Fitting Sheep for the Show Ring. 191 



In the case of Shropshires the covering of wool 

 on their faces and legs counts for a great deal in 

 the show ring. As this wool often becomes clotted 

 together, in fitting the animals it may be necessary 

 to wash it well with warm water, using a woolen 

 rag. Often some sweet oil is used to soften the 

 clotted wool up thoroughly so that it may be 

 combed out with an iron comb. When the wool is 

 then dry it will be fluffy and stand out to the best 

 advantage. 



If a show sheep should scour and the wool at 

 its rear become filthy, this filthy wool should not 

 be clipped off with the shears but must be washed 

 out by means of a rag, warm water, and soap. 

 When these locks are clipped off with the shears 

 it gives the sheep a hollow appearance at its twist, 

 while its twist should look full and plump. 



A HELP IN SHEEP TRIMMING. 



Trimming sheep in hot weather often becomes 

 a difficult task on account of the many flies which 

 annoy the sheep by biting the parts where no wool 

 is growing, such as the face, ears, and legs. The 

 sheep in trying to fight flies shakes its head and 

 stamps its feet constantly, thereby checking the 

 speed of the trimmer, as well as leading him to 

 make false clips or to cut too deeply into the fleece 

 at some places. This trouble can easily be reme- 



