88 GOOD SIGNS. THE MILK-VEINS. 



should project further than the preceding one, up to the 

 loins. She should be well formed across the hips and 

 in the rump. 



The spine or back-bone should be straight and long, 

 rather loosely hung, or open along the middle part, the 

 result of the distance between the dorsal vertebrae, 

 which sometimes causes a slight depression, or sway 

 back. By some good judges this mark is regarded as 

 of great importance, especially when the bones of the 

 hind quarters are also rather loosely put together, leav- 

 ing the rump of great width, and the pelvis large, and 

 the organs and milk-vessels lodged in the cavities 

 largely developed. The skin over the rump should be 

 loose and flexible. This point is of great importance ; 

 and as, when the cow is in low condition, or very poor, 

 it will appear somewhat harder and closer than it other- 

 wise would, some practice and close observation are 

 required to judge well of this mark. The skin, indeed, 

 all over the body, should be soft and mellow to the 

 touch, with soft and glossy hair. The tail, if thick at 

 the setting on, should taper and be fine below. 



But the udder is of special importance. It should be 

 large in proportion to the size of the animal, and the skin 

 thin, with soft, loose folds extending well back, capable 

 of great distension when filled, but shrinking to a small 

 compass when entirely empty. It must be free from 

 lumps in every part, and provided with four teats set 

 well apart, and of medium size. Nor are the milk-veins 

 less important to be carefully observed. The principal 

 ones under the belly should be large and prominent, 

 and extend forward to the navel, losing themselves, ap- 

 parent!} 7 , in the very best milkers, in a large cavity in 

 the flesh, into which the end of the finger can be insert- 

 ed ; but, when the cow is not in full milk, the milk- 

 vein, at other times very prominent, is not so distinctly 



