THE JUDGING OF SHEEP 



205 



A and B, the hands are scarcely used, excepting to part amd 

 inspect the wool on different parts of the body. In other 

 words, the hand serves only in studying the fleece. In 

 examining this, the locks should be separated on the shoulder, 

 back, and thigh, and compared in length, quantity, and 

 quality. With the hands one may feel to determine the 

 softness and density of covering. Density may also be seen 

 with the eye, as shown in the covering of the head, the belly, 

 and legs, as well as in the general appearance of the outside 

 of the fleece. When wool production is of special importance, 

 examinations of the bare spots on the belly next to the legs, 

 and the general under cover- 

 ing, are essential. This re- 

 quires placing the sheep on 

 the rump. This position al- 

 lows not only the wool cov- 

 ering to be studied, but the 

 fullness of breast and the 

 condition of the feet may 

 also be noted. In the exam- 

 ination of the fine-wool fleece, 

 look for a light-colored oil 

 that should be evenly dis- 

 tributed throughout the fleece. 



Quite often the oil accumulates in spots or streaks, 

 giving an uneven character to oil distribution. This 

 feature is most likely to happen with fleeces containing a 

 large amount of oil. 



The score card for the Delaine or Class C Merino is here- 

 with given, and contains the scale of points that can be most 

 commonly used with fine-wool sheep. 



Fig. 128. Inspecting belly wool. 

 Photograph by the author. 



