FOREWORD 



The study of animal form becomes an instinctive process 

 on the part cf most persons who take a natural interest 

 in farm live stock. The form and its suitability for specific 

 purposes is sure to cause discussion and argument, if but 

 two parties are interested. Thus do men think themselves 

 critics and judges of animals, even though their knowl- 

 edge is based on very limited experience. There are men, 

 however, who have grown up among flocks and herds, who, 

 during the years, have absorbed wisdom through experi- 

 ence, and have naturally become qualified to judge the 

 merits or demerits of certain kinds of animals with which 

 they are familiar. 



Another class of men, lacking in experience, yet with 

 the stockman's instincts, seek information that will enable 

 them to judge animals intelligently, thereby better serv- 

 ing themselves and mankind. In the agricultural school 

 or college, this latter class may secure systematic instruc- 

 tion relative to the principles and practices of judging, 

 whereby they may become better qualified to pass on 

 the comparative merits of farm animals. This volume is 

 intended to serve the needs of the stockman, be he amateur 

 or professional, but more especially the student, who ap- 

 preciates his own limitations, and seeks for a more intelli- 

 gent conception of' the relationship of form to function. 



The subject of judging farm animals is, at the present 

 time, receiving much attention among animal husbandry 

 students in our agricultural schools and colleges. The 



