ANIMAL FORM AN INDEX OF QUALITIES. 365 



The cheap parts cannot, as a matter of course, be 

 entirely dispensed with ; but they should be reduced 

 in amount as far as possible without interfering with 

 the strength and vigor of the animal. 



If a line be drawn from the shoulder-point to the 

 knee (patella, or whirlbone), or first joint below the 

 hip (i. e,, the joint nearest the flank), in the living 

 animal, it will be seen that the parts of the body 

 above this line are of greater value as meat than the 

 parts below. 



In judging of the relative value of two animals 

 that are equal in all other particulars, it will therefore 

 be safe to say that the one giving the largest propor- 

 tion of carcass above the line is the best for the pur- 

 poses of the butcher. 



In the best-proportioned animal it will likewise be 

 seen that the sides of the body are filled out to the 

 line, when applied, as above directed, in its entire 

 length, without leaving any depressions between the 

 line and the body at the flank and behind the arm. 



This test will be found of value to the student in 

 training the eye to detect slight variations in form, 

 while the experienced breeder will be able to take in 

 at a glance the conditions presented in these propor- 

 tions without resorting to the method of actual meas- 

 urement. 1 



1 For observations on the general form of animals the student may 

 profitably consult "The New Farmer's Calendar," by Lawrence, pp, 

 454, 455 ;" The Complete Grazier," p. 35 j Coventry on " Agriculture," 

 p. 174; "A Guide to Form in Cattle," by Welles j Harris on "The 

 Pig," p. 17 ; Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society, vol. xv., p. 87 ; 

 Marshall's " Midland Counties," vol. i., p. 297; Youatt on "Cattle," p. 

 191 ; "American Cattle," by Allen, p. 168 ; Farmer'* Magazine^. xi., 



