CHANGES IN ENGLISH STOCK BREEDING.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 286, 1 August 1888, Page 6

CHANGES IN ENGLISH STOCK BREEDING.

Most of the English agricultural journals naturally welcome the prospect of open colonial markets for British pedigree stock which is presented by the removal of the restrictions on the importation of stock which have been in force for several years baok. ''Australian visitors to England," says the Mark Lane Express, "will find that great changes have taken place among i-horthorn breeders since they were buyers here. Many of the old names have gone and new ones come ; the system of ' line breeding,' for which there has been such an infatuation during the past 20 years, is ' played out ' ; the days of ' inflated ' prices for curious pedigrees have gone by, and the lesson ot the hard times is being taken to heart — viz., that pedigree and utility must go hand in hand, Batesm'eh, who went only by the book, have been wise enough, though rather late in the day, co see that a ' cross ' must be taken, and Warlaby has i*egained its lost vigour by a timely visit to Lincolnshire, while at all the shows the evidence is clear that btst oattls are ' not line bred.' Perhaps never during the last half century has value in shorthocaa so closely followed merit ; there is nov a really good trade for good animals, J>ut pedigree ' weeds ' are worth no more than other weeds. This is as it should be, .and Australian breeders, if they ai-e wise^ as ' hey are generally believed to be, will net be slow in availing themselves of shorthorns of the type most approved by the practical farmers of this country, which may be described as not excessively big, well- covered with tlesh of prime quality (no bare bones), broad backs, full thighs, and well sprung ribs, on short legs, nob too close together, which will lay on flesh rapidly, and not succumb to slight hardships and privations."