Notes. 



181) 



The Merino Ram. 



Mr. A. G. Michaeliaii. Principal Sheep and Wool Expert, gives 

 the following description* of what is considered an ideal ram. This 

 number includes an illustration (" The Merino Earn ") of a merino 

 ram bred in South Africa whicli bears out this description:- — 



" The merino ram should he a well-built, symmetrical sheep, 

 standing on four good, strong, straight legs, wide across the shouldei- 

 and loins, with a deep chest, straig^ht back, and well sprung ribs. He 

 should have good thighs, b.e well let down and roomv, with a good 



Photo of ;i Maffiiilicent Ham, hied in Snurli Afiica. 



underline. He sliould luive a strong, well-sliaped, masculine head, 

 with good, thick, weil-cui"^;ed horns of a good colour, showing distinct 

 corrugation; a kind, soft, open face, with a kind eye, a broad, tliick 

 muzzle, witli a good, sound mouth and soft, downy ears. The liead 

 must be set on the body with a rather short, thick neck. 



He should have a full, bold, even front, with a good tail, and 

 should move with a free, liold, masculine carriage. 



He should be well and evenly covered with a strong, l)rig]it, 

 masculine fleece, with plenty of ' guts ' in it, of good length, full of 

 character and quality, with a good tip." 



* Jmtrnnl af Tndvxtr'ir.'i. Vol II. No. 4, p. 37? 



