306 THE MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF CATTLE 



preted as indicating a tendency in the animal to take 

 on flesh unduly, in a degree beyond which it may ac- 

 tually exist. On the other hand, a lean condition may 

 represent the capabilities of the animal unfairly. Cat- 

 tle of the beef types are usually developed to the fullest 

 extent possible, both with reference to symmetrical 

 growth and finish that is not considered excessive. It 

 is excessive when the flesh becomes flabby and the 

 animal becomes so overloaded that the walk becomes 

 gouty. The degree of the finish in dual types is more 

 of the intermediate character, but is influenced consid- 

 erably by the precise object for which the animals are 

 shown. 



When the calves should come. — In the show ring, 

 size and weight are considered as well as conformation 

 and finish, hence, if two animals should be equal in all 

 other respects save in size and weight, that which excels 

 in these respects will carry the award. The advantage 

 from getting all the size and weight possible, therefore, 

 in the competing animals will be at once apparent, hence 

 the importance of securing the greatest age possible in 

 the animals within the time limit which determines the 

 class in which they will show. This fact should never 

 be lost sight of when animals are mated from which 

 progeny is sought which may, in due time, be exhibited. 



The rules governing the classification with reference 

 to age are usually the same in all the leading fairs. 

 Animals in the fat classes show as calves, yearlings, and 

 two-year-olds. No classes are opened for fat cattle 

 beyond the age mentioned, as it is not thought desirable 

 to encourage growing fat animals to a greater age than 

 that mentioned, owing, first, to the profitless character 

 of such feeding, and, second, to the little demand for 

 such meat. 



The fair circuit usually opens sometime in August, 

 and continues virtually until the near approach of the 

 Christmas season. By the fair circuit is meant the sue- 



