LECTURE XXVI. 



DEVON CATTLE. 



Origin, History, and Development in Great Britain. 



So far as all records and traditions go the Devon breed 

 has existed from the earliest times in the counties of Devon 

 and Somersetshire, England. Two types were recognized 

 in the earlier days. These were known as the North Devon 

 and South Devon. 



The nature of the country has doubtless had much to do 

 with the peculiarities of the breed. The country is rather 

 elevated, land inclined to be poor, and the climate rather 

 rigorous, being damp and chilly. Such a locality was not well 

 adapted to the maintenance of the larger beef breeds, nor 

 yet so severe as to render necessary the introduction of the 

 mountain breeds. 



The North Devons were described in early times as a small, 

 hardy race, with curly coats of a dark red color. They were 

 active, well adapted to the plough, and fattened readily and 

 very smoothly, developing into an excellent carcass of beef. 



The South Devon was a larger animal, more wedge shaped, 

 and there seems to be clear evidence of a considerable intro- 

 duction of Guernsey blood, which doubtless aided materially 

 in increasing the milking capacity. The South Devon blood 

 was used to some extent in the improvement of the North 

 Devon, and the modern type really represents the old North 

 Devon type improved by selection and by the introduction of 

 the blood of some of the best South Devons. Sir Francis 

 Quartly of Great Shampson was the most notable improver of 

 the breed. He drew the best cows from all sources, buying 

 many in the public markets. He bred for increased size, 



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