Art and Method of Judging Sheep. 235 



THE SHOULDER VEIN. 



The term shoulder vein does not mean that there 

 is a particular vein at the place where the neck 

 and shoulder join. It simply indicates the place 

 where they meet. The shoulder vein of the sheep, 

 corresponds to the place where the collar rests on 

 the horse when in harness, and the neck should 

 slope down from the head and join the shoulder 

 in such a way that no depression is noticeable 

 where they join, on top as well as on the sides. 

 When so built, it adds to the value of the carcass, 

 as butchers dislike the kind that are not well-de- 

 veloped in this part. It indicates a slim neck in 

 front of it. 



NOTING THE DEPTH OF CHEST. 



By placing the right hand on top of the shoulder 

 and the left hand between the fore legs, the depth 

 of the chest may be estimated. A deep, broad chest 

 is very essential in a sheep, rams as well as ewes. 

 This part includes the shoulder, the breast, and the 

 brisket. If the sheep is wide, broad, and deep in 

 the chest, not only its greater weight and value of 

 carcass is insured, but also its health. If the chest 

 is narrow and shallow; the vital organs, the heart, 

 and the lungs, which are at w r ork there, are con- 

 gested and cannot properly perform their func- 

 tions, thereby causing a weak sheep that cannot 



