SELECTION OP MILK COWS. 371 



should be united with those which imply a good constitution. 

 These are large lungs, a broad and prominent chest, a some- 

 what slow respiration, an abdomen of moderate dimensions, a 

 good appetite, and a great inclination to drink an inclination 

 stimulated by the abundant secretion of milk. 



"Such cows eat much, digest easily, and breathe well: they 

 make good blood. This fluid gives activity to the nervous sys- 

 tem, makes all the organs lively, and furnishes the glands with 

 the materials of a copious secretion. 



"Cows possessing these properties last long, give much milk, 

 and, when they become dry, soon fatten. 



" But it often happens that activity and vigor in the milky 

 glands, are united with close ribs, narrow, feeble lungs, delicate 

 digestive organs, a moderate appetite, and frequently an ardent 

 thirst. In that case, the cows have a bad constitution, they can 

 give much milk, but it is watery, and of bad quality, and they 

 often die of disease of the lungs. 



"These cows seldom have many calves, though they show a 

 great inclination for the bull; and they are difficult to fatten, 

 even when they are in good health, and not giving milk. 



GENERAL AITKARANCE. 



"In all breeds, the preference should be given to cows which, 

 in form, are the farthest removed from that of bulls; to cows 

 with small bones, fine and slender limbs, and a tail which is fine 

 at its base; a small but longish head, narrowing towards the 

 horns; the horns themselves of a bright color, tapering finely, 

 and glistening; a supple and soft, unctuous skin, covered, even 

 on the forehead, with erect, glossy, soft hair, and provided, near 

 the natural passages, with a short, fine, and silky down; a small 

 neck, and shoulders apparently long, because slender, especially 

 near the head ; small eyelids, well divided, but not much wrinkled ; 

 prominent eye, and a gentle, feminine look. 



