The popular Aberdeen Angus is kept at Danesfield, near Marlow, by Mr. Hudson, who has been extremely successful with it and crosses from it at shows all over the country. This breed also finds an active supporter at the northern end of the county in the Rev. C. Bolden, of Preston Bissett.
Mr. Hudson also keeps a few of the stylish little Kerries, and with them breeds some excellent cross-bred cattle, which are generally appre- ciated by butchers, for they furnish the choice small joints so much in demand at present. Both Jerseys and Alderneys are scattered all over the county and do remarkably well in most parts. A small and very choice lot of the former is kept at Greenlands. Besides the pure bred stocks, there are many very excellent herds of milking cows. Foremost among them is the admirable herd of Mr. Scott-Murray at Hambleden. Big, useful, stylish cows, they would attract attention in any county and in any company.
The numbers of cattle in the county were 57,448 of all ages in 1867, and 75,992 in 1904, which shows a very satisfactory in- crease.[1]
Sheep, on the other hand, show a very remarkable falling off in the same time and mark a serious decline in the style of farming. In 1867 there were of sheep of all ages 349,474, while in 1904 the numbers had declined to 178,539. A good many lambs are made fat each year and command as a rule very satisfactory prices in the early part of the season. There is no breed of sheep peculiar to the county. Oxford Downs are kept generally on the Buckingham side, where the deep pastures suit their great frames. Foremost among the breeders of them is Mr. Treadwell of Winchendon, who has been extremely success- ful with them, and whose name is inseparably connected with the breed. Hampshire Downs are found in the Thames Valley and more or less all over the county. The Bucks farmers, however, do not restrict themselves to these two breeds, but endeavour also to meet the demand for smaller mutton. Black-faced Scotch, Cheviots and Welsh are seen on many pastures. Kent or Romney Marsh are also competing for public favour, and bid fair to establish themselves. An increase in the price of wool would probably lead to quite as many sheep being kept in the county as in former times.
Pigs, like sheep, show a serious falling off in numbers. In 1867 there were 52,897, in 1904 there were only 34,339. Bad prices, coupled with the restrictions under the Swine Fever Regulations, have caused very many farmers to give up breeding them. The Black Berkshires are practically the only breed kept, and it would be hard to find a better. There are a few Red Tamworths and Tamworth crosses, which are generally liked where tried, but white pigs are not commonly kept.
- ↑ Milk selling has become very important wherever the railways are accessible. It is now one of the most profitable branches of the farming industry and is largely responsible for the steady increase in the number of cattle in Buckinghamshire.
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