By Chisum                                             H.C.R. No. 50
       74R3633 WMS-D
                                 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
    1-1        WHEREAS, The State of Texas traditionally has recognized a
    1-2  variety of official state symbols as tangible representations of
    1-3  the proud spirit and heritage of our state; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the pecan tree, the Guadalupe bass,
    1-5  and the lightning whelk are examples of some natural specimens that
    1-6  serve to symbolize the great diversity of the Texas landscape,
    1-7  while the state dish, chili, fittingly represents another aspect of
    1-8  our shared culture as Texans; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the
   1-10  longhorn as the Official State Mammal of Texas will provide
   1-11  suitable recognition for this distinguished denizen of the Lone
   1-12  Star State; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, Once the cornerstone of the Texas cattle industry,
   1-14  an estimated 10 million longhorns were herded from Texas to
   1-15  midwestern and western markets during the quarter century that
   1-16  followed the Civil War, providing invaluable stability to the
   1-17  state's postwar economy; and
   1-18        WHEREAS, The longhorn's distinctive profile commands an
   1-19  immediate association with the State of Texas nationwide and is
   1-20  fittingly used as a visual symbol by businesses from the Rio Grande
   1-21  Valley to the Panhandle; and
   1-22        WHEREAS, Although designation as the State Mammal is intended
   1-23  to confer on the longhorn the status it richly deserves, it should
   1-24  in no way preclude those individuals who fashion leather products
    2-1  or create culinary delights from honoring this noble beast in the
    2-2  fashion they deem most suitable; and
    2-3        WHEREAS, As proud and indomitable as the state from which it
    2-4  hails, the longhorn will serve as a fitting symbol of Texas' unique
    2-5  heritage; now, therefore, be it
    2-6        RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas
    2-7  hereby designate the longhorn as the official State Mammal of
    2-8  Texas.