Category: Lob In The Landscape

R. Scott Burn in Cattle, Sheep And Horses (Seventh Edition, published in 1896), wrote:

“SHORT-HORN BREED. This takes the first rank in the list of modern breeds, not only from the valuable qualities which it peculiarly possesses, but from the readiness with which these qualities are communicated to animals of other breeds with which a “cross’ is taken. “So much so is this the case,’ says an authority, “and so evident is it to all observers, that there is some danger of certain of the otherwise valuable pure breeds becoming extinct in a pure state, from the prevalence of crossing with the short-horn whenever circumstances are favourable for the adoption of this practice. And the short-horn is affording daily evidence of its adaptedness for very diverse circumstances of soil and climate, for it is equally at home in the extreme north of Scotland, and in the warm rich pastures of England or Ireland; it thrives in France, and has already effected great improvement in the cattle of that part of continental Europe; its introduction into Australia has been followed by the most encouraging results, whilst breeders in the United States are already rivalling those of Britain, and transmitting to the old country “specimens intended to keep up the character of our British herds, and which prove that this truly cosmopolitan race of cattle has not deteriorated in their hands, nor under the influences of American climate.”

Scott Burn also says “Mr Hedley, in the North British Agriculturalist, gives the following poetical description of the “points’ of a short-horned bull, with a statement of the value of these points:-

“When summer comes, Then choose a bull with frame compact and strong, Wide barrelled ribs, vertebra straight and long;

Of colour roan, a creamy white and red – No spots, but evenly interspersed and spread.

But let the head have first thy special care –In that’s foreshadowed all of poor or fair.

The frontal bones should be an unbending plain, Broad, massive, full, and level o’er the brain:

Nose thick and strong, with mouth and nostrils large, And rank with hair from horns to eyeball’s verge.

Horns strong, and amber, of yellower hue, Even streaks of red accord with breeding true;

Roots straight apart – nor sharp nor black the ends:- No crooks abrupt, each normal flaw portends;

These speak of weakness, those of wildness sure. From tip to tip a line of beauty pure

Should fix thy choice – with ears rough, mobile, large, And eyes, though bright, nor ire nor fear discharge,

A choler gay with undulating folds From tip to throat is found in finest moulds.

Full veins of neck, and arms plumb, sinewy wide, Thick sloping shoulders, and majestic stride;

Puissant neck, and big and high the base, Such loves they heifers and preserves thy race;

A back like Atlas – fit to bear the globe – Flat, square, and even – wrapped in softest robe,

Straight graceful thighs, and large with nerve and lire, With movements free, and gay with healthful fire:

Such will reward thee for thy utmost care And make thy coffers heap’d from year to year.’

Scott Burn suggests “The number of points most suitable to our purpose, I think, would be eighty-five, and I would distribute them in the following manner, taking care that if any preponderance should appear, that it might be on the side of constitution and purity of breed. Should there be thought to be a lack of minuteness in detail, that can be supplied afterwards.

12 points to head, subject to subdivision.

6 points to neck.

6 points to shoulders.

6 points to crops.

6 points to loins.

6 points to ribs.

6 points to quarters.

4 points to thighs.

3 points to flanks.

6 points to chest.

4 points to forelegs.

4 points to bosom.

2 points to neck veins.

4 points to hair.

3 points to touch.

2 points to colour.

4 points to size.

1 point to style of movements.

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Scott Burn concludes “I think it is not necessary to be more explicit in the above at present. In fixing the number of points, and distributing their component parts, I have been assisted by valuable suggestions from two eminent short-horn breeders.”