LECTURE LII. 



PREPARATION AND FITTING OF SHEEP FOR 

 SHOW RING. 



In preparing or fitting sheep for show the thing of greatest 

 importance is that suitable subjects be selected for the shep- 

 herd to fit. In order to make the best selection the breeder 

 or flock master must be a competent judge. If a beginner 

 is desirous of exhibiting and is somewhat in doubt as to what 

 constitutes a good individual, he should not hesitate in pro- 

 curing the ability or ideas of an experienced flock master. 

 It matters little whether a breeder be a beginner or one who 

 has been several years in the business; in both cases the 

 services of an experienced shepherd should be secured. Al- 

 ways secure the very best service your business will support. 

 It is necessary for every breeder to remember that he might 

 as well try to take prizes without sheep as without the 

 service of a good shepherd. 



Much of the success of the breeder and shepherd in the 

 show ring depends on their judgment, not only at the time 

 of drafting to fit, but also in drafting the finished product 

 for the arena. In selecting purebreds for show yard purposes 

 there are several points worthy of consideration, viz.: con- 

 stitution, form, and quality of fleece, skin and flesh. It is 

 of great importance that an animal have constitution, because 

 on this essential point much depends. Coarseness in a ewe 

 or ram should not be confounded with constitution, because 

 many large, coarse individuals are often weak constitution- 

 ally. Always avoid individuals that are flat ribbed or narrow 

 and shallow in the chest, because such animals possess in- 

 sufficient room for a strong, healthy pair of lungs. As a rule. 

 a sheep low set, well sprung in the ribs and deep and wide 

 in chest possesses plenty constitution. 



At present fashion asserts itself more or less in sheep 

 breeding, and in view of this one must become thoroughly 

 conversant or acquainted with the qualities that merit, in 

 the breed he is handling. In these days the right type must 



