Breeds of animals often get their named from the places where they have started or are best known. For example, Jersey cattle came from the island of Jersey. Southdown sheep came from the county of the same name in England. Clydesdale horses were raised first along the river Clyde of Scotland. Hereford cattle get their name in the same manner. The county of Hereford is one of the western tier of countries in England, next to Wales. It was there or near there that this famous breed of cattle has its beginning. That was a long time ago, for the Hereford is one of the oldest of the English cattle breeds. This breed became well known from 1750 to 1800 because of a few cattle raisers. These men, under the lead of Benjamin Tomkins and his son, produced a fine quality of cattle by careful breeding. Today, Hereford cattle are raised wherever beef is produced.

Herefords are striking in their colors. Their bodies are reddish, and their faces, necks, and part of their legs are white. The cows have short upturned horns. The horns of the bull curve downwards. Herefords are especially good beef cattle. They are not noted as milk producers. They are hardy, and thrive in the open. As you see by the calf here pictured they take on fat early. They are therefore a fine veal breed. Observe the width between the foreigners of the cow to the left; their short legs. The hips are not heavy. Observe the white markings. What other breeds of beef cattle do you know of? Name a dairy breed. Look at the view carefully and then write down all the peculiar points you observe about these Herefords. What breeds of cattle are raised in your country?