126 A STUDY OF FARM. ANIMALS 



away its flesh by means of its powerful jaws and teeth; the 

 deer, light and most graceful of form, grazes on the grass 

 and tender twigs, and bounds away to safety like a flash, 

 when an enemy appears. Form, size and color, all have their 

 special purposes. Our domestic animals have developed 

 under artificial conditions, over which man has had large 

 control, with the result that our horses, cattle, sheep, and 

 swine become creatures of special purpose to a very unusual 

 degree. The great speed of the Thoroughbred, the massive 

 size of the Shire, the excessive milk development of the Hol- 

 stein-Friesian, and the heavy fleece of the Merino, are all 

 fine examples of this special-purpose development. 



The most efficient judge of live stock is the student of 

 animal form who can most clearly see and understand this 

 relationship of form to function. The qualified judge ob- 

 tains his knowledge in two ways: first, by environment, or 

 his home surroundings; and, second, by education. The 

 average British farmer is a great lover of animals and is 

 usually a good judge of a beast, and his children inherit the 

 same characteristics. It is second nature for him to measure 

 up in a logical way the weak and strong points in an animal 

 and judge their values. Yet one may become a capable, 

 efficient judge by combination of a natural admiration for 

 animals with systematic training in judging. The judge at 

 all times should be able to compare the animal before him 

 with what he knows to be the ideal or perfect one. The 

 ability to compare differs in degree. Beginners are not sup- 

 posed to be as proficient as experienced men, yet time and 

 experience add to one's qualifications. Even if one lacks to 

 some extent the desirable qualities to be found in a success- 

 ful judge, one may, nevertheless, be qualified to pass in judg- 

 ment on many occasions where the responsibilities are not 

 the greatest, and where real service may be rendered. 



The judgment of the stockman should enable him to buy 

 and to develop his herd with intelligence. No man is quali- 



