172 DEVONS. 



age because of under size, and possibly also, of moderation in maturing and milk 

 quantity, but it is difficult to conceive of a more desirable cow on upland rangy pastures 

 for the butter factory." 



A most excellent step was taken by the Devon breeders when the 

 so-called " Red-Letter" Registry was adopted. The plan follows that of 

 the Holstein-Friesian Association's "Advanced Registry," and is de- 

 signed to stimulate actual performance of Devon cows in the dairy as 

 well as higher scaling by the score card, certifying beef or feeding form 

 improvement. The following synopsis of requirements for Red-Letter 

 registration will best indicate the purpose and explain the objects of the 

 club in adopting this feature: 



"i. All animals must be recorded in American Devon Record. 



"2. No bull is eligible unless first dam is in Red-Letter Register. 



" 3. No bull under two years old is eligible. 



"4. A bull, to be eligible, must score at least 80 points in the Devon Scale. 



" 5. A cow to be eligible must score at least 80 points in the Devon Scale. 



" 6. A cow under three years old must have made not less than seven pounds of 

 well-worked butter in seven days, and show a yield of at least one pound butter fat in one 

 day, as determined by chemical test. 



"7. A cow over three and under four years old must yield 8^ Ibs, butter in seven 

 days and T.% Ibs. butter fat in one day. 



"8. A cow four years old and over must yield 10^ Ibs. butter in seven days and 

 i l / 2 Ibs. butter fat in one day. 



' ' 9. Bulls and cows may be scored at any time after two years old. 

 " 10. Scorers must be officially appointed by the club." 



The Devons are probably as nearly general purpose animals as may 

 be found among the present known breeds, In size they are medium, 

 bulls when matured weighing from 1,200 to 1,600 Ibs., and cows from 900 

 to i, 100 Ibs. One thing more we must notice their introduction into the 

 Southern states. In Mr. Allen's work, the author intimates that the 

 Devon acclimates unusually well in the South. We cannot agree with 

 him; information from various portions of the South has shown a high 

 proportion of mortality among Devons brought from the North, only one 

 breed Shorthorns showing a greater average per cent, of loss. To 

 counterbalance this, however, it is a well-known fact that the Devons 

 when acclimated will thrive and keep in good condition on scant pasture 

 where many other improved breeds would starve to death. This high 

 per cent, of mortality in acclimating Devons may be due to the unnat- 

 ural forcing which the breed has undergone of late years in the hands of 

 unskillful breeders, as it is well known among successful importers of 

 Northern cattle that the introduction of over-fed or pampered stock 

 from the North is apt to result fatally to both profits and cattle. 



There are now a goodly number of fine herds of Devons in the South, 

 and their certain increase, both in numbers and favor, is fast becoming 

 an accomplished fact. 



