72 



JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



Fig. 34. "The eye is generally regarded as an indicator of disposition." 



smooth eyelids. In general the eye is located at a point 

 about one-third of the way between poll and muzzle. A 

 small eye is thought to indicate a sulky or mean disposi- 

 tion, and lack of courage. A large, mild eye, not set oblique- 

 ly, indicates a good temper. In fact the eye is generally 

 regarded as an indicator of disposition as well as evidence 

 of capacity to see. The color of the eye is due to the pig- 

 ment in the iris, the portion which immediately surrounds 

 the pupil. When the iris is colorless the eye appears to be 

 white with the peculiar "wall eye" or "watch eye" as a 

 result. The ordinary white of the eye is an outer coat, 

 which is covered more or less by the eyelids. When this 

 white is too conspicuous a bad disposition is indicated, in the 

 opinion of many horsemen. The white shows most when 

 the horse gives a rearward glance, and kickers especially 

 exhibit most white when just about to kick. 



The forehead of the horse, if broad and very slightly 

 arched, indicates an intelligent and generous disposition. 

 As has already been shown (page 30), the brain of the 



