4:(ai a

pon prec

468 LYVE STHEKi

species, those ate most valuable, which carry their substance in a deep, rather, than too round a form,

since, in the latter extreme, the fat will be out of all proportion to the lean. The convenient size of joints, is certainly a great recommendation of small cattle, yet the price must be considerably en- hanced to the| consumer; and even with the aid of this extra price, and the superior number of in-

dividuals, which ought to be kept in proportion, i

doubt whether the Sales be generally so well paid by small, as by sized stock.

In treating of IMPROVEMENT, it is necessary to determine fhe precise signification of the term 3; it is, then, simply to restore the degenerated animal to nature’s pristine, purest models The animal frame is subject to degeneration, whether in the wild or domestic state; and demands, as well as every other worldly object, the constant care and culture of man. Ina state of nature, or one bor- dering upon it, the. most common deterioration of beasts is that of a dwindling, or diminution m size} the forms remaining. pretty near the original mo- del; but inthe domediicated state, they are mere apt, for a variety of reasons, to degenerate in point of form, and to run through all sorts of ir- regular and disadvantageous shapes::—for instance, to coarse; heavy Heads and necks, small sunken eyes, narrow shoulders, loins, and quarters, crook- ed hams; coarseness of flesh and bone, mordinate

length of leg, or carcase. The truest models of,

perfect form, from some of which I'have, I hope, with sufficient accuracy, drawn my rules, are to be found upon. our own island, celebrated, from the

earliest