CHAPTER XXXV 



THE HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN 



The native home of Holstein-Friesian cattle is Holland. While 

 the breed as we know it in America seems abundant all over 

 Holland, it is most common in north Holland in the provinces 

 of Friesland and Drenthe. There are several recognized breeds 

 of Dutch cattle, but the large black and white one is the leading 

 dairy breed, and meets with favor in northwestern Germany and 

 Belgium, where it is extensively kept. Holland is a country 

 mainly reclaimed from the sea, and much of the land lies below 

 sea level, the water being held back by dikes. The soil is very 

 fertile in some places and very poor in others. Much of the land 

 is in meadows, separated into farms and pastures by canals. 

 The climate is cold in winter, but the nearness to the sea breaks 

 its intensity and furnishes satisfactory conditions for cattle the 

 year round. 



The origin of Holstein-Friesian cattle is obscure. It has been 

 claimed that for over a thousand years the people of Holland 

 have kept them and have been famous for the production 

 of milk, butter, and cheese. It has been assumed that these 

 cattle are descended from the prehistoric Giant Ox {Bos primi- 

 genus). Early writings refer to Dutch cattle as being large, 

 more or less white in color, and great milk producers. Undoubt- 

 edly the present type of black and white dairy cattle of Holland 

 has long existed there. 



The origin of the name Holstein-Friesian becomes pertinent at 

 this point. A quarter of a century ago cattle were brought to 

 this country under the names of Holstein and Dutch Friesian, 

 being sold as different breeds and championed by different breed- 

 ing associations. The name Holstein has no application in Hol- 

 land, but refers to a small province in Germany, between the 

 Baltic and North seas, about a hundred miles east of the Holland 



264 



