UNITED STATES 185 



Devons 



Devons, one of the oldest breeds of cattle, were introduced 

 into the United States at an early date, and became popular 

 in New England and in parts of Virginia nearly a century 

 ago. The cows were good milkers, and the steers were used 

 as work oxen or for beef, and filled either place admirably. 

 They are exceedingly good rustlers, are vigorous, hardy, with- 

 stand both heat and cold well, and are very prepotent. For 

 these reasons they were popular with the people of New 

 England. They are slower of growth than any of the beef 

 breeds except the Galloway. Their endurance, intelligence, 

 and their gameness have made them popular as work oxen 

 wherever they have been tried — no breed excels them in this 

 respect. 



In size they are somewhat smaller than the Red Polled, 

 mature bulls weighing from 1500 to 2000, and cows from 1100 

 to 1400 pounds or more. They are solid red in colour, white 

 being permitted only on the udder, or near the scrotum of the 

 male, and on the switch of the tail. The shade of red varies, 

 but a rich bright red is preferred. In conformation the Devons 

 incline more to the beef type than to the dual-purpose type. 

 They are close coupled, very compact, smooth, and rank high 

 in quality and style. They have small bone, which is hard 

 and compact, giving a slender, fine leg. 



The head is lean, clean cut, of medium length, and sur- 

 mounted by rather long white or waxy horns, which curve 

 upward, forward, outward, and backward in the cow, and are 

 almost straight in the bull. The horns of the steers are large, 

 long, and often widespread, usually being very white or 

 waxy, with dark tips. The neck is medium in length, smooth, 

 and blends nicely with the shoulder. The body is compact, 

 fairly well covered with flesh, has well-sprung, deep ribs, and 

 is usually low set. The chest, back, loin, and hindquarter are 

 usually well developed, though the flank and twist are usually 

 somewhat higher than in the beef breeds. The cows are fair 

 to good milkers, giving rich milk, and always provide an abun- 

 dance to bring forward a good calf. The steers fatten some- 

 what slower than the beef breeds, but produce meat fine in 



