50 Domestic ANIMALS. 
Of the original race of British cattle no satisfactory descrip~ 
tion occurs in any ancient author; but it is believed that, with 
occasional exceptions, they possessed no great bulk or beauty. 
They were doubtless numerous, for Cesar tells us, in his Com- 
mentaries, that the ancient Britons neglected tillage and lived 
on milk and flesh. It was that occupation and mode of life 
which suited their state of society. A few specimens of the 
pure ancient breed, descendants of cattle which escaped from 
their masters centuries since and became wild, may now be 
seen in the parks of gentlemen in England. They are very 
wild, and are said to be untamable. 
The breeds of cattle in England are remarkable for their 
numerous varieties, caused by the almost endless crossings of 
one breed with another. 
The breeds of cattle now found in America are all derived 
from Europe, and those of the United States mainly from Eng- 
land. The early importations were of inferior grades, as the 
grand improvements in British cattle, commenced by Bake- 
well, date back no farther than about the time of the Revolu- 
tion. In New England the primitive stock is believed to have 
undergone considerable improvement, while in parts of the 
Middle and Southern States it has undoubtedly deteriorated. 
II—BREEDS. 
A strict classification of the numerous breeds of cattle now 
existing in the United States would be difficult. Youatt 
arranges British cattle under three heads, according to the com- 
parative size of their horns—the Long Horns, the Short Horns, 
and the Middle Horns. These classes are all represented here. 
The prevailing stock of the Eastern States is believed to be 
derived from the Middle Horns or North Devons, most of the 
excellent marks and qualities of which they possess, They 
have frequently been called the American Devons, and are 
highly esteemed. The most valuable working oxen are of this 
breed, which also contributes largely to the best displays of 
beef found in the markets of New York, Philadelphia, and Bos 
