CHAP. III. 



EXTERNAL FORM OF CATTLE. 



91 



diagram B it is pointed, and has a sharp curve going up to a point 

 behind the fore-legs. Other delineations of " briskets " are shown at 

 I in figs. 38, 39, 40, and 41. 



Although it is a point not much thought of by some breeders, or, if 

 so, not deemed important as influencing the qualities of the animal, 

 yet the way in which the shoulder-blade is " set on " does influence 

 the pectoral or chest region, which we have shown to be of high 



D 



Fig. 33. Good OO and Bad (B) Forms of Briskets. 



importance. Thus the falling down behind the shoulder-blade, as 

 in fig. 34 at a, is a defect "which is commonly accompanied with a 

 want of sufficient capacity in the chest." But, in the illustration in 

 fig. 35, this part, as at a, is well filled up, giving, as Mr. Wilkes 

 remarks, a good chine. This form, he says, is a most difficult thing 

 to acquire in an animal, so as at the same time to get length and depth 

 of frame. The best form of chine is one which is thick and round, 



Fig. 34. Drooping Shoulder-Blade 



rather than one elevated much above the shoulder-blade. The position 

 of the shoulder itself should not be overlooked. When well placed it 

 should fall somewhat back in an easy gentle curve ; it should not stand 

 almost vertically up, or give what is called " an upright shoulder," as 

 this is generally accompanied with coarseness of bone. See also 

 figs. 38, 39, 40, and 41, at c. 



The " setting on" of the tail is another " point" which should not 



