Chapter XXVI. 



DUTCH-BELTED CATTLE. 



Natives of Holland, and of a pure black and white color, they have 

 been frequently described as peculiarly marked Holstein-Friesians. It 

 must bs remembered, however, that no matter how closely these two 

 Dutch races of cattle may have been related at first, they are now justly 

 recognized as pure and distinct breeds. 



The original name of the Dutch-Belted cattle, and the one still used 

 in Holland is "Lakenfield" cattle the name having reference to the 

 peculiar white belt or sheet passing completely around the body. From 

 the first volume of the Dutch-Belted Cattle Herd Book, we quote : 



"Their breeding dates back to beyond the seventeenth century;" 

 And again : 



"These cattle were solely controlled by the nobility of Holland, and they are to the 

 present time keeping them pure, but are not inclined to part with them" 



A fact which may account for the comparatively small number found at 

 present in America. 



The peculiar color markings of these cattle show an attainment in 

 the science of breeding really wonderful. Prof. Low attributes the 

 first appearance of the belted marking to a cross between two fixed 

 original breeds of opposite color, and this theory is doubtless correct ; 

 but to found a breed which will transmit such peculiar points with 

 certainty as do the Dutch-Belted cattle was a task, the magnitude of 

 which is only excelled by the result attained. 



Among the first importers to America were D. H. Haight, of 

 Goshen, N. Y. who made the first importation to the United States in 

 1838 ; W. R. Coleman, and P. T. Barnum the nation's showman. 

 Mr. Barnum says : 



"They struck my fancy in Holland. I imported them, and found their unique and 

 singular appearance not their best recommendation, for they are excellent milkers." 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 



Color, as already mentioned, jet black with a broad band or " belt " 

 of purest white passing completely around the body. The milk outline 

 is beautifully shown in long head, fine, rather thin neck well arched in 

 bull, but still fine at head, small horns, wide chest, straight back, 

 broad, level hips, deep quarters, and square, well-placed udder. In 

 size they are somewhat above medium mature cows weighing from 900 



140 



