66 JUDGING CATTLE 



are the most pronounced evidences of deficiency in this 

 feature. 



114. Inferences from Good Handling. The handling 

 of a feeder or the condition of the hide is one of the most 

 valuable indications that may be observed. If the skin is 

 mellow and elastic, it possesses what is called good han- 

 dling. Such a skin is invariably associated with rapid fat- 

 tening qualities, while a heavy, stiff hide is considered to 

 indicate slower fattening. The previous management 

 which the steers have had has a marked influence on the 

 handling. When liberally fed and they are thrifty, the 

 skin has the softness and elasticity that usually accom- 

 panies a condition which has had been termed by stock- 

 men as ' ' sappy. " On the other hand if scrimped in their 

 feed or if it has been dry without anything of a succulent 

 nature as a part of the ration, the skin becomes tightly 

 attached to the frame and it feels dry and paper like. In 

 animals that possess good handling, when the "hand is 

 placed on the body just back of the shoulder and pressed 

 against it, there is a soft elastic feel to the touch which is 

 only found in animals having a thick coat of hair of fine 

 quality, mellow skin and firm flesh. This feature of good 

 handling cannot be magnified too much in judging all 

 classes of beef stock, for it not only reflects the thriftiness 

 of the animal at the time but also foretells its future 

 progress. 



115. Features of the Head. The features and propor- 

 tions of the head are usually a condensed reflection of the 

 rest of the form. A broad, short head is invariably ac- 

 companied with a thick, wide, low set body and the long, 

 slim face is generally associated with the greater length 

 of body and more narrowness. There is a co-relation of 

 parts here as elsewhere that is seldom at fault and no 

 other part offers such a field of study in this regard as 

 that of the head. The mouth and the lips should be large, 

 making the juncture of the muzzle and the face appear 

 to be somewhat concave. From the muzzle to the eyes the 



