86 SCALE OF POINTS. 



Points. Counts. 



13. Underline. Straight as nearly as possible; flank, 



deep and full 4 



14. Legs.' Short, straight and squarely placed; hind legs 



slightly inclined forward below the hocks; fore- 

 arm, muscular; bones, fine and clean 3- 



15. Flesh. Even and without patchiness 3- 



16. Skin. Of moderate thickness and mellow touch, 



abundantly covered with thick, soft hair. (Much 

 of the thriftiness, feeding properties and value of 

 the animal depend upon this quality, which is of 

 great weight in the graziers and butcher's judg- 

 ment. A good "touch" will compensate for some 

 deficiencies of form. Nothing can compensate for 

 a skin hard and stiff. In raising the skin from the 

 body it should have a substantial, soft, flexible feel- 

 ing, and when beneath the outspread hand it should 

 move easily, as though resting on a soft, cellular 

 substance, which, however, becomes firmer as the 

 animal ripens. A thin, papery skin is objection- 

 able, especially in a cold climate) 10 



17. General Appearance. Elegant, well bred and femi- 



nine; the walk square, the step quick, and the 

 head up 5- 



Perfection 100 



In judging heifers, omit No. 12 and add three counts to- 

 No. 15 and five counts to No. 17. 



The foregoing scale of points describes in clear, brief 

 terms the characteristics desired in animals of the highest 

 merit. In actual practice, it should be remembered that 

 strength of constitution in breeding animals is all important, 

 and special heed should be paid to securing animals with 

 deep, wide chests. In bulls there is far too often a tendency 

 to coarseness of shoulder, and to openness at the top of 

 shoulders. This is very undesirable. Symmetry and smooth- 

 ness are leading characteristics of the breed. This is due 

 largely to the deep and uniform covering of flesh, and should 

 always be apparent; in fact, in well bred Angus the form 

 should be nearly cylindrical, with shoulders and hips so well 

 covered with flesh as to be invisible. The head should be 

 all that the scale of points calls for, and the judge should 



