CHOICE OF PARENTS. 



119 



fix inches in length. The following is a measuremrni 

 of a three-years' old ram of Mr Bakowell, 



A most unusual proof of kindly feeding in the ani- 

 mals of this shape, is their feeling quite fat, just within 

 their fore legs, on the rib ; a point in which sheep are 

 seldom examined, from common breeds never carrying 

 fat there. They are particularly distinguished by the 

 lightness of the offal, the bones being one-half smaller 

 than in some other breeds, and the meat proportionally 

 thicker, while the pelt is thin, and the head small — a 

 thing of some consequence in most parts of England, 

 where that Scottish luxury, sheep-head broth, is so 

 cordially despised. 



The best form for a cheviot ram is thus described by 

 Mr Cully, in his excellent work on Live-Stock : *' His 

 head should be fine and small ; bis nostrils wide and 

 expanded ; his eyes prominent, and rather bold or 

 daring ; ears thin ; his collar full from his breast and 

 shoulders, but tapering gradually all the way to where 

 the neck and head join, which should be very fine and 

 graceful, being perfectly free from any coarse leather 

 hanging down ; the shoulders broad and full, which 

 must at the same time join so easy to the collar forward 

 and chine backward, as to leave not the least hollow in 

 either place ; the mutton upon his arm or fore-thigh 

 toust come quite to the knee ; his legs upright, with a 



