FOR SHOW RING AND MARKET. 33 



ginner usually finds more difficulty in making lambs assume 

 the desired form and smooth state than from the adult 

 members of the flock. (Trimming is fully treated on in an- 

 other chapter.) 



Washing. 



The washing of show sheep, when properly done, is not 

 only a benefit as regards the look of the animal, but is ex- 

 tremely beneficial in freeing the pores of the skin of gummy 

 and other foreign matter. It promotes the flow of the nat- 

 ural lubricant of the wool, and thereby stimulates its growth. 

 As soon after shearing as the weather gets warm and pleas- 

 ant, the washing of our sheep should receive attention. 

 Warm water should be used; or more properly, perhaps, cold 

 water with the chill taken* off. Castile or some other fifot 

 class soap should be used. The dipping vat is a very handy 

 utensil for washing sheep in. It is essential that after the 

 animal has undergone a thorough washing with soap and 

 water that every trace of soap be eradicated from the fleece 

 by a thorough rinsing with clean water. If any trace of soap 

 remains in the fleece it is apt to make it appear harsh, dry 

 and brittle; further it may prove injurious to the skin. 



It is usual to wash the Longwool breeds as soon after 

 shearing as the weather permits, and again some little time 

 previous to the opening of the show season. This allows, 

 of the natural oil saturating the fleece and making it assume 

 a glossy, brilliant appearance. I deem it advisable to again im- 

 press on my readers the importance of thorough rinsing 

 with clean water to remove any trace of soap. 



It is not often found necessary to wash lambs of the Down. 



