126 BREEDS OF CATTLE 



In referring to the characteristics or qualities looked for in 

 any particular breed, the word "type" is often used, coupled 

 with "breed,'* to denote the possession of such qualities; "cha- 

 racter" is very frequently used as synonymous with "breed- 



type." 



"Touch" is another expression that requires defining. It is 

 largely dependent upon the skin. A good skin is elastic and of 

 the proper thickness ; the good beef animal is generally supposed 

 to carry a moderately thick, the dairy cow a moderately thin, 

 skin. Experience leads me to think that the various thicknesses 

 of hide are among those characters which indicate the two 

 purposes, i.e. meat and milk; good skin, however, is only part 

 of the perfection; for under it one expects to handle springy 

 tissue ; further, the hide should glide easily over the underlying 

 substance. If the animal is being felt over by the hand for 

 its beef-yielding quality, the "touch" should denote a thick 

 covering of firm yet resilient substance in the space between 

 all parts of the skeleton and the skin; in dairy stock one does 

 not look for the same thick lining but, on the other hand, the 

 dairy cow has not a good "touch" if one feels nothing but hard 

 bone under her skin. 



The Shorthorn. 



This breed may be said to be spread wherever the English 

 tongue is spoken. In colour it is red, white, red and white, or 

 roan; the last-named tint has many variations from a deep 

 red just flecked with white to a white skin just darkened at the 

 head, neck, and other extremities; indeed, some very beautiful 

 roans also show a tinge of blue. Though perhaps not so variable 

 as colour, other characteristics of the breed differ very con- 

 siderably. Breed-type or "Shorthorn character" seems, how- 

 ever, to have been so definitely kept in view by all breeders that 

 large or medium sized, red or white, thick-fleshed or lean, these 

 cattle may be recognized by anyone with a claim to knowledge 

 of stock. . 



I take the following description of this celebrated breed from 

 authorities quoted by Sinclair : 



"The breed is distinguished by its symmetrical proportions, 



