CHAPTER XV. 

 MUTTON TYPE. 



Although the breeds of sheep classed as mutton breeds 

 may be grouped into two distinct classes long-wooled and 

 middle-wooled and although the breeds within each class 

 differ considerably in color markings, fleece, and appearance, 

 nevertheless all of them belong to the mutton type. The follow- 

 ing description applies particularly to sheep or lambs fattened 

 for the market. 



The general appearance of the mutton-type sheep is almost 

 identical with the beef type of cattle. The mutton sheep 

 should be markedly short legged, broad, deep, and symmetrical. 

 The top line and underline should be straight and parallel, and 

 the top should be broad and level from end to end. The side 

 lines should be straight, and the middle wide and deep, yet neat 

 and trim. Leggy and rangy conformations are as objectionable 

 in mutton sheep as in beef cattle. There should be pronounced 

 blockiness of conformation, combined with neatness, fullness, 

 and great smoothness of outline. 



The head should be short and broad, the mouth of ample 

 width, the nostrils large, the face short, the eyes prominent and 

 clear, the forehead broad, and the ears rather fine, short, neatly 

 attached, and well carried. The mutton type does not have 

 horns as a rule, the Dorset breed being the only exception. The 

 head should have a clean-cut appearance, indicative of quality 

 and good breeding. 



The neck should be short and plump, arched, trim at the 

 throat, and should join the shoulders full and smooth. 



The shoulders should be compact, smooth, and nicely 

 covered over with flesh, making the forequarters very even and 

 smooth. The tops of the shoulders should come fairly well 

 together and be rounded over with flesh. 



The breast ought to be prominent, broad, and filled out 

 plump with flesh. A wide breast is an evidence of strong con- 

 stitution, and plumpness of this part is one of the indications 

 of proper finish and fatness in the market sheep. 



The chest should be very wide and deep, and have a full 

 heart-girth. There should be considerable distance between 



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