HANDLING THE SHEEP 



85 



(3) Rear. From the rear the width and evenness in width of 

 body are to be noted; then the development of rump, thighs and 

 twist, and the placing of the hind legs. 



Handling the Sheep. After surveying the animal in this sys- 

 tematic manner the judge is ready to verify his visual impressions 

 by handling. This is necessary because the wool may cover defects 

 in form and handling is the only sure way to determine the amount 

 and quality of flesh. In the show ring it is a common practice to 



FIG. 44. Layi 



way to measure the amount and quality of flesh. 



trim the wool in order to conceal defects in form. Then, too, the 

 wool and skin should be inspected at close range (Fig. 44). 



The proper way to handle a sheep is to keep the fingers together 

 and lay them down flat on the animal except where it is necessary 

 to grasp the parts, as is the case with the lower thighs. This 

 manner of handling gives the most accurate impressions and does 

 not disarrange the wool. Correct touch is a matter of study. The 

 hands should be laid on deliberately and firmly, but without undue- 

 pressure, and pounding or clawing are entirely out of order. At 

 the same time the judge must keep his mind with his hands, com- 

 paring the information they give him with the impression he 



