THE DUTCH BELTED 



297 



regarding the origin and development of this breed, it being almost 

 unmentioned in extensive literature on the breeds of cattle. 



The introduction of Dutch Belted cattle to America dates back 

 to 1838, when D. H. Haight of Goshen, New York, made the 

 first importation, followed by a second in 1848. P. T. Barnum, 



Fig. 134. A Dutch Belted cow owned by F. R. Sanders, Laconia, New 

 Hampshire. Photograph by the author 



the famous showman, and R. W. Coleman also made importations. 

 The early development of this breed was largely in southern 

 New York in Orange County. No Dutch Belted cattle have 

 been brought to this country for at least fifty years. 



Characteristics of Dutch Belted cattle. In size they are some- 

 what smaller than the Holstein-Friesian, being more comparable 

 with the Ayrshire. Mr. G. G. Gibbs, a New Jersey breeder, states 

 that the cows weigh from 900 to 1250 pounds, while a number 

 of bulls have exceeded a ton in weight. The bull Duke of Ralph 

 255 when three years old weighed 1 200 pounds ; Edward the 

 Great I, 2000 pounds ; and Duke of Goshen 27, also 2000 pounds. 

 A weight of 1500 pounds or so should prevail with the bulls. 

 The cow Lady Aldine 124, a well-known prize winner, weighed 

 1200 pounds. In color the cattle are invariably black, with a 



