Shekp Husbanouy. 195 



two and a half inches, full chested, the fore limbs far apart, 

 thus giving place for a better pair of lungs ; then have the 

 shoulders well rounded off, as well as the hip strong Jown 

 on the quarters, with round ribs and a good depth of body. 

 Tlie character of the Merint) and its fleece is improved in 

 point of thickness by heavy folds about the neck, and a 

 broad, wi-inkled tail. The folds of the neck give the sheep 

 a hold appearance ; not extreme wrinkles all over the body, 

 such a ewe, almost without fail, is a poor mother, giving 

 but little food to her offspring. Good ewes may have 

 heavy necks with folds, and good flanks with wide tails. 

 The breeder should also breed for a fine haired nose, with 

 a lustre to the hair ; a thick, velvety ear, free from any dark 

 spots ; strong limb witli large bone ; well wooled, equal 

 length and thickness of wool on the belly of the sheep as 

 on the side or shoulder ; also a sheep that holds a bold, 

 high head. 



It has been said by good breeders that there is no animal 

 that has so many points to breed for, consequently requir- 

 ing the more study. The sheep breeder, to be successful, 

 should possess a good share of common sense and practice 

 it. The laws of nature, to a sheep breeder, are the rules to 

 abide by, and witli these he may produce wonderful results. 



No longer are the principles and rides of sheep husbandry 

 a secret, for the generous spirit which prompts our sheep 

 breeders of to-day enables the en(|uirer to obtain almost 

 any knowledge l)y conversing with them. To illustrate 

 how much improvement has been made, I will say that, the 

 original imported sheep sheared from two to four pounds 

 per head, while whole flocks of to-day, with ordinary care. 



