JUDGING BEEF CATTLE 



179 



discussed. Having made this inspection, the next thing will 

 be to consider the detailed features of conformation. Begin- 

 ning with the head, we seek for evidences of the good feeder 

 and a pleasant disposition. A broad muzzle, with shortness 

 from this point to the eyes, usually indicates constitution 

 and feeding capacity. A clear, prominent eye denotes a 

 pleasant disposition; and the broad, full forehead, a com- 



Fig. 102. 



Examining the covering of flesh over the shoulder. Photograph by 

 the author. 



paratively high degree of intelligence. The eye is an impor- 

 tant guide to the disposition, and should be carefully con- 

 sidered. 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 capacious chest, with 



