OHAPTEE X. 



Breeds of Cattle foe the Western Ranges. 

 Hints on Characteristics atid Selection of Cattle. 



In considering this subject briefly, it is not necessary to 

 show the details of muscular growth, or why this is so vital 

 and important, as many reasons why this is so, appear in 

 the chapters on Breeding Power, and on Crossing. Our 

 remarks here are therefore chiefly of a practical nature. 



The active strength of cattle for any purpose requiring 

 motion and force, is according to the fullness of the mus- 

 cles severally, and the extent of the system formed by their 

 combined growth, and natural arrangement, larger mus- 

 cles giving more fullness and strength in any particular 

 organ or part ; the power, vigor and enduring character 

 of the whole muscular system of the animal, being greater 

 or less according to the extent and power of the various 

 muscular parts, that together to form the muscular system. 

 Practically, grazing is a muscular function, involving the 

 action of the muscles in the legs, the back and abdomen, 

 in the neck when bending; in masticating, swallowing, &c., 

 &c., and the grazing can be vigorously and fully performed 

 only according to strength and vigor of the muscles it 

 brings into action. And so it is Avith the muscles brought 

 into use in all other animal exertion or functional activity, 

 whether in the several stages of digestion, in secretory ac- 

 tion, in enforcing a vigorous circulation, in breathing, or 

 in walking, in which latter, muscular action is very ob- 

 vious. 



It follows that all strong, healthy muscles in the several 



