206 CATTLE 



providing great protection from rough weather. As one views 

 an animal with very distinct evidence of quality in the skin, 

 there will be a glisten and finish to the coat and a roll to the 

 hide which only goes with good quality. Taken in the hands, 

 along over the ribs, the skin seems mellow and pliable to the 

 touch, being easily grasped and stretched. A very thin hide is 

 undesirable, the better sort having a moderate thickness, exceed- 

 ing that of a dairy animal. 



The fleshing of beef cattle is very important. There should be 

 uniformity of flesh all over the body, even though it be not a 

 fattened animal. On highly fed ones, when in good condition, 

 especially steers, the flesh should increase in thickness, but not 

 lose its uniform distribution over the frame. The palm of the 

 hand pressed along the back, shoulder, or side should find no 

 evidence of irregular covering, with bare spots in one place and 

 heavy fleshing near by. Such condition indicates an undesirable 

 type for feeding and killing. 



