Chapter XLIII. 



SIMMENTHAL (BERNESE) CATTLE. 



The Simmenthal cattle came originally from Canton Berne, Swit- 

 zerland, but the best specimens are found in the valleys of Bernese Over- 

 land and on the rich pastures of western Switzerland and southern Ger- 

 many. In southern Germany, especially, the fertile valleys have been 

 found very favorable to steady improvement, and to the late King Wil- 

 liam of Wtirtemberg, who was especially interested in their importation 

 to Germany, the breed is largely indebted for its present improved con- 

 dition. 



So far as we can ascertain, only two importations of these cattle 

 have been made to the United States. In 1886, the Rev. F. von Schlu- 

 embach, of Perry, Tex., while on one of his periodical visits to Ger- 

 many, became much impressed with the idea that just such cattle as the 

 Simmenthal were needed in the United States, and if properly handled 

 would grow rapidly in favor. He accordingly secured and brought over 

 successfully four head two bulls and two heifers, all yearlings the first 

 Simmenthal cattle ever brought to America. (The second importation 

 of Simmenthal cattle was made in May, 1887, by John Dick, of Quincy, 

 111.) Writing to the author, under date February i4th, 1888, Rev. von 

 Schluembach says: 



"* * * * The weight of the cattle in Switzerland is very great ; bulls 

 up to 3, ooo Ibs. ; cows five years old, upwards of i , 800 Ibs. Height, from i . 34 to i . 4 meters 

 [54 to 56 inches]; length, 2.15 to 2.2 meters [85 to 87 inches], well and equally developed 

 animals. * * * * Edelweiss [referring to one of the heifers imported in 

 1886], three-year-old cow, May ist, gives about four quarts per day now, but she will 

 come in with second calf very soon. They are not a distinctly dairy breed, but are rather 

 for meat purposes ; but, at the same time, I believe good milkers if properly attended to. 

 Although I imported my cattle in spring, and after quarantine in New York, had to bring 

 them to Texas in August, by steamer to New Orleans, they have done finely from the 

 start, and are easily acclimatized. The success I had with them in this respect I attribute 

 in no little measure to your excellent and very reliable suggestions. * * * They 

 are easy kept in food, are fully satisfied with Texas prairie hay and loose bran, feed up 

 well, and fatten easily. * * *" 



Wishing to present an accurate description of this valuable breed, 

 the author made a personal inspection of Rev. von Schluembach' s herd 

 in March, 1888, and from notes made at that time, gives the following 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 



Color light yellowish red, spotted with white in one strain of the 

 breed, evenly variegated; in the other strain the white is confined 



207 



