52 



1791) of Coke, first Earl of Leicester, was the most famous. From 

 Holkham, Devons were first exported to the United States. 



Value of the Devon Breeds for Semi-tropical Climates. As a 

 ranching breed the Devon comes next to the Hereford and the 

 Shorthorn. It is smaller in size than either of those two breeds, 

 and has been found to do well in North and South America, 

 Australia and South Africa. The colour of its skin and hair 

 supplies a degree of natural protection against the sun, which 

 makes the breed more suitable than light coloured breeds for semi- 

 tropical countries. 



Larger Local Types. In the lower and richer country, especially 

 in Somerset, away from its original home, the Devon breed 

 has developed greater substance than it attains in its natural 

 habitat ; but, though probably improved in some respects as the 

 result of a more favourable environment, it tends in a few 

 generations to gain strength of bone and to lose its distinctive 

 characteristics. The more massive variety is growing in favour 

 with foreign buyers. 



Milking Qualities. The original Devons were a working and 

 grazing breed and the average cow is only a moderate milker, though 

 greater attention is now paid to the milking powers, and there are 

 several pedigree herds kept largely for dairying purposes. The 

 milch cows retain their flesh well and fatten into good beef after 

 their fourth or fifth calf. 



DEVON CLASSES AT THE SMITHFIELD SHOW, 1902-1911. 

 (a) Average Ages, Live Weights and Daily Increases. 



(b) Highest and Lowest Daily Increases. 



Average age. 



Average 



live 

 weight. 



Average daily 

 increase from 

 birth (weight 



at birth 

 disregarded). 



