66 JUDGING CATTLE 



hips and rough, open shoulders are the most pronounced 

 evidences of deficiency in this feature. 



114. Inferences from Good HandNng. The handling of a 

 feeder or the condition of the hide is one of the most valuable 

 indications that may be observed. If the skin is mellow and 

 elastic, it possesses what is called good handling. Such a 

 skin is invariably associated with rapid fattening qualities, 

 while a heavy, stiff hide is considered to indicate slower fat- 

 tening. The previous management which the steers have 

 had has a marked influence on the handling. When liberally 

 fed and they are thrift}', the skin has the softness and elas- 

 ticity that usually accompanies a condition which has been 

 termed by stockmen as "sappy." On the other hand if 

 scrimped in their feed or if it has been dry without anything 

 of a succulent nature as a part of the ration, the skin becomes 

 tightly attached to the frame and it feels dry and paper like. 

 In animals that possess good handling, when the hand is 

 placed on the body just back of the shoulder and pressed 

 against it, there is a soft elastic feel to the touch which is 

 only found in animals having a thick coat of hair of fine 

 quality, mellow skin and firm flesh. This feature of good 

 handling cannot be magnified too much in judging all classes 

 of beef stock, for it not only reflects the thriftiness of the 

 animal at the time but also foretells its future progress. 



115. Features of the Head. The features and proportions 

 of the head are usually a condensed reflection of the rest of 

 the form. A broad, short head is invariably accompanied 

 with a thick, wide, low set body and the long, slim face is 

 generally associated with the greater length of body and 

 more narrowness. There is a co-relation of parts here as 

 elsewhere that is seldom at fault and no other part offers 

 such a field of study in this regard as that of the head. The 

 mouth and the lips should be large, making the juncture oi 

 the muzzle and the face appear to be somewhat concave. 

 From the muzzle to the eyes the aspect of the face should 



