. The chief of the foreign breeds used in the improvement of the swine of Great Britain are the Chinese and the Neapohtan. (i) The former have been used chiefly in the improve- ment of the white breeds, and the latter in the improvement of the black. (2) These crosses were frequently resorted to early in the century, but they have been almost entirely discontinued during the last fifty years. III. The Chinese breed described. (i) They were a rather small race, with a somewhat long body and swaying back, and belly coming near the ground. (2) They had a short head, short snout, heavy jowls, small ears standing well out from the head, short neck and short legs, and were fine in bone. (3) In color they were white or black, or a mixture of both, white predominating. (4) They had a remarkable tendency to fatten rapidly, but were not prolific as breeders. IV. The Neapohtan breed described. (i) They were a small breed with a long, cylindrical body, standing on rather short and fine limbs. (2) They had a small head, dishing face, bony and flat forehead, very slender and rather long snout, very full jowls, small thin ears standing well forward ; broad, short neck, heavy above : flat back, slightly elevated hindquarters and well developed hams and shoulders. (3) They had a soft and fine skin and but little hair, which was of a slate or bluish plum color. 280 SWINE. 281 (4) Their flesh had a fair proportion of lean and was tender and well flavored. (5) They also fattened easily and matured quickly, but were somewhat shy breeders. V. Effects of the Chinese and Neapohtan crosses. (i) Both crosses tended to reduce the size of the bone, to shorten the limbs and ears, to refine the hair, and to improve the maturing and fattening qualities, but (2) These advantages were gain d at the cost of decreased size, a lessened hardihood and impaired breeding qualities. VI. Swine in the United States have been improved through crosses chiefly derived from Brit- ain, the skillful blending of varieties and improved management, (i) This improvement may be said to have begun in 1832, when Berkshires were first imported. (2) Quite as much probably is owing to the skillful blend- ing of materials at hand as to the introduction of foreign blood. VII. The classification of the pure breeds of swine is confessedly difficult at the present time, as (i) The evolution of some of the breeds is still going on, so that complete fixity of type in some instances has not yet been reached. (2) These changes are chiefly caused by a change in the demands of the market, consequent upon a change in the popular taste, but to some extent they are being made to meet the tastes of breeders. VIII. If the breeds of swine were classified on the basis of color, they would be virtually divided into three classes, viz : the white, the black and the sandy colored breeds. (i) The white breeds are the Chester White, the York- shire in all its varieties, the Cheshire, the Victoria and the Sufi'olk. (2) The black breeds are the Poland-China, the Berkshire and the Essex. (3) The sandy breeds are the Tamworth and the Duroc- Jersey. 2S2 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. IX. Sometimes classification is based upon the bacon-producing qualities of the swine, that is, upon their ability to produce a large amount of side meat of superior quality. (i) The distinctive bacon breeds at present in the United States are the Large Improved Yorkshire and the Tamworth, (2) Next in adaptation for bacon production are the Chester White, the Berkshire, the Cheshire, the Duroc-Jersey, the Victoria and the Poland-China breeds, and probably in the order named, and (3) Lowest in adaptation for the same are the Small Yorkshire, the Essex and the Suffolk breeds. X. Classification is ordinarily based upon size, and exhibitions hitherto have only recognized but two classes, viz : the small and large breeds, but (i) Such a classification is not sufficiently flexible, as (2) It brings breeds into competition sometimes which vary too much in size and leading characteristics. XL The pure breeds of swine in America may with more propriety be classed as the large, the medium and the small breeds. (i) The large breeds are the Chester White, the Improved Yorkshire and the Tamworth. (2) The medium breeds are the Berkshire, the Poland- China, the Victoria, the Duroc-Jersey and the Cheshire. (3) The small breeds are the Suffolk, the Essex and the Small Yorkshire. XII. The aim has been in the above classifica- tion to name the breeds in the order of their size, commencing with the largest, but no classification can be submitted at present that is sure to meet with universal acceptance, owing (i) To the lack of data available for making comparisons as to average weights. (2) To the variations of type in some of the breeds in different localities and in the same locality, and (3) To the transformation in some of the breeds that is still going on. LECTURE NO. 3. SWINE LEADING ESSENTIALS AS TO FORM. I. Essentials of form common to all the breeds of swine. (i) The parallelogrammic shape, with length and depth as the most striking characteristics. (2) Good length and depth of body for the breed and sufficient width and compactness. (3) Levelness, evenness and smoothness of outline, and (4) A body well supported by rather short straight limbs. II. The points of difference not so important relatively include the following : (i) Variations in size of carcass and of bone. (2) Variations in the size and shape of the head. (3) Variations in the length and thickness of the neck. (4) Variations in the length, shape and carriage of the ear. (5) Variations in the relative length, depth and width of the coupling. (6) Variations in the size, length and strength of bone in the leg, and (7) Variations in the color, length, quantity and quality 01 the hair. III. The more important indications of cor- rect form in swine, and important probably in the order given, are the following : — (i) Constitution as indicated by chest capacity, strength of limbs and spine and an active, easy carriage. , (2) Sufficient general development for the breed, including length, depth and width. (3) Smoothness and symmetry of outline. (4) Good feeding qualities as indicated by