Fitting Sheep for the Show Ring. 181 



in the fat classes. There is quite a difference in the 

 fitting and preparation of these two separate 

 classes of sheep. The first class can be fitted in a 

 much shorter time than the fat class, and the feeds 

 for them are of a little different nature from those 

 for the fat class. 



SELECTION FOR THE BREEDING CLASS. 



One of the chief factors in fitting sheep for breed- 

 ing classes in the show ring is to be familiar with 

 the up-to-date type and conformation of the breed 

 or breeds to be fitted. No sheep, no matter how 

 well it may be fitted, will be a winner if it does not 

 possess the correct type, combined with the proper 

 conformation and color. For instance a Shrop- 

 shire ram that has stubs of horns should not win 

 a prize, no matter how good an individual he may 

 be in all other respects, for this is contrary to the 

 standard of pure-bred Shropshires. Again a ram 

 with only one testicle should not be fitted, for he 

 will not win a prize if the judge is capable of dis- 

 covering the lack. A sheep of any breed that is 

 either undersized or too large for its particular 

 breed also does not receive much consideration in 

 the show ring. Neither does a sheep that has not 

 the right color, or has a poor conformation, or has 

 crooked legs, or is in too thin a condition, or on 

 the contrary is too fat, get any recognition by the 



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