226 HISTORY OF THE SHORT-HORNS. 



But good breeding has corrected most of these, and we now see 

 large numbers of Short-horns existing in the peerless symmetry which 

 in early days were not common to their race. 



To the point, then : WHAT is a perfect Short-horn ? 



We propose to dissect and analyze the creature from the point of 

 its nose to the brush of its tail. In this we are aware that we may 

 run against both tastes and prejudices, as well as fashions ; but tastes, 

 prejudices and fashions, are all more or less arbitrary, the results of 

 education, and sometimes absurd when running again & practical excel- 

 lence, or true merit, in almost any subject. We propose to speak of 

 merit mainly, and permit the reader to interpose his own ideas of 

 taste or fashion, as they may occur. 



The muzzle : This should be fine, with a wide, open nostril ; a 

 large, but not coarse mouth beneath it, thin lips, light, fine under jaw, 

 devoid of flesh, except a slight pendulous skin underneath. The 

 color of the nose yellow, orange, or a nutty drab. (The colors of 

 the nose are elsewhere discussed.) 



The head : Should be well-proportioned in length, breadth, and 

 general symmetry ; rather shorter in the bull and longer in the cow, 

 in proportion to the size of the animal of either sex. The cheeks 

 should be lean, and destitute of much flesh, giving them a neat, airy 

 appearance. The forehead broad, gracefully narrowing along the 

 face -towards the muzzle; the face slightly concave not dished, 

 (like an Alderny,) but a true Short-horn face of elegant and stylish 

 bearing. The hair in the forehead of a bull may be either straight, 

 or curly, without prejudice either way. The eye should be promi- 

 nent and large, encircled by a broad orange ring, clear of hair, or 

 the hair growing upon it short, and running gradually out into the 

 face and cheeks at a brief distance. The expression of the eye 

 should be mild and gentle, indicating kindness of disposition. A 

 sullen or deep-set eye, is more or less indicative of bad temper, and 

 intractable nature. The style and expression of the eye we consider 

 an important feature of the animal in its qualities of perfection. 



The horn : As a rule, should be light, although a heavy one is not 

 particularly objectionable, as it is of no use other than indicating the 

 character of the race. The bases should stand wide on each side at 

 the top of the skull, and bend gracefully forward in an outward curve, 

 and may then incline downward or upward, either way without 

 prejudice to the main qualities of the beast. They should be oval in 

 shape at the base, and so continue some distance from the head ; of 

 waxy or neutral tint, inclining, if not strictly of the waxy character, 



