320 



THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



his work in 1793, stands preeminent among Devon 

 breeders. The best blood in the breed has descended from 

 his herd. John Tanner Davy began the improvement of 

 a Devon herd left to him by his father in 1790. On his 

 death in 1852, his son, Colonel Davy, continued his work, 

 and became foremost among Devon breeders of the time. 



The latter did a great 

 deal to popularize the 

 breed by his writings 

 and by his personal 

 efforts. 



363. History in 

 America. The exact 



f i , HH , v>>- W 1 IV date f the first impor- 

 tations of Devons is 

 uncertain, but it is 

 thought that a few 

 head were brought to America in 1623 by the colonists. 

 Beginning with an importation in 1800 to Massachusetts, 

 several importations were made, the most notable being 

 in 1817, when six pure-bred heifers and a bull were re- 

 ceived by Robert Patterson of Baltimore. The Patter- 

 sons made later importations, and were in no small way 

 responsible for the development of the breed in this 

 country. Other breeders imported Devon stock into 

 United States and Canada, but the breed has not become 

 very popular, despite the fact that it is worthy. 



364. Description. In general, the Devons are a 

 docile but hardy breed of cattle, well adapted to thrive on 

 short and hilly pasture, while at the same time responding 

 to good care (Figs. 59, 60). 



365. Types. Two types of Devon cattle have been 

 developed. The North Devon, a hardy, compact type, is 



FIG. 60. Devon cow. 



