242 Sheep Management, Breeds and Judging. 



much in width of the rump. Instead of holding 

 the straight line out to the end, they taper off to a 

 sharp point. This defect is often not very notice- 

 able, especially if the sheep has been trimmed. 

 Much can be done by trimming to deceive the eye 

 and to improve the looks of the sheep. 



EXAMINING THE DEPTH OF TWIST. 



By placing the left hand on top at the end of the 

 rump, and the right hand between the two hind 

 legs as shown in Figure 76, the judge can deter- 

 mine the fullness and depth of the sheep's twist. 

 This portion when well-developed adds greatly to 

 the value of the sheep, and consequently should 

 receive the sharp attention of the judge. Sheep 

 vary a great deal in this respect; some carry full- 

 ness of mutton down to the hocks, others nearly 

 down, and still others are cut up between the legs 

 like a goat. There is, of course, a natural differ- 

 ence in breeds with regard to this point, but it is 

 desirable that each breed show a good develop- 

 ment of the twist. The Southdown, perhaps, leads 

 all other breeds in development here. It is well 

 when judging rams to make sure at this time that 

 they are fully developed and possess two testicles. 