the absence of coaibeness in the head, limbs and hair. 283 284 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. (5) Capacity in the barrel as indicated by sufficient length, depth and evenness of width for the breed. IV. Leading essentials of the boar as to form, given in detail. (i) ^S'/rc— Medium to large, for the breed and the bone medium to strong. (2) Outline — The body should be parallelogrammic in shape and compact rather than rangy, and the whole outline should have the appearance of strength and vigor, (3) Head — Medium to strong in size, short rather than long, masculine and yet not coarse. (a) Snout, short rather than long, and terminating in a large rather than a small disk. (b) Forehead, wide. (c) Eye, medium in size and clear, and not hidden with overgrowing fat. (d) Dish, varying with the breed. (e) Poll, broad. (f) Jowl, medium, but varying much in breeds. (g) Ear, medium, but varying much with the breed in size, shape and erection. (4) Neek — Short rather than long, moderately wide and deep at the junction with the head, and increasingly so toward the junction with the shoulders. (a) The shape may be spoken of as flattish oval, with a base somewhat enlarged. (b) The rise from the poll to the withers is regular and slightly arching. (c) The throat is nearly on a level with the brisket and belly, but varies considerably with the breed. (d) The blending with the body is very complete, inas- much as the lower rear base of the neck fills the whole of the space known as the breast in cattle and sheep. (5) Body — Long and deep and fairly broad, but varying considerably in all these respects in the various breeds, and e{|ually well developed in the fore and hindquarters. (a) Back, level from base of neck to near the tailhead, but perceptibly arched in the long-bodied breeds, evenly and fj'irly broad, and with but little outward and downward slope, until the somewhat sudden descent of the side is reached. (b) Underline, straight from brisket to hind flank. (c) Shoulder, large, broad, deep and but slightly rounding out toward the center. (d) Brisket, broad. (e) Chest, well developed, as indicated by width and depth of shoulders, width of brisket and heart girth. SWINE. -2^5 (f) Arm and thigh, medium to short, broad, rather flat and much tapered to the knee and hock. and mucn tap ^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^,^ he breedT deep and straight and even from the shoulder to the W^^\\ and as thick below as above. , i j r/'fRibs springing well from the backbone, then descend- ing with a rather quick curve, and extending we 1 down. (i) Fore and hind flanks, low and well filled. (j) Heart girth and flank girth, good and about eqaal. (k) Hindquarters, long, deep and fairly wide. m Ham large full, well down on the thigh, only slightly roun^in?towardThe center and abruptly rounded toward the ^"" On; Tail, not coarse, and curled rather than straight (n) Buttock, full and slightly rounding from the tad to the twist. 1 r 11 (o) Twist, low, broad and full. V^) jr^^a^_Short, rather than long, with short pasterns, strong, but ''not coarse, straight, standing wide apart and car- rving with ease the weight of the body. - \j) skin~Smoo\h, without scales, and covered w h a plentiful coat of rather strong, but not coarse hair, and without "^ (8^) General Appearance— Tht appearance should indicate vigor, easy action and docility. V. The SOW should possess the same leading essentials as to form as the boar, with the following points of difference: (i) She is not so large in frame, is finer in general outline and in bone, and is more roomy in the coupling. (2) The head is smaller and considerably more rehned. (3) The neck is less massive in its development. (4) The hair is not so coarse nor so strong, more espe- cially on the neck, and ,..11 (5) She should have not less than twelve teats placed well apart. VI. The style of pig bred during the recent decades. (i) Breeders gave the preference to animals with small and short heads, short and thick necks, broad and compact bodies and fine limbs. ^ ■ a (2) While such preferences secured easy keeping ana great fattening qualities, they produced more or less of deli- cacv of constitution, impaired the breeding powers and gave nieat excessively fat and with but a small proportion of bacon. 286 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. VII. Modifications in form that are likely to be more sought for by breeders. (i) The demand for leaner meat with more bacon is bringing into favor pigs with medium heads and necks, longer bodies and somewhat stronger limbs. (2) Such animals are usually more rugged if not so quick in maturing, are better breeders, produce more bacon and ?. larger proportion of lean meat, and (3) They also mature sufficiently early to be marketed at from six to eight months old, when they should weigh from 150 to 200 pounds, or even more if well fed. (4) These modifications may be secured through crossing the short-bodied grade types by sires of the bacon breeds, or by continued selection within the breed in any of the medium types. THE LARGE BREEDS LECTURE NO. 4. CHESTER WHITES ORIGIN AND HISTORY, CHARAC- TERISTICS AND STANDARD POINTS. ORIGIN AND HISTORY. I. The Chester Whites originated in Chester county, Pennsylvania, from which they derive their name. (i) They are probably the oldest of the breeds purely American in origin. (2) The establishment and improvement of the breed has occupied a large portion of the century. II. Materials used in forming the breed. (i) The foundation stocks appear to have been large hogs, white in color, found in that part of Pennsylvania. (2) These were probably descended from the Old English White breed, the ancestors of the various Yorkshire breeds. III. The work of improvement. (i) The first impulse to the improvement of the white hog? of Chester county appears to have originated in the impor- tation of a pair of white pigs from Bedford, England, by Capt. James Jeffries of Westchester, Pa. (2) Improvement since that time has been more or less continuous, and has been greatly advanced by selection and more recently by breeding to a standard. IV. The improvers of Chester Whites. (i) A number of farmers appear to have engaged in this 287 o (/3