590 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



well as from the hough downwards, without long or coarse 

 hair ; the breast broad and well-formed, and his fore-legs 

 placed at a proper distance from each other ; his chest of 

 considerable girth, full, and deep, free from any hollow 

 between the shoulders, and the fore-flank quite full ; the 

 back and loins broad, flat, and straight, with the ribs finely 

 arched ; his belly straight, and the quarte^r long and full, 

 furnished with ample muscle down to the hough, which 

 should be nearly straight ; the junction of his thighs deep, 

 wide, and full ; the entire body should be covered with a thin 

 pelt, and thick, with fine, bright, soft wool. 



There can be little doubt but the above is an excellent 

 and graphic description of a well-formed ram, although some 

 individuals difier with respect to some of the points. But 

 it is hardly to be expected that all will agree on any given 

 form, however symmetrical it may be, and at the same time 

 well adapted for taking on flesh. 



Considerable difierences of opinion exist among sheep- 

 farmers, as to whether a large or small ram is the best. This, 

 however, can only be determined by local circumstances, and 

 other considerations, which may strike the fancy of the 

 breeder. Much will also depend upon the nature of the pas- 

 ture-ground, as there can be no doubt that large rams require 

 more food than small ones. Therefore, on lighter pastures a 

 middling size should be preferred, to those which require a 

 greater proportion of food. 



The ram lives to the age of about fifteen years, and is fit 

 for procreation at one year old. When castrated, they are 

 termed wedders ; and they soon fatten, and the flesh becomes 

 better flavoured, and finer in the fibre. 



LEAPING. 

 In former times it was the practice to turn rams loose 



