STOCK. 261 



brought to America were principally selected. Even in the ab- 

 sence of documentary and historical evidence of this fact, the 

 color and general appearance and characteristics of our cattle 

 would warrant this belief. Other breeds, however, were not 

 unrepresented in our early settlements. We have traces of 

 several, including the Hereford and Galloway. 



As among the immigrants many were men of very moderate 

 circumstances, and others wholly unacquainted with agricultural 

 pursuits, it is probable that many of the cattle were not ani- 

 mals of pure blood and high cost. Doubtless many were not 

 selected with any reference to their breeding, but merely good 

 cows picked up at the port of embarkation. 



On their arrival in America these animals had doubtless 

 to share the privations borne by their owners. They suf- 

 ered from the effects of a severe climate, most unlike that of 

 southern England. They had short commons and poor shelter. 

 Add to these circumstances the probable inattention on the 

 part of the masters to careful breeding, and there is no room 

 for surprise that the cattle, as a race, degenerated, and lost all 

 title to the dignity of being styled a breed. 



In spite, however, of their degeneracy, our native cattle are not 

 without great merit ; and we may well congratulate ourselves 

 on the possession of hardy cows, perfectly acclimated and ac- 

 customed to our New England pastures, from which we can 

 easily select breeders of value, and from which, by the» aid of 

 good bulls of one of the imported breeds, we can raise up a 

 stock of valuable cattle suited to our wants, whether required 

 for draught, the dairy, or the shambles. 



During the greater part of the present century importations 

 have from time to time been made of thorough-bred Devon cat- 

 tle. Latterly these importations have been frequent ; and this 

 stock is now widely spread through the Northern States. The 

 Devon is probably the oldest of the English breeds of cattle, 

 and possesses such intrinsic excellence that it would doubtless 

 become a favorite in New England even if its color, size, and 

 style did not appeal to a long-established local prejudice. It is 

 from this breed that our cattle arc mostly descended, and it is 

 to it that most New Eneland farmers will look for materials to 

 improve their stock. 



