362 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



breeder or a good ewe breeder; therefore, we must let experience 

 gnide us in our selection. A ewe showing too much masculinity 

 or a ram too much femininity are to be avoided, although they be 

 suitable in every other way; for such animals are apt to produce 

 offspring that are not uniform. 



The ewe should look like a ewe, having that timid, feminine 

 appearance ; the ram should be the opposite, showing a bold, mascu- 

 line appearance, strong head, neck and shoulders, but not too much 

 out of proportion with the rest of the body. A little coarseness 

 is not so objectionable in a ram. I like to see a ram that is ready 

 to knock his shepherd over, or whip the other ram from the feed ; 

 then I know his lambs will stand the knocks that would kill the 

 lambs from a ram that is willing to let some other ram have his 

 share of the feed. 



In selecting ewes for my reserve breeding flock, I use this 

 system: I stand off and note their general form and breed type, 

 also that they have a determined, stylish action, and feminine ap- 

 pearance; I examine their mutton form, as described in the begin- 

 ning — if the mutton form is right, the constitution is sure to be 

 right also; I examine the fleece for the points described, on the 

 side midway between the hips and shoulder, on the hip, well dowii 

 on the thigh, on the belly, on the top of the head, and on the cheek. 

 In the ram I look for the same things, except that I watch out for 

 scurr or horns, and see that he shows plenty of masculinity, as 

 I have before described. If a sheep lacks in one single point, 

 don't put it in your foundation flock. 



Now, in conclusion, a few don'ts : 



Don't stand back because of a few dollars when you find a 

 ram or a ewe that suits you — the best are by far the cheapest in 

 the end. 



Don't let any man have his choice of your ewe flock, or he 

 will be selling you stud rams, the first thing you know. 



Don't go into the business for the dollars alone — if you do, 

 you will never make a success, either financially or as a breeder. 

 Go into it for the pleasure of breeding and improving purebred 

 sheep, and the dollars and success are both certain. 



