Chapter XXIX. 



BRITTANY CATTLE. 



From best authority obtainable, this breed of cattle has an origin 

 much in common with that of the Holstein-Friesian; difference in cli- 

 mate, soil and vegetation having, through years of time, made the dif- 

 ference in size and in other respects as now observed. The breed is 

 now said to be "native" to the five departments of France which for- 



BRITTANY BULL 



merly made up the province of Bretagne, and in support of the state- 

 ment as to origin, it may be noted, that considerable variation among 

 the cattle, as to size and milking capacity, is found in the various local- 

 ities of their native province. 



A few have been imported to the United States at various times 

 within the last decade, but they are by no means generally known. Mr. 

 W. B. Montgomery, of Starkville, Miss, (better known as a breeder of 

 Jerseys) has a herd of 12 or 15 cows and two bulls. Writing to the au- 

 thor under date August 6, 1888, this gentleman says: 



"They are the hardiest of all the breeds of which I have any knowledge, and on 

 scant pasturage and poor soil will give better results in the butter dairy than any breed 

 with which I am acquainted. On moderately fertile land, and with proper care and atten- 



152 



