VAN PELT'S COW DEMONSTRATION 



first impression is always gained with greatest accuracy from 

 a reasonable distance while the animal is standing or walking 

 broadside to the observer. It is at this time that constitu- 

 tion and capacity are most plainly revealed, and never will 

 a skillful judge decide between the comparative excellence 

 of two animals that are closely matched until he has observed 

 them in this manner. 



As a rule, if the first impression is favorable it is well 

 to walk slowly around the animal, studying it in the same 

 manner on all sides, remembering that all animals do not 

 present the same appearance on both sides. This exami- 

 nation requires but a very short time. If it has proven satis- 

 factory, and a further study of the animal is desirable, it is 

 well to step quietly to the head. After noting all indications 

 presented there the observer may walk slowly along the side, 

 as he goes by noting the form of the neck, and by passing 

 the hand firmly along the shoulder and backward along the 

 spinal column he learns the character of these regions. With 

 the other hand he can lift the hide, and at once there will be 

 conveyed to his mind the condition that obtains. After no 

 great amount of experience he will find that different animals 

 leave with him varying impressions as to quality in this re- 

 spect. , 



Hips and Rump 



The comparative width across the hips and length in 

 the rump are usually apparent enough so they may be deter- 

 mined by the eye rather than by measurement with the arms, 

 although in cases where animals are nearly the same in these 

 parts the latter procedure is sometimes advisable. By stand- 

 ing immediately behind the animal an impression of the 

 conformation of the hind quarters is obtained and all nec- 

 essary information relating to the length and quality of the 

 tail can at this time be quickly gathered. 



Mammary System 



The examination of the mammary system should now 

 take place and if possible should be made in detail by the 

 use of both the senses of sight and touch. Many are the 

 indications of ability that escape the eye, and as a rule enough 

 mistakes occur where both faculties are put to work. In 

 completing the examination of a cow it is always advisable 

 to milk or see some one else milk her in order to determine 

 certainly that there are no defects that are not apparent when 

 the udder is full. 



[15] 



