SHOW SHEEP. 153 



to be. Its object is to give uniformity of appearance to a number 

 of sheep together. The wool is so much influenced by the colour 

 of the soil on which the sheep have been folded that when several 

 lots from differently coloured soils are brought together, some of 

 them will appear of a more favourable colour, and will consequently 

 give an impression of greater value than others, although they are 

 in reality no better. Colouring the wool is, therefore, a justifiable 

 practice so long as it is not done to mislead. Where, however, 

 colouring is applied to hide faults in breeding, it becomes repre- 

 hensible. For instance, dyeing the hair on the head, ears, or 

 legs of sheep, which are not true in colour and marking, in order 

 to make them appear so, cannot be too strongly censured, as 

 also should be the eradication of rudimentary horns, because 

 these practices are performed to hide blemishes in breeding, and 

 to give the sheep credit for typical characteristics which they 

 do not possess. The leading societies rightly make offences of 

 this kind the ground for disqualification of exhibits. 



Oiling or greasing the fleece is carried to an absurd point in 

 some long-woolled breeds. It may give a suggestion of body to 

 a fleece and help the lustre ; but where all do it there does not 

 seem to be much advantage gained ; though again, in moderation, 

 it may be useful to bring all to one colour. 



The ochre is applied in the form of powder, or as a thin paste. 

 When the colour is required to last more permanently, it is made 

 into paste with oil, a small quantity being smeared on to the wool, 

 and then rubbed on by hand. When the colour is not required 

 to stand so long, a time when the wool is wet from light rain or 

 heavy dew should be chosen ; the powdered ochre should be 

 sprinkled evenly over the sheep through a flour-dredger, and 

 then be worked in by the hand. 



Sheep travelling to a show should be fed to a great extent on 

 dry food during the previous day to prevent scouring. It is 

 advisable also to protect them by means of sheets, so that the wool 

 does not become dirty or broken. 



Success in feeding sheep for shows depends on suitable feeding 

 (according to breed). There is not much difference however in 

 the food given, as is shown by the foods administered at shows. In 

 most breeds the sheep are fed on as big a variety as is available, 

 and as the sheep are fed at very high pressure, this is very necessary. 

 The great point is to keep the concentrated foods well balanced, 

 and to supply only the best. 



