FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 183 



Now, the outward marks of large digestive organs are, depth and breadth of 

 abdomen, and broad, square hips, giving a wedge-like appearance to the cow 

 from hip to shoulder. Broad hips are also an indication of a good develop- 

 meut of blood vessels in the milk-i)roducing region, and sufficient udder in 

 which to store milk from one milkmg to another. A little observation will 

 teach almost any farmer, that a straight slim-bodied cow, with narrow com- 

 pressed hips, is almost sure to disappoint the milk pail. 



The escutcheon, or milk-mirror, though of modern date, is one of the 

 most valuable marks (when taken in conjunction with the marks already given) 

 by which we may make good selections of dairy stock. To those not alreaay 

 acquainted with this mark, let me say : Stand behind the cow, and look at 

 the hair on the hind quarters of the udder. If the hair grows downwards, 

 straight and smooth there is no development of escutcheon. But if the hair 

 turns outward and upward, extending out on to the thigh, there is a good de- 

 velopment of escutcheon, on the hind quarters of the udder. The front quar- 

 ters are furnished with separate escutcheons, Avhich blend together in the mid- 

 dle. These, with large milk veins, are good indications of a large How of 

 milk. 



Without any explanation of this peculiar growth of hair, always found upon 

 the udder of first-class milkers, the first impression is that it is a first-class 

 whim. But science has come to the relief of the observing farmer, and dem- 

 onstrated by numerous dissections, that this peculiar growth of hair is abso- 

 lutely an outward measurement of the size and quantity of blood-vessels, that 

 supply the material from which milk is manufactured by the lacteal veins of 

 the udder. 



Calves destined to make good milkers, have this escutcheon or mirror plainly 

 developed when viewed from behind, and when accompanied by broad hips 

 and depth and breadth of abdomen, my advice is, do not sell such calves for 

 anything less than two prices ; for the chances are, they will make good milk- 

 ers, no matter how "native" or "blooded" the stock may be. 



Thick heavy lips, indicating a good constitution, large open nostrils, indi- 

 cating good lung-power, are marks that should not be overlooked. 



It often occurs that cows will have broad hips and powerful digestive organs, 

 with no development of escutcheon. Such animals are poor milkers, but good 

 beef producers, of which the "Short-horns" that we generally see at our 

 State fairs, are perhaps the best types. 



It often occurs too, that a well developed escutcheon is found on cows with 

 narrow hips and weak digestive organs. Such animals are free milkers for a 

 while, but soon lose flesh and, to use a farm expression, "dry up." This is 

 accounted for from the fact that the digestive organs are called upon to per- 

 form labor which they are physically incapable of performing. In other words 

 the cow, in order to sustain animal life, is forced to quit the business of manu- 

 facturing milk. 



The quality as well as quantity of water furnished cows, has full as much in- 

 fluence upon the quality of butter or cheese manufactured as the quality of 

 food. Cows that are forced to drink swamp water or the filth from stagnant 

 pools or cat-holes, will invariably give milk that is poisoned in just the proj^or- 

 tion that the water furnished them is impure. No man who neglects the qual- 

 ity of food and water furnished his cows, has any right to expect a good quality 

 or a paying quantity of butter or cheese. 



