EXAMINING FOR SOUNDNESS AND HEALTH 45 



the straight back. The neck is full and short, the 

 eyes bright, the face short, the bones of fine tex- 

 ture, the skin soft and pliable, and the flesh mellow, 

 elastic, and rich in quality. 



In other words, a beef cow is square and blocky, 

 while the dairy cow is wedge-shaped and angular. 

 The one stores nutriment in her body; the other 

 gives it off. The one is a miser, and stores all that 

 she gets into her system ; the other is a philanthro- 

 pist and gives away all that comes into her pos- 

 session. 



It will be seen, therefore, that the two types are 

 radically different. This difference is due to breed- 

 ing, not to feeding, nor to management. If you 

 are seeking good milk cows, you must look for 

 form and conformation. If you are looking for 

 beef cows, you must also look for form and con- 

 formation, but of a different kind. With this 

 knowledge to back you up and to guide you, you 

 are now ready to make an examination of animals 

 that will meet your purpose. 



GOING OVER THE ANIMAL IN DETAIL 



After making these general observations you are 

 now ready to examine the animal. Begin with the 

 head. How is the eye? Dull, weak, without 

 animation? If so, be on your guard. The good 

 eye shows brightness, intelligence, and it must be 

 free from specks. By placing the hand over the 

 eye for a few moments you will be able to detect 

 its sensitiveness to light. Do you find any dis- 

 charge of any kind from the eye? If so, some in- 

 flammation is present. Try to ascertain the cause. 



The Nostril As An Index. A large, open nostril 

 is desirable. Look for that character first. Now 



