GG 
ILLUSTRATED STOCK DOCTOR. 
objecting to long logs that there are to long necks or long bodies. Obser- 
vation proves a leggy animal to be not so good a feeder as one with short 
limbs. The bone of the leg should be line and smooth, and not too large. 
The legs should stand well under the animal, and the hocks directly in lino 
with the bodj r , so that in moving, the hocks will be well separated, or 
about as far apart as the hind feet. The fore-legs should be straight and 
stand well under the chest, that the animal may havo an easy and freo 
movement. The inner side of the fore-legs, as it passes the sternum, 
presents a beveled appearance, to bring the limbs to their proper position 
beneath. Upon the proper position of the limbs depends that ease and 
gracefulness with which a bullock should move. It may be thought of no 
consequence how a bullock moved so that he is able to get to the market, 
but be assured there is much in it, it evinces strength and health, which 
are indispensable in feeding. I havo seen Short-Horns carrying two 
thousand pounds and upwards, with limbs so perfect that their movements 
were as nimble as if they were carrying but a thousand. 
The Touch. 
By this the butchers ascertain beforehand the quality of the flesh. By 
it the breeder ascertains the aptitude to fatten as well as the quality and 
quantity of flesh that the animal will carry. 
Of all the qualities of the ox, this is probably the most difficult to 
understand. It is the peculiar sensation of softness and elasticity that is 
produced by the pressure of the hand on different parts of the body. 
This sensation depends, in part., upon a large cellular development 
beneath the skin and between the muscles, and part upon the muscular 
structure, adapting itself to the laborious duties it has to perform. It 
Is, therefore, to the cellular and muscular tissue that this sensation of 
touch is to be attributed. It is very common to find a softening of the 
muscular fibre as an accompaniment or a precursor of disease that may 
mislead. The same may be observed in the aged of both man and beast. 
What is ‘touch,’ or what is it to ‘handle well?’ How is it to be distin- 
guished from that which portends bad health and old age ? By its elas- 
ticity — its power to replace the parts when pressed — a springy sensation. 
Mellowness from disease has a sluggish feel and moves slowly when 
under the hand ; to a less extent, it is true, still something of the same 
that is manifested in the pressure of the fingers on a dropsical limb as 
compared with a healthy one. In the one the indentions replace them- 
selves sluggishly, whilst in the other with a ready elasticity. 
It will require much practice to become an adept in this knowledge. 
Still many useful lessons may be daily had by the examination and hand- 
ling of one’s own stock. Comparative handling will afford much 
