INTRODUCTION 



eye, the nature of the coat, the passage of dung and 

 water, how the animal swallows, the attitude when 

 standing, the habit of lying down and getting up — • 

 all of these should be as familiar to the true stock- 

 man as the simplest details of tillage or of planting 

 or of harvesting. 



Moreover, the stockman should be a judge of 

 external characters, whether natural or temporary. 



COMMON SHEEP SCAB 



Here is an advanced case and shows how serious the 

 trouble may become. A very small itch mite is the cause. The 

 mites live and multiply under the scurf and scab of the skin. 



He should have a knowledge of animal conforma- 

 tion. If to know a good plow is desirable, then to 

 know a good pastern or foot is desirable. If the 

 art of selecting wheat is a worthy acquisition, then 

 the art of comparing hocks of different horses is a 

 worthy accomplishment also. If experience tells 

 the grower that his corn or potatoes or cotton is 

 strong, vigorous and healthy or just the reverse, 



