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This
is one of those books that make you wonder: "Why didn't I think of that?"
But you didn't and John Pukite did and he did a good job. You were probably paying
bills and raising a family while John was researching and writing this book. His
flyleaf biography says he fixes old bicycles in his spare time, which tells me
he's not a family man.
The preface suggests it be carried in your glove
compartment, and why not? It's not like it's crammed with gloves. Throw away those
old road maps and make room for A Field Guide to Cows. The book is chock
full of bovine statistics, which you will want to share with your friends and
select relatives. In no time at all you will gain a reputation for being full
of BS. An example: It takes 350 squirts of milk to make a gallon.
Fifty-two
breeds are featured with their identifying characteristics, vital statistics and
even cow demographics. Humor is abundant and included are one of Gary Larson's
best cow cartoons and a short poem by Ogden Nash. A handy checklist is provided
for serious cow observers. Who can forget the Czech movie "Closely Watched
Cows" from the Golden Age of Czech film (Aug - Oct '67). Or the Paul Newman
classic: "Cud".
Despite the humorous tone, there are enough
facts on breed, origin and behavior to inspire an entire new generation of ranching
kings, dairy queens, butchers, milkmaids and steakhouse entrepreneurs.
© John Troesser
See
Are There Cows
in Texas?
A
photo essay of Texas cows by John Stankewitz |
