SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 389 



bone, he never sought for further signs of her milking powers. 

 Of course, while feeling this point, Mr. Wright's practiced eye 

 would at once take in, at a glance, those other points which con- 

 stitute the general whole of a good milker; but the one ^-eferred 

 to, he considers indispensable. The skin in these parts will vary, 

 however, according to the condition of the cow. If full of flesh, 

 the skin may be loose, and yet the animal be a poor milker; but 

 if in lean condition, with loose skin on the rump bones, she will 

 milk well, and fatten quickly when dry. The skin on the ribs is 

 the next in importance ; and if it corresponds in softness and 

 looseness, with that on the rump bones, another point of excel- 

 lence is established. These two points, conjoined, are correct 

 exponents of the internal constitution, and are always accom- 

 panied with more than an average tendency to milk freely, and 

 fatten rapidly. The former indicates a more than ordinary power 

 of producing milk; the latter a great aptitude to fatten; and 

 their conjoined presence indicates the union of both tendencies. 

 The skin on the udder, generally partakes of the quality of that 

 on the rump and ribs, and will therefore be soft and flexible, in 

 proportion to their softness and flexibility. Still there is a dif- 

 ference to be observed, viz.: that the skin of the udder must not 

 be thiclc, whereas thickness on the rump and ribs is quite con- 

 sistent with the best properties, provided it be loose, soft, and 

 flexible. In fact, a thickish, soft hide, generally indicates hardi- 

 ness of constitution, from its greater capability to resist or modify 

 external influences, whether of climate, or cuticular irritation from 

 the bites of insects. 



"The hair is the next point to be studied. It should be 

 moderately long, closely set, and, above all, soft and woolly. As 

 the thick, soft skin is an indication of hardiness, much more so is 

 this the case when covered with long, thick, woolly hair. A bare, 

 hard-haired cow is ever to be avoided by the dairyman, as weD 



