84 ESCUTCHEON. 



to absorb me entirely ; I gave up my calling ; I 

 travelled about visiting cattle-markets, fairs, cow- 

 stables ; I questioned and cross-questioned all who 

 might be expected to know most on the subject, 

 Husbandmen, dealers in cattle, men of the veterinary 

 profession ; I became convinced that my discovery 

 had not been anticipated by any one. The marks for 

 distinguishing a good cow from a bad one varied 

 according to the notions of each individual. Some 

 looked to the shape of the horns, others upon that of 

 the udder ; some judged by the shape of the animal 

 or the color of her hair ; others were determined in 

 their choice by something else : but in these various 

 modes of judging all was vague and uncertain. I 

 became confirmed in the belief that I had made the 

 important discovery of signs that were positive and 

 certain ; and in order the better to satisfy myself of 

 the solidity of the ground upon which my method 

 was to rest, I took the precaution to return to the 

 same localities at different times and seasons, that I 

 might trace and ascertain the effects which might at- 

 tend these variations of nature. All my observations 

 were accurately noted down, and I could at length 

 flatter myself with having acquired a mass of facts 

 which gave solidity and consistency to my system, 

 and imparted the character of positive certainty to 

 that which at first had been but a probable con- 

 jecture." 



But what are the claims? The Agricultural 

 Society of Bordeaux reported that M. Guenon 

 "has established a natural method by which it is 



