CATTLE AND THE DAIRY 



however, was their adaptability for use as working cat- 

 tle. Nearly every male calf was saved and reared for 

 this purpose. The success attained in subduing our 

 rough hill lands can be ascribed, in no small degree, to 

 the sturdy qualities of this valuable breed. They proved 

 to be not only rugged but teachable, quick in action, and 

 very strong in proportion to their size, all of which 

 were decidedly valuable qualities for working cattle. 



Near the middle of the nineteenth century Litchfield 

 County fairs were famous for their fine "strings" of 

 working oxen. It was no uncommon occurrence to see 

 town "strings" of more than one hundred pairs shown 

 at the fair at the county seat. Of these cattle the hand- 

 somest and most admired were the Devons because of 

 their solid red color and fine forms. Choice herds of 

 Devons were also developed on the farm of Mr. Peck 

 at Watertown and by the elder Dr. Buell of Litchfield. 

 The latter herd has never lost its identity, as the pres- 

 ent Dr. Buell keeps up a valuable dairy of this breed 

 and still finds ready sale for all the steers he can raise. 

 This herd to-day shows exceptionally good milking 

 qualities. The milk is above medium richness as re- 

 gards fat and is considered very valuable as a food 

 for infants and invalids. 



In the early days every farmer raised his own beef 

 and pork, and it was no uncommon thing for the farmer 

 with a large family to "put down" five or six barrels of 



C69] 



