FOR SHOW RING AND MARKET. 37 



model. The underline should be straight and the head as 

 shapely as possible; in fact your work should be a work of 

 .graceful curves and perfectly straight lines. The above ap- 

 plies to the Down breeds. 



The Longwools should not be trimmed close and smooth, 

 as is the case of the Downs, but left in a more rustic and 

 natural condition, and any shaping or trimming should re- 

 ceive attention previous to the final washing. In the case of 

 our Longwool pets it is usual to allow the fore-top to hang 

 .gracefully down over the face. This has a very pleasing 

 effect The pretty Cotswolds should have their fore-tops 

 carefully curled before being presented to the show-goer or 

 judge. 



I will now enter into details regarding the trimming 

 proper. Here is my method: After my sheep are "blocked 

 out" I take a bucket of water in which a couple of handfuls of 

 yellow ochre has been thrown. A stiff brush, a curry comb 

 and an exceedingly sharp thin-bladed pair of shears com- 

 prise my outfit. With the water into which the yellow ochre 

 has been put, I carefully saturate the fleece of the sheep under 

 treatment, using the brush for the purpose of rubbing the 

 decoction well in; when well saturated not sopping I take 

 the curry comb and give the fleece a vigorous currying, after 

 which I go over the fleece most carefully, being very careful 

 to keep as good a shape in mind as possible, and smoothing 

 the best I know how, "straight lines and graceful curves" 

 being my motto and design. It is well that the fleece be 

 kept moderately moist by frequent application of moisture 

 of course having recourse to the ochre decoction the shears 

 also should be kept extremely keen and perfectly level in 

 trimming. The process of trimming must be gone over many 



