62 LIVE-STOCK JUDGING 



SYSTEM OF MAKING OBSERVATIONS 



Some definite system of making observations should be 

 followed in order that each look may be made to count, 

 and only one look be necessary ; if the views are taken in 

 logical order from head to tail, for instance, there is not 

 only less likelihood of certain points being overlooked, 

 but the impression formed of the animal in toto will be 

 more complete and accurate. 



79. Inspection. Observations must be both general 

 and particular. The first step in the inspection of an animal 

 should be to take a general survey of the tout ensemble 

 from such a distance as to bring the subject entirely 

 within one's field of vision, and thus permitting a considera- 

 tion of its size, general appearance, lines, proportions and 

 the symmetry of its parts. 



The particular observation should follow and include 

 a minute examination, in order, of every detail, from close 

 range. The order of this examination may be : face the 

 animal from in front, noting the bigger things first, i.e. 

 width, height, size and carriage of head, then in detail, 

 the proportions of the head, the expression of the counte- 

 nance and the features contributing thereto, eyes, ears, 

 forehead, face, nostrils and lips; then the direction of 

 the forelegs, whether normal or showing deviations and 

 what deviations, if any, with the conformation of the fore- 

 legs and the feet. Pass to the side position and consider 

 in profile such general features as top and under lines, the 

 carriage of the head, and setting of the body on the legs ; 

 then in detail, the head in profile, the setting of the head 

 on the neck, the length, shape and carriage of the neck, 

 the blending of the neck with the shoulders,, the direction 

 and conformation of the forelegs viewed from the side, 



