Art and Method of Judging Sheep. 245 



large leg of mutton. Many people in this coun- 

 try, especially the wealthier classes, are great ad- 

 mirers of a good leg of mutton or lamb. There- 

 fore, in selecting a ram to head the flock, particu- 

 lar attention should be paid to this point, since all 

 good, as well as inferior qualities, are transmitted 

 to the offspring by the sire and dam. By placing 

 the two hands around the leg, as shown in Figure 

 77, the judge can quickly note the size and fleshi- 

 ness of the leg. 



EXAMINING THE FLEECE AND SKIN. 



The proper method of parting the wool on the 

 sheep's shoulder without marring the fleece is 

 shown in Figure 78. When this is done correctly 

 the fleece will part readily in layers. The length, 

 fineness, lustre, crimp, and yolk is then noted. At 

 the same time, the color of the skin should be 

 taken into consideration. The skin should be of a 

 pink color, indicating good health and good blood 

 circulation. When a sheep is out of condition, 

 caused by over-feeding, or perhaps, is infested 

 with internal parasites, the color of the skin is 

 rather pale. However, it should be remembered 



