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HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD MILCH COW. 
These are large lungs, a broad and prominent chest, a 
somewhat low respiration, an abdomen of moderate dimen- 
sions, a good appetite, and a great inclination to drink — an 
inclination stimulated by the abundant secretion of milk. 
Such cows eat much, digest easily, and breathe well : they 
make good blood. This fluid gives activity to the nervous 
system, makes all the organs lively, and furnishes the glands 
with the materials of a copious secretion. 
Cows possessing these properties last long, give much milk, 
and, when they become dry, soon fatten. 
But it often happens that activity and vigour in the milky 
glands are united with close ribs, narrow, feeble lungs, delicate 
digestive organs, a moderate appetite, and frequently an ardent 
thirst. In that case, the cows have had a bad constitution, 
they can give much milk, but it is watery, and of bad quality, 
and they often die of disease of the lungs. 
These cows seldom have many calves, though they show a 
great inclination for the bull ; and they are difficult to fatten 
even when they are in good health, and not giving milk. 
3. General appearance ( Physionomie .) — In all breeds, the pre- 
ference should be given to cows which in form are the farthest 
removed from that of bulls ; to cows with small bones, fine 
and slender limbs, and a tail which is fine at its base ; a small 
but longish head, narrowing towards the horns ; the horns 
themselves of a bright colour, tapering finely, and glistening ; 
a supple and soft unctuous skin, covered, even to the forehead, 
with erect, glossy, soft hair, and provided, near the natural 
passages, with a short, fine, and silky down ; a small neck, 
and shoulders ( encolure ) apparently long, because slender, 
especially near the head ; small eyelids, well divided, but not 
much wrinkled ; prominent eyes, and a gentle feminine look. 
4. Temperament . — With these marks of a feminine descrip- 
tion, cows should unite a sanguine-lymphatic temperament, 
and especially a mild disposition. Good milkers allow them- 
selves to be easily milked; often, while ruminating, they 
look with a pleased eye, easily recognised, at the person who 
milks them ; they like to be caressed, and caress in return. 
5. Colour . — We do not mention colour as a sign of milking 
qualities, for we find good milkers among black Dutch cows, 
and red Flemish cows, as well as among white cows, and the 
wheat coloured cows of Bresse. Colour may be of great 
value, but it is chiefly as indicating the origin of the animal. 
The Flemings and Normans are very careful in preserving 
the colours of their horned cattle, but it is only because a red 
colour, serving to characterise animals of the Flemish, and a 
brindled colour those of Norman breed, facilitate their sale. 
