Chapter XLII. 



SUSSEX CATTLE. 



This breed is closely allied to the Devon indeed, some writers as- 

 sert that it is folly to class them as separate breeds. We cannot think 

 so. Certainly their origin is found in the same stock, but this is also true 

 of the Galloway and Aberdeen-Angus breeds. The early writers on the 

 breeds of cattle of Great Britain certainly looked upon the Sussex as a 

 breed well worthy a class by itself. Youatt and Martin, while acknowl- 

 edging the common origin of both Devon and Sussex cattle, yet speak 

 of the Sussex ox as possessing not only the activity of the Devon, but 

 the strength of the Hereford; "with the propensity to fatten, and the 

 beautiful fine grained flesh of both." 



The breed takes its name from the county or shire of Sussex, in 

 England, adjoining Devonshire, and differing from it in contour, eleva- 

 tion and fertility of soil. As already mentioned, the Devons occupied 

 the elevated slopes bordering the Severn; the Sussex cattle held the 

 lower regions of rich, luxuriant pasture farther east; and this fact alone 

 when we consider the long period of time involved would naturally 

 lead to a very supposable difference between the two breeds. 



Improvement of the Sussex has not been rapid, but rather marked 

 by the slow, steady conservatism of their English breeders. In Amer- 

 ica they have obtained a foothold, and already claim a large share of 

 favor from American stockmen. Mr. Overton Lea, the energetic and 

 popular breeder, of Mont Eagle, Tenn. (now secretary of the recently 

 organized association), has done more towards pushing the Sussex to the 

 front in the last ten years than all their breeders in England combined 

 and only because he has freely advertised and fully exhibited his cat- 

 tle, courting inspection at all times, and asking only an honest opinion 

 as to their merits. 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 



Color, like the Devon, a rich dark red, with white brush to the tail; 

 in size they excel the Devon considerably, mature bulls weighing from 

 1,700 to 2,000 Ibs., and cows i, 100 to i,4Oolbs. Comparing further with 

 the Devon, we may say: The head is coarser, with thicker horns; neck 

 heavier, shoulders deeper, barrel longer and general form showing more 

 of a beef tendency; they mature as early; are fine feeders, hardy, dress 

 well, and produce an excellent quality of flesh. 



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