Chapter XXXV. 



NORMANDIE CATTLE. 



From the report of United States Consul Williams, of Rouen, we 

 clip the following : 



"The origin of the Norman breed seems unknown ; in fact, has never been traced. 

 It is considered that the nature of the soil has produced the breed. It seems to have 

 changed very little in the last century and is very remarkable. The center of production 

 of this fine breed is comprised in the departments of Eure, Manche, Calvados and 

 Orne." 



The above, while not very definite information, is the best we have 

 been able to obtain regarding the origin of Normandie cattle. As the 

 breed grows in favor, doubtless some one will be encouraged to more 

 extended and, we trust, more successful search for their early 

 history. 



Improvement has been slow but constant, an-d has been brought 

 about by care in selection and management. Attempts to improve the 

 breed have been made by crossing with Shorthorn or Durham blood, re- 

 sulting as might be expected in a more rounded contour, but de- 

 creasing at the same time the milking value and fixedness of type : in 

 fact, producing that most unreliable of all animals for breeding pur- 

 poses a cross. For beef the Normandie is undoubtedly improved by 

 the use of bulls of any of our best beef breeds ; but when we say this, 

 we have neither added to the claims of one,, nor detracted from the 

 merits of the other. 



Importations to the United States have been few, and only during 

 recent years. The first of which we have any knowledge was made in 

 1885, by Mr. J. C. Duncan, of Normal, 111. Regarding this importa- 

 tion, Mr. Levi Dillon writes under date August 20, 1887 : 



"* * * * He [Mr. Duncan] imported from France two years ago, one 

 Normandie bull and one Normandie cow ; they are registered, both recorded in France. 

 They are brindle in color, and are noted for their great milking qualities as well as for 

 their beef qualities. They are said to be the equal of the Jerseys as milkers, and the 

 equal of the Shorthorns as beef cattle. I am not a cattle man, but our leading cattle 

 men here speak highly of these cattle. * * * * Combining, as they do f 

 the good qualities of the Jersey and the Shorthorn, I believe they are the coming 

 cattle of this country." 



Another small importation was made to New York city in 1886, and 

 one to Chicopee, Mass., in 1887. Probably others have been made of 

 which we are not aware. 



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