1856.] now to Choose a Good Milch Cow. 571 



ino- properties of the cow. It sliould be soft and flexible on every 

 part of the body, especially on the back-ribs, and also on the rump- 

 bones, situated on each side of the insertion of the tail. The latter 

 is a point much prized by dairymen ; so much so, that a very suc- 

 cessful farmer in Cheshire, Mr. Jabez Wright, told the writer that, 

 in buying a cow, if the skin on the rump was soft and easily lifted 

 from the bone, he never sought for further signs of her milking 

 powers. Of course, while feeling this point, Mr. "SYright's prac- 

 ticed eye would at once take in, at a glance, those other points 

 which constitute the toute ensemlle of a good milker ; but the one 

 referred to he considered indispensable. The skin in these parts 

 will vary, however, according to the condition of the cow. If full 

 of flesh, the skin may be loose, and yet the animal be a poor milker; 

 but if in lean condition, with loose skin on the rump-bone, she will 

 milk well and fatten quickly when dry. The skin on the ribs is of 

 the next importance ; and if it corresponds in softness and looseness 

 with that on the rump-bones, another point of excellence is estab- 

 lished. These two points conjoined are correct exponents of the 

 internal constitution, and are always accompanied with more than 

 an average tendency to milk freely and fatten rapidly. The former 

 indicates a more than ordinary power of producing milk ; the latter, 

 a great aptitude to fatten ; and their conjoined presence indicates 

 the union of both tendencies. The skin on the udder generally par- 

 takes of the quality of that on the rump and ribs, and will therefore 

 be soft and flexible, in proportion to their softness and flexibility. 

 Still there is a difi"erence to be observed, viz : that the skin of the 

 udder must not be thick, whereas thickness on the rump and ribs is 

 quite consistent with the best properties, provided it be loose, soft 

 and flexible. In fact, a thickish, soft hide, generally indicates hardi- 

 ness of constitution, from its greater capability to resist or modify 

 external influences, whether of climate or cuticular irritation from 

 the bites of insects. 



The hair is the next point to be studied. It should be moderately 

 long, closely set, and above all, soft and woolly. As the thick soft 

 skin is an indication of hardiness, much more so is this the case 

 when covered with long, thick, woolly hair. A bare, hard-haired 

 cow, is ever to be avoided by the dairyman as well as the grazier. 



If even a moderate milker, yet she will be a great eater, and nev- 

 er pay for her food. 



Color is immaterial, and depends on the breed. A brown cow is 



