11 Aug., 1919.] Sheep Clashing. 503 



of a flock, two-tooth ewes should not be allowed to breed unless they are 

 exceptionally well grown. They should be put to the ram at from twenty 

 months to two years old. If this course is adopted they usually grow 

 into bigger sheep, last much longer, and prove better breeders and 

 mothers than if allowed to breed too young. 



When classing the ordinary flocks, classers would do well not to pay 

 too much attention to the fine or fancy points. For instance, if an 

 otherwise good flock ewe has a smallish eye, a covered-up face, a black 

 spot on her ear, or a streak in the hoof, she should not be culled. In a 

 flock where the standard is set very high, more attention could be paid 

 to the finer points. In a stud flock we must try to get as near perfection 

 as possible. Uniformity with regard to frame and wool should be the 

 object of the classer. 



The percentage of culls to be taken out will be determined by the 

 classer, and will greatly depend upon the standard of excellence set in 

 the flock. In some flocks the number of culls will be decided by the 

 number of sheep the farmer can afford to dispose of. I personally very 

 rarely take out less than 25 per cent., and more often 25 to 33 per cent. 

 The heavier you can afford to cull the more rapid will be the improve- 

 ment of the flock. 



It is a good plan when you have finished classing to go through the 

 sheep in the yards and pick out any faulty ones with regard to frame 

 you may have missed. 



The Ideal Merino. 



The classer should endeavour to keep the following ideal in his 

 mind's eye when classing: — 



The Merino ram should be a well-built, symmetrical sheep, standing 

 on four good, strong, straight legs, wide across the shoulder and loins, 

 with a deep chest, straight back, and well-sprung ribs. He should have 

 good thighs, be well let down, and roomy, with a good underline. He 

 should have a strong, well-shaped masculine head, with good, thick, 

 well-curved horns of a good colour, showing distinct corrugation ; a 

 kind, soft, open face, with a kind eye, a broad, thick muzzle, with a 

 good, sound mouth, and soft, downy ears. The head must be set on to 

 the body with a rather short, thick ram's neck. 



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

 move with a free, bold, masculine carriage. 



He should be well and evenly covered Avith a strong, bright, masculine 

 fleece, with plenty of " guts " in it, of good length, full of character and 

 quality, with a good tip. 



These remarks are applicable to ewes as well, with a few exceptions, 

 of course. 



Systems of Ceassiatg. 



There are two' systems of classing which may be adopted. The first 

 is making three lots, No. 1 flock, ISTo. 2 flock, and culls. The No. 1 

 flock should consist of all the square-framed sheep carrying the best 

 wool. The No. 2 flock should also have good frames, but the wool 

 would not be so high class. Good, suitable rams should be mated to 

 both No. 1 and No. 2 flocks. The object of the farmer should be 

 gradually to increase the No. 1 flock and decrease the No. 2, 



