236 



JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



Fig. 130. "The degree of condition or finish is indicated by the thickness 

 of the hind flank when grasped in the hand." 



that is in too high flesh, or the same amount if there is a 

 lack of condition. Inexperienced judges are quite liable 

 to favor the heavier covering of flesh and approve where ex- 

 perience would say fleshing had been carried too far. 



The subject of handling 1 referred to in the preceding 

 paragraphs en quality and condition, has long been con- 

 sidered an important feature of the work of the cattle 

 judge. As long ago as 1767 the following advice on this 

 subject, not out of place here, was given: 2 "When you 

 see your beast, in the general shape and composure of his 

 body, shew most fair and beautiful, each member being 

 comely, and each bone covered so as a perfect shape re- 

 quires, you may then judge the beast to be well fed ; espe- 

 cially when you see his huckle bones round, and not sharp ; 

 his ribs smooth, and not rough; his flanks full, his nach 



2 The Complete Grazier, 2d ed., London, 1767, p. 29. 



