228 HISTORY OF THE SHORT-HORNS. 



The fore ribs : Springing in a well-rounded arch from the spine, 

 should be well expanded, long, and deep, giving abundant space for 

 the well-sized heart and lungs to play, and develop what some may 

 term the " fore flank " at the floor of the chest or sternum, into full 

 breadth and levelness with the belly. 



The crops, or spaces behind the shoulders : These should be full, per- 

 fected mainly by a sufficient springing outward of the fore ribs from 

 the chine, with a full coating of flesh upon them. The crops in the 

 older Short-horns were one of their most deficient points, but by 

 skillful breeding they have been improved to such extent that they 

 are now, in many animals, of remarkable excellence, and when so 

 developed as to yield acceptable steaks and roasting pieces, add much 

 to the selling as well as consumable values of the beast. In fact, no 

 perfect Short-horn will show a depression behind the shoulders, but 

 let a carpenter's straight-edge touch the entire space on a line from 

 the shoulders to the after ribs adjoining them. 



The spine, or back bone, by whichever name it may be called : 

 Should run on an even level line from the chine to the setting on of 

 the tail, although in some of the choicest animals a slightly depressed 

 notch is permitted at the connection of the spine with the tail. 



The loin : Broad, full, and level with the spine and hips for 

 there the choicest flesh usually lies, adding much to the weight and 

 value of the carcass. 



The hips : Wide spread, smooth, and on a level with the spine 

 not falling off and tapering downwards to cause a contraction of the 

 ribs and belly forward. Drooping hips are apt to be narrow, with a 

 " cloddy buttock " in the rear, giving tough and lean meat of little 

 value. 



The rumps : Long, full, broad and level, narrowing gracefully 

 from the hips to the pin-bones, or points of the rumps, which latter 

 should be wide apart, giving a proportional symmetry to either sex, 

 and a great advantage and convenience to the cow in parturition. 



The tail : Well and strongly connected with the spine on a straight 

 line, small, and tapering gradually to the brush, which should be 

 clothed with a full tuft of long hair. 



The hinder ribs : These should spring roundly from the spine, 

 long, deep, and well set back towards the hips, holding the belly up 

 level, as near as may be with the floor of the chest, and by their 

 breadth, giving abundant room for the viscera or bowels to play, and 

 in the cow to spread sufficiently for the growth of the foetus, while 

 breeding. 



