136 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



the abdomen of the cow we find a good long line of connection. 

 We will say, perhaps, that the fore udder is a good one and 

 should be given thirteen points. If it does not extend quite far 

 enough forward, the judge decides how much it shall be cut, and 

 gives it ten, eleven or twelve points. Then he examines the 

 hind udder, following back from the center to its attachment 

 with the body. If he finds it in perfect condition, full and reach- 

 ing far up behind, he can call it eleven points. Perhaps he finds 

 one side a little smaller than the other, or in some way defective. 

 In that case he must cut down from eleven points. 



Now we consider the teats ; they are to be far apart, well 

 placed, of medium size, straight and smooth and hanging per- 

 pendicularly. They should be far apart from front to rear and 

 from right to left. Perhaps we may find them bunched, or out 

 of condition; the judge cuts them three or more points and the 

 clerk marks it down. 



Next we take the milk veins. The judge places his hands on 

 the udder of the cow and follow^s forward, following the milk 

 veins and finding how much they are branched, how tortuous 

 they are, how many openings and how large they are. These 

 are valuable. If they are ideal they are worth the five points, 

 otherwise not. 



We now come to the disposition. This is a matter which may 

 be judged by the general appearance of the cow. The judge has 

 handled her, and if he finds her gentle, not restless — a good cow 

 so far as her handling is concerned — he gives her five points for 

 her disposition. If she is slightly vicious this figure has to be 

 cut. 



We have as the last marking the general appearance and 

 apparent constitution. It is the hardest question there is to 

 answer, in connection with the examination. What is the gen- 

 eral appearance of that animal? When she goes into the show 

 ring does she walk along smoothly and easily? Is her head up, 

 showing to you that she has a lot of constitution, strength and 

 vigor? Is her hair sleek and her eye bright? Does she move 

 about in such a way as to impress you with her vigor? Sup- 

 pose she had a high pelvic arch or carried her head down, she 

 would not strike us favorably. What would you think of a man 

 who goes slouching along? He is not prepossessing; you would 

 make up your mind against him. In regard to the apparent 



