THE HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN 361 



Henry Stevens, and Solomon Hoxie, all of central New York, 

 and Edgar Huidekoper of Pennsylvania. Among the great cows 

 imported in these early days were Netherland Queen 414 H. 

 H. B. and Johanna 344 H. H. B., imported in 1878 ; and Mercedes 

 723 H. H. B., Empress 539 H. H. B., Ondine 828 H. H. B., and 

 Aaggie 901 H. H. B., imported in 1879. For many years there 

 has been no importation from Holland, due to the existence of 

 continuous foot-and-mouth disease over much of the continent 

 of Europe, the United States having placed an embargo against 

 European cattle outside of Great Britain. 



The characteristics of the Holstein-Friesian are distinct and 

 peculiar to this breed. In general conformation there is consider- 

 able variation, ranging from animals of a marked beef type to the 

 extreme dairy type. This variation is recognized by the best author- 

 ities on the breed and has been officially described as follows ^ : 



There are three definite types, described as the millc and beef form, the 

 milk forrn, and the beef and milk form. The average form of the breed, and 

 that which conscientious breeders are directing their efforts to maintain and 

 improve, is the milk and beef form. Mr. S. Hoxie thus admirably refers to 

 the milk and beef type of the breed : " It is especially strong in all vital 

 particulars. The bones are fine compared with size, and the chine broad and 

 strong compared with the high and sharp chine of the extreme milk form. 

 The loin and hips are broad and smooth, and the rump high and level 

 compared with the angularity usually shown in the milk form. The twist is 

 roomy and the thighs and hocks well apart. Passing forward the shoulders 

 are smoother and more compact than in the milk form, but of lighter weight 

 than in the beef form. The brisket is not so wide and low as in the beef form, 

 and the chest is not so deep, but the width of the beef form through at the 

 heart is closely retained. In the milk form the abdomen is usually swung low, 

 and the ribs are steep, but in the milk and beef form the ribs are wider sprung 

 and the abdomen more trimly held up though no less capacious. The general 

 appearance of the bull is strongly masculine, but that of the cow is no less 

 feminine than in the milk form. 



In the American show ring the best-qualified judges discriminate 

 against the beef-and-milk type and seek for more smoothness 

 and finish than is found in the extreme milk type. Holstein- 

 Friesian breeders have been so influenced by pedigrees that 

 many bulls have been used in service that from the standpoint 



1 F. L. Houghton, Ttj^i^^gy'^^SsM^^^'''- Undated leaflet. 



