368 AMERICAN CATTLE. 



qualities forming the fixed and constant characters of the stock 

 would, almost to a certainty, be transmitted to descendants. 



"These remarks, with regard to breed and parentage, apply to 

 the selection of the bull, which, as experience demonstrates, acts 

 like the cow in transmitting the milking qualities which distinguish 

 the breed and stock. 



DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 



"These organs have a powerful influence on the exercise of 

 all the functions, and particularly on the secretion of the milky 

 glands. Where the digestive organs are defective, good milk 

 cows are rarely met with. 



"A good state of the digestive organs is evinced by the fol- 

 lowing particulars : 



"A belly of moderate size, with yielding sides, free from tight- 

 ness : in aged beasts, the belly is often large, though the organs 

 which it contain are in good condition; 



"A large mouth, thick and strong lips; 



"A good appetite, easy and quick digestion; 



"Glossy hair, supple skin, with a kind of unctuous feel. 



"Animals possessing these anatomical and physiological prop- 

 erties, eat well, drink much, and if they are properly fed, make 

 much blood, and yield large quantities of milk. 



RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 



"The respiratory organs complete the system of nutrition. 

 The object of the lungs is to bring the substance furnished by 

 the food into contact with the air, and make it capable of nourish- 

 ing; they digest air as the stomach digests food. Hence a good 

 form, and a healthy condition of the organs of the chest, are 

 necessary tb the production of much milk. 



"Their abiUty to fulfill their functions is evinced — when they 

 are large, and lodged in a spacious cavity; in other words, when 

 the chest is wide, deep, and prominent — when the ribs are long, 



