On the Exhibition of Live Stock at Chester. 369 



the purchasers (Mr. Coke and others) spare neither pains nor 

 price to obtain those of the highest proof and beauty." Great 

 merit is due to the late Mr. Francis Quartly, of Molland, who 

 perceived that the best animals were being drawn from their 

 native soil, and systematically purchased the choicest cows he 

 could procure. Mr. T. D. Aclaml, in his Report of the Farming 

 of West Somerset, makes honourable mention of Mr. Quartly's 

 patriotic and successful exertions. About the year 1831 cattle 

 shows began at Exeter, Some good Devon breeders carried off 

 the early prizes: but in November, 1835, Mr. Quardy allowed 

 his nephews to enter in all the twelve classes at Exeter, and they 

 brought home the twelve prizes. In the previous year Mr. Quartly 

 gained eight prizes out of ten. 



As a proof of their continued zeal and judgment, I may mention 

 that at the Royal Agricultural Society's meeting at Exeter, in 1850, 

 seven prizes were awarded to the Messrs. Quartly and two prizes 

 to animals bred by or from their stockj leaving only one prize 

 for the 64 Devons shown by the other competitors. Mr. G. 

 Turner, of Barton, Exeter, is also a celebrated breeder in South 

 Devon. Captain T. T. Davy's grandfather was an early and 

 zealous breeder of North Devons as far back as 100 or 120 years 

 ago. At his decease Mr. Wm. Davy had a portion of the herd, 

 and bred some first-class animals, which were subsequently be- 

 queathed to his son Mr. James Davy, of Flitton, who has turned 

 them to good account. Mr. Mogridge, of Molland, has also been 

 a very successful breeder from the stock of Messrs. Quartly ; and 

 although he never exhibits himself, many of his animals have 

 been great winners while in the hands of the Prince Consort, 

 Mr. G. Turner, and others. 



Captain T. T. Davy has still retained some of the old family 

 sort. It is to this indefatigable gentleman that Devon breeders 

 are indebted for the ' Devon Herd-book.' He published his first 

 volume in 1851, the second in December, 1854, and the third in 

 1858. It is admitted that these volumes contain a faithful report 

 of the pedigrees of the greater number, if not all, of the best 

 Devons. The fact that these Herd-books have been republished 

 in the United States is strong corroborative evidence of their value. 

 In this ' Devon Herd Book ' mention is made of 29 prize bulls ; 

 27 of them are descended from the bull " Forester." Again, 

 there are 34 prize cows; 29 of these are descended from the old 

 cow " Curly :" both bull and cow are of the Quartly tribe of 

 Devons. 



The competition in the Devon classes at Chester was confined 

 to 37 animals. These were the pick of the breed. The small- 

 ness of the number was due to distance from home and jealousy 

 of being: beaten. But the more danger the more honour. 



