JUDGING BEEF TYPE OF CATTLE 237 



thick, and his cod round. When you perceive this, you may 

 handle him, and feeling him upon the nethermost ribs, if 

 you perceive the skin loose and soft under your hand, you 

 may be assured that the beast is well fed outwardly, that is, 

 upon the bones. You may then lay your hands upon his 

 round huckle bones, and if they feel soft, round and plump, 

 you may be assured that the beast is well fed both inwardly, 

 and outwardly, that is, both in flesh and tallow. Then you 

 may handle him at the setting-on of his tail, and if that 

 feels big, thick, full and soft, it is a true sign that the 

 beast is very well fed outwardly. Then handle his nach 

 bones, which are on both sides the setting-on of his tail, 

 and if they feel soft and loose, that is a sign also of his 

 being well fed. Lastly, you may handle his cod, if it be an 

 ox, and the navel, if it be a cow; and if they feel thick, 

 round, soft, large and plump, it is a certain sign that the 

 beast is well tallowed within. When any of these parts 



Fig. 131. — "Then handle his nach bones, which are on 

 hpth si(}es the getting-on of the tail," 



