Producing Large Yield. 65 



form of body ; but this form — popular with some — is a 

 sign of weak muscles and weak digestive power ; the di- 

 gestive power depending much on muscular action, from 

 inlet to outlet, and being weak or strong according to the 

 strength or weakness of the muscles generally. The 

 muscles of the top ends of the ribs are frequently weak in 

 such cases, causing flat sides from the weight of the abdo- 

 men, constantly drawing the lower ends of the ribs in- 

 ward, thus causing flat sides. The whole muscular sys- 

 tem in tall, narrow-faced, flat-sided cows is weak, as shown 

 in their languid movements and dragging gait. A round- 

 bodied, open-faced, comfortable-looking cow, with good- 

 sized hind quarters, and a springing, lively step, is a good 

 form of cow of any size, because she has the indications 

 of large digestive power. 



As several English and American writers, and others, 

 attach much importance to looseness of the skin over the 

 hip bones, and upper back ribs, it may be explained that 

 when the skin is not tight here, it must be loose and 

 movable generally, as the great weight of a large belly 

 draws the skin down more and tighter over these bones 

 than on any less projecting parts. Hence, if the skin be 

 mellow and easily lifted over these bones, it must be gen- 

 erally mellow and movable. To the foregoing add a 

 coat of thick, fine hair, and a skin that is medium, or 

 thick, according to previous exposure, with a good sized 

 yield-mark — no matter what its form, so that it be large — 

 and we have the general form and indications of a good 

 cow, whatever the name of her breed may be. 



The right form results from the influence of feed and 

 training ; and, though transmissible, it can only be main- 

 tained by suitable feed, training, and care. A pleasant ex- 

 pression in face and eye is the index of good temper, 

 which can only be maintained by such care and kindness 

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