CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RAM. 19 



the system of using- ram lambs appears to answer. In many 

 breeds the adoption of this practice would result in a rapid 

 deterioration of the flock. 



LINE TO ADOPT IN THE IMPORTATION OF SIRES. 



During the first few years after the foundation of a flock, the 

 selection of sires is not so difficult, provided judgment is used, and 

 adequate means are available ; but afterwards it becomes a matter 

 of great importance. In the course of time, fresh blood is wanted. 

 What is to be done? Shall a direct cross, so far as blood is 

 concerned, be looked for; or shall line breeding, with a slight 

 outcross, be decided upon ? The writer, from such experience as 

 he has had, inclines to the latter opinion, but the true breeder will 

 probably not adhere to any one method too strictly, but be guided 

 by circumstances, but at the same time it is much more easy to 

 decide as to what steps to take, than to find the animal suited to 

 our requirements. 



Here the difficulty lies ; but on it so much depends, that the 

 enthusiast in the art of breeding, should try his utmost to secure 

 the animal best suited to his flock, and sooner or later, success 

 will follow his efforts. 



Lastly do not be in a hurry to dispose of the rams in service 

 until they have been really proved, as sometimes lambs with little 

 promise develop into grand sheep, and perhaps in the meantime 

 their sire has been passed on, or handed over to the butcher. 

 Success in breeding is so largely dependent on the sire, that 

 extraordinary means should be taken to secure the best, and 

 when once this has been obtained and proved, it should be made 

 extensive use of. 



CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RAM. 



We quote from an article by PROFESSOR CURTISS, Iowa, on 

 " Raising Sheep for Mutton," the following pointed observations 

 on what constitutes a good mutton sheep : " First let there be 

 pronounced masculinity in the male and femininity in the female. 



