92 BULLETIN 593, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
the fullness of the shoulder vein. Next observe the shoulder, noting 
the fleshy covering on the top and along the sides (fig. 13), and then 
pass down to the brisket, noting its width, and then gain an idea of the 
depth and width of chest by placing one hand on the floor of the chest 
and the other on the top of the shoulders (fig. 14). Passing back of 
the shoulders, note the width in this region, heart girth (fig. 15), and 
the manner in which the ribs are sprung. Then with one hand follow 
the line back of the shoulder to the tail head, noting the straightness 
Fic. 15.—Noting the capacity of heart girth. 
and coupling of the back indicating its strength, also its width and 
the depth, evenness, and firmness of the flesh covering. Special atten- 
tion should be given the width of the loin and the depth and quality 
of its covering (fig. 16). Before passing to the hindquarters the gen- 
eral capacity of the middle should be noted, attention being given to 
the flesh covering. Note width of hips and the length, fullness, and 
width of rump (fig. 17). Then with both hands (fig. 18) examine 
the leg of mutton, carefully noting its size, fullness, thickness, and 
firmness. With one hand between the legs and the other at the tail 
head note the depth and breadth of the twist (fig. 19). 
