The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1881-03-04
The DevOns.

AS an outsider, we were very much
interested in the animated discussion
on the relative merits of the different
breeds of cattle, at the late meeting OF
the Central Kansas Breeders AssOcia-
ton. The prevailing opinion was, that
the ShOrt-horn is the animal for the
Kansas farmer who makes beef-raising
his business.
DR.. Vail championed the little Jer-
sey. He stated that she had been
bred for 200 years to develop her but
reproducing qualities. and that she
was par excellence the butter COW.
He tried to convince the Association
that the breeding of Jerseys would be
profitable in this State, showing from
published statements that at the sales
of pure-bred cattle during the past
year, the average price paid for the
Jerseys was greater than paid for
Short-horns. These sales were gener-
ally in the eastern States. Mr.. Harris
explained this.by saying that the Jer-
sey was the rich mans COW; that her
beauty, her gentleness, and the supe-
riOr quality Of bel. milk and cream. for
family use, created a demand for her
among the wealthy; and that these
high prices were no, criterion in her
general utility. A Jersey COW is a
On Wednesday afternoon, Gen. L.
F. Ross, of Avon, Illinois, gave a
very interesting paper on the Devons.
While admitting the superiority ofthe
Short-horn as an early maturing beef
animal, the General claimed that for
many parts Of the country, and fol a
rough system of farming, the Devon
is superior to any other of the distinct
breeds. The General stated that he
had formerly been breeder of Short
horns, but had deliberately come to
the conclusion that for his system of
farming, which he designated trough"
the Devon is the breed for him. After
giving the history of the breed and
brief accounts of the prominent herds
and individual animals which he had
seen, he closed his paper as follows:-
"The Devon cattle are recommended
to the favorable consideration of the
farmers of Kansas, for The following
reasons - e.,
l. For the superior quality of their
beef, milk and butter.
2. For the cheapness with which
they can be kept on the farm; their
hardy, rugged nature enabling them
to live and thrive on the cOarsest and
most munitions food.
3. Their strong, vigorous and iron
enables them to resist dis
ease and endure climatic changes.
4. Their great muscular develop
ment, their strength and activity,
make them the best of work cattle, and
enable them to gather their own food,
and work their own way through life.
5. Their beautiful and symmetrical
forms, their graceful style and car
riage, and their rich, glossy, red coats, !
ever please the eye, and ever fill the
heart with admiration"
The General presented the good |
qualities of his favorite breed in a for
chile and attractive manner; and to
rs, an outsider, his statements seem
worthy of careful consideration. For
the small farmer, who depends quite
as much upon butter as upon beef to
raise money, why is not the Devon
better than the Short-horn?
Gen. Ross for several years has been
with a view Of produc-
ng new breed of cattle. His object
$ to originate breed with all the
good qualities Of the Devon, without
jhe horns. Thus far the results are
If he succeeds his name
will be enrolled with those of Bates,
Booth, and other great benefactors of |
heir race.-PrOf. Ward.