1 68 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



V. Early maturing qualities, 



(1) In this respect they are fair, but probably not quite 

 the equal of some of the heavier breeds that have been more 

 forced in feeding, and yet 



(2) Their neat, pony-like frames will mature quickly 

 with good keep. 



. VI. Grazing qualities. 



(1) The grazing qualities of Devons are of the first order, 

 owing 



(2) To their muscularity, their activity, and to the inheri- 

 tance of the grazing habit. 



(3) They readily obtain a good livelihood on lands where 

 the heavy-bodied breeds would probably fail, and when food 

 is plentiful they fatten quickly. 



VII. Feeding qualities. 



(1) They feed quickly in the stall, and make good gains 

 in proportion to the food consumed, but 



(2) They cannot stand forcing for so long a period as 

 some of the other breeds. 



(3) They lay on flesh evenly and smoothly, hence they 

 are not given to patchiness. 



(4) The quality of the meat is excellent, and in the mar- 

 kets of Great Britain it fetches prices nearly as high, and, in 

 some instances, quite as high as those paid for Galloway and 

 West Highland beef. 



(5) The meat is nicely veined and marbled, and is well 

 flavored, juicy, and of prime quality. 



(6) A large proportion of roast meat is furnished, and 

 the offal is small in proportion to the weight of the carcass. 



VIII. Value in crossing and grading. 



(1) Devons are highly prepotent, owing to their inherent 

 vigor and to the long period during which they have been bred 

 pure. 



(2) They should answer well for crossing upon common 

 stocks where the aim is to improve their easy keeping qualities 

 without impairing their butter producing powers. 



(3) Such crossing should be confined within the limits of 

 adaptability suitable to the successful rearing of pure Devons. 



(4) The grades from Devons are well adapted to the 

 home market, as they may be fattened at any age. 



IX. Breeding qualities. 



(i) The natural conditions under which Devons are kept 

 are favorable to the development and maintenance of good 



