36 THE FARMER^S GUIDE. 



broad, and straight to the rump; well ribbed; wide in 

 the loin ; flank low ; thighs thin and deep ; hind legs 

 small, standing well apart ; forelegs rather small below 

 the knee, above the knee large; large teats, of a dark 

 orange-color; bag, when empty, lean, soft, and long; 

 large milking veins; hair short and thick; large hind- 

 quarters ; color brindle, bright red, dun, or a light 

 brown. 



MARKS OF GOOD NA/ORKING OXEN. 

 It is well to give som« attention to the breed of work- 

 ing cattle. A large share of the Devon and Hereford 

 blood is very desirable. The animal ought to possess a 

 long head and face; extended nostrils; the eye large, 

 keen, and at the same time mild ; ears large and thin ; 

 horns moderately long, well spread, and not too thick ; 

 the head somewhat elevated ; neck not very long, full, 

 well set, and moderately thick ; breast full ; shouldere 

 broad and middling high set ; straight back ; well ribbed ; 

 forelegs large and straight ; large knee-joint; hoof broad, 

 and the claws, or toes, set straight for ivard rather than 

 turning out. The most desirable colors are red or biin- 

 dle, with bright glossy hair. 



TO ASCERTAIN THE AGE OF CATTLE. 



The animal is born with eight cutting teeth in the fore- 

 part of the lower jaw, and when about two years old the 

 two middle ones fall out, and are succeeded by others; 

 at three years, the two next to them ; at four years, two 

 more ; and at live years the entire set of new ones ap- 

 pear. After the animal is five years old, judges can deter- 

 mine the age, with a good degree of accuracy, by ob- 

 serving the wearing down of the teeth ; but it is a surer 

 guide after that period, to ascertain the age, to examine 

 the horns, as follows : a cow has a full horn at four years 

 old, but it grows larger eveiy year, and for every year's 

 growth it leaves a wrinkle or ridge round the root, until 

 the beast is twelve or thirteen years old. 

 TREATMENT FOR PRESERVING CATTLE 

 IN GOOD HEALTH. 



It is well to keep them housed in cold or wet weather, 

 but they do not require the stable to be very warm, as 



