A Sot.-rim DEVON.
It is continually happening in Britain that breeds of stock which seemed to be on the point of vanishing are discovered to possess some essential merit, previously neglected or half- neglected. Visitors to the Dairy Show (which is singularly popular, as it deserves to be, with urban crowds) saw no stock more admirable than the few South Devon cattle, who won the most highly prized of the competitions. Their milk is rich beyond comparison with any breed other than the Channel Island cattle, whom they challenge. Yet once, owing to their great size, they were regarded at any rate by caterers for the Army and Navy at southern towns and ports as supreme for beef. A greatly enhanced reputation as cream producers is now assured. The specialists were enthusiastic about their form as well as their performance. The breed has been sira,ni- larly local ; but the South Devons take as kindly to other climates as the Guernseys do. I suppose the three counties that lead in the production of local breeds are Devon, York- shire and Suffolk ; and many of them have achieved a world- wide reputation. The Yorkshire large white pig has helped to make the success of Danish agriculture ; Suffolk Redpoll cattle arc coming to be recognized as the best dual purpose cattle in the world ; and South Devons have travelled us far as Japan.
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