248 CATTLE 



are found along in front of and on each side of the scrotum, or 

 purse, two usually occurring a short distance apart on a side. 

 The length and size of rudimentaries varies greatly, ranging from 

 small buttons to teats an inch long. We have no definite knowl- 

 edge regarding the significance of these, some persons thinking 

 that the larger they are the better the evidence that the male 

 will transmit large milkers. Others have speculated that the 

 position of the rudimentaries indicated the placing of the teats 

 and form of fore udder on the offspring of the sire. 



The escutcheon, also known as the " milk mirror," is found along 

 the back of the thighs or between them, and has attracted special 

 attention on dairy cattle only. This is shown by a line of hair 

 turning to one side or upward, in contrast to the usual downward 

 position of the hair. This line of reversed hair was investigated 

 by a Frenchman named Guenon, who argued that the escutcheon 

 indicated the capacity of a cow to produce milk. In view of the 

 fact that the extent and position of the reversed hair varies along- 

 side or above the udder, Guenon classified its occurrence, giving 

 different names according to the prominence and character 

 shown. Modern dairy-cattle authorities attach no special signifi- 

 cance to the escutcheon, Guenon' s theories not having been 

 borne out in fact. 



The quality of the dairy type is shown in the character of skin 

 and hair, size of horn, ear, and bone, and general proportions. 

 Under the ordinary conditions of keep for cattle of this class the 

 skin should be very mellow and pliable, thinner than with beef 

 cattle, with a shorter length of hair. No class of cattle show 

 quality so clearly as do some of the dairy type, as indicated 

 by handling, there being a rich, mellow, oily feel commonly asso- 

 ciated with the skin of high-class animals. The skin also will 

 often show a yellow oily secretion, conspicuous at the ears, 

 between the thighs, and about the udder and scrotum. 



