240 



A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



features of conformation. Beginning with the head, we 

 seek for evidences of the good feeder and a pleasant dis- 

 position. A broad muzzle, with shortness from this point 

 to the eyes, usually indicates constitution and feeding capac- 

 ity. A clear, prominent eye denotes a pleasant disposi- 

 tion; and the broad, full forehead, a comparatively high de- 

 gree of intelligence. The eye is an important guide to the 

 disposition, and should be carefully considered. The ears 



are a guide to quality; 

 for, if large and thick 

 and heavy at the base, 

 they indicate coarseness. 

 The reason for desiring 

 a short neck is to reduce 

 the amount of cheap 

 meat. The short, thick 

 neck is also an evidence 

 of constitutional vigor, 

 for it is connected with 

 a wide, full breast. Back 

 of this should be a ca- 

 pacious chest, with am- 

 ple room for the vital 

 organs. A strong, vigor- 

 ous constitution is very 

 important with all kinds 

 of stock. One must see the character of neck from the 

 side and top, and may easily note the way it joins both 

 head and shoulders. From the side, one notes the 

 placing of shoulders, their slope and smoothness of covering, 

 the blending of the neck with the shoulder at the so-called 

 " shoulder vein," and the spread between the blades at the 

 top. The wide-spread shoulder top is not desired, because 

 it means lack of covering of flesh and indicates a narrow floor 

 of the chest. From in front, the fullness of breast, the car- 



Figure 94. Judging beef cattle. Inspecting 

 the rump and feeling for condition. 

 Photograph by the author. 



