THE HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN 365 



something of the body proportions. The average measurements 

 of cows in Volume IV of the Advanced Registry are as follows : 



Height, perpendicular, at shoulders 5 1 .8 in. 



Height, perpendicular, at hips 53.0 in. 



Length of body, extreme point shoulder to point rump 64.9 in. 

 Length of rump, front hips to extreme point rump . 21.4 in. 

 Width of hips .... . ... 21.9 in. 



Girth of heart at smallest chest circumference 75.6 in. 



The maturing qualities of the Holstein-Friesian are not so pro- 

 nounced as with some other breeds. Young males very commonly 

 are slow in developing sex character, the crest and burly head 

 not appearing much prior to six months or more of age. The 

 heifers also are slow in showing the maternal characteristics. 

 However, with maturity sex character becomes amply manifest. 



The adaptability of the Holstein-Friesian to environment is 

 admirable. It seems at home in both north and south, tem- 

 perature not being an important factor. However, being a gross 

 feeder, the mature individual of this breed should be provided 

 with ample pasture or other food in summer. Also, being in the 

 large, heavy class, the Holstein-Friesian is best suited to fertile 

 lowlands, rather than to a rough and hilly country where food is 

 more or less scarce and laborious effort is required in grazing. 



The prolificacy of the Holstein-Friesian is probably compa- 

 rable with most breeds of cattle, but is not especially marked. 

 Many cows of the breed have lived to a ripe old age and have 

 been persistent producers, leaving large families. But little pub- 

 licity, however, has been given to this feature, and one finds 

 practically no reference to the subject in the literature relative 

 to the breed. 



The disposition of the Holstein-Friesian is naturally quiet and 

 peaceable. In their native home in Holland the cattle are brought 

 in close touch with the people, in most cases occupying stables 

 under the same roof with the family dwelling, and are constantly 

 handled in an individual way. All of the conditions promote 

 domesticity and quiet disposition. The bulls, in common with 

 those of other dairy breeds, are often nervous and belligerent 

 and require careful handling. The cows, however, are naturally 

 very quiet and easily handled ^^^.^^^^^^ 



