SHORTHORN PROSPECTS IN ENGLAND.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 203, 31 May 1878, Page 7

SHORTHORN PROSPECTS IN ENGLAND.

A writer in the Field reviews the prospects of shorthorn breeders in England as follows : — " Those wbo bave been forced to sell in 1877 have tared badly so far as regards the lots bought in ; 'but as regards the homebred lots, the return made has been at figures which leave a fair margin for remunerating* the raisers. The comparison with the previous year shows that in 1876, 2802 animals sold in the open ring* for L1 45,(154 17s 6d, or an average of L 57 19s 8d for shorthorns, little and big, good, bad, and indifferent. In 1877 there were sold at 53 pules by auction 2258 shorthorns for, L 128,504 14s, or an average per head of L 56 19s. In the list of sales nil the Irish and Scotch sales of draft bulls only (or of yearling bulls mainly, with a few cull heifers) have been excluded. But care has been taken to retain the genuine sales by local autioneers, such as those of Mr W. Humphreys and Major M'Craith (Ireland), with those .of such ' outside ' herds as the English ones of Mr T. Hi les and the late Mr Jnbez Turner's red Tnrnell cat-vie. The comparison of tlie last wiih the previous season is by no means one to cause despondency. The reduction of the average price is very small, wliilst the number of new buyer-, of moderately priced cattle is very large indeed. Indeed, bulls— except of the fashionable tribes at fashionable prices — are readier of sale now than they have been for years. This indicates exactly the same state of things which has been commented on in America. The great inflation has caused an unreal and unhealthy condition, in some cases manifesting morbid growth ; whilst the main trunk is evidently vigorous and sound. Kecent cant about 'inbred refinement' and ineffable excellences of ' style' and 'quality ' has obscured the homelier topics of * thick flesh,' ' great girth,' and hardiness,' until not a few of the fortunes of those who have invested more than they can spare in shorthorns are in a little danger. Those who buy for the former set of reasons are not in the market ; and those who ask for the latter qualifications cannot be induced to accept the former as a substitute. The present, condition of the shorthorn world resembles that of some suburbs of our largest towns."