THE MUTTON TYPE OF SHEEP 377 



carried strongly back. The entire upper thigh should be heavily 

 covered with flesh. The lower thigh, above the hock, must show 

 strength and neatness. 



The hocks should be straight and strong with ample space 

 between. If the hocks take a correct position, then the legs will 

 probably do likewise. Crooked hocks, however, are a common and 

 weak formation and are to be guarded against in breeding stock. 

 The legs below the hocks should be straight, short, and strong. 



The skin is a quite variable feature on mutton sheep. A 

 bright pink is the ideal color, with the skin mellow and yet firm, 

 this showing the most healthy condition. Instead of this the 

 skin is frequently of a bluish-white cast or appears too white. 

 A somewhat mottled or bluish-white color also occurs with some 

 individuals or breeds. There are differences of views as to the 

 significance of skin color. No doubt the bluish tint of the 

 Shropshire or Oxford skin is one of inheritance and does not 

 necessarily signify poor condition. The clear pink skin, however, 

 is preferable. 



The fleshing of the mutton type calls for a smooth, uniformly 

 covered, deep layer of high-class mutton without wads of fat or 

 patchiness on sides or rump. Such a sheep with the fleece 

 removed would be beautiful in the general symmetry of outline, 

 whether in moderate flesh or fed for slaughter. 



The wool of the mutton type ranges in length from that of the 

 Merino to some ten or possibly more inches for a year's growth. 

 The fleece does not cover the body so compactly as with the fine 

 wool, but in this respect, that of the medium class greatly 

 excels the long wool which is the most open of all. The fibers 

 range in character from those which are fine and have con- 

 siderable crimp to those which are long and wavy, with little 

 or no real crimp. A bright fiber with brilliant luster is sought 

 for. Uniformity of covering is important in length, fineness, 

 and diameter of staple. The entire body, including the belly 

 and armpits, should be covered with a compact fleece. The 

 covering on head or legs varies with the breed. Hair (kemp) or 

 abnormal color of wool fiber are distinctly objectionable. The oil 

 or yolk should be of moderate abundance, keeping the wool in a 

 healthy condition. 



