MODERN SHEEP: BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 179 



that unscrupulous exhibitors very skillfully remove such defects 

 before they send their exhibits to the arena, Not only do the 

 shears play a most important part in the fitting of show sheep, 

 but even dyes are called into use. Therefore, it is evident that in 

 selecting stock for a foundation flock it is essential that great care 

 be used. The fleece is a guide to the health of a sheep. If it ap- 

 pears dry and lifeless there is something wrong with its bearer 

 either constitutionally or on account of improper rations. A 

 healthy fleece is greasy and full of life and luster. 



THE SKIN. 



The skin is an index to the standard of blood as well as to the 

 health of the sheep. Our best strains of pure-blooded sheep carry 

 skins of a soft, rich pink, without such objections as black or dis- 

 colored spots. No matter how pink the skin of the healthy sheep 

 may be it takes on a pale-blue directly its bearer falls a prey to 

 sickness. It may be said that while all healthy sheep do not have 

 pink skins, all sick sheep have pale ones. Once in a while we find 

 an isolated member in our best flocks, and even in the showring 

 carrying skins that are nearly black. Of course, this should not 

 be where good judgment and management are employed. The meth- 

 ods of feeding, especially in the case of show sheep, has no little 

 to do with the color of the skin. The hue of the skin varies very 

 much in a few hours. At first, when in a high state of fever, it 

 will be almost blood red, but when the fever has left its host the 

 skin becomes pale and gummy. 



SELECT ONLY HEALTHY STOCK. 



In the sheep business, as with other businesses, there are 

 many pitfalls, and it is the new beginner who is most liable to 

 fall into them. Therefore, it behooves him to "keep his eye peeled" 

 when investing in stock wherewith to establish his flock. Foot- 

 rot, scab, liver-rot and the more recent additions to the flockmas- 

 ter's troubles, nodular disease and the different internal parasites 

 such as stomach worms, etc., must be shunned. There are two 

 factors that will help insure the novice a healthy start in the 

 sheep business buying of reputable breeders and the help of a 

 conscientious adviser. Culls should not figure in the establish- 

 ment of a foundation flock, even if they might be had for the ask- 

 ing. This does not mean that ewes well along in years are to be 

 rated as culls, for no other class of animal is liable to give less 

 trouble or better returns to the novice than these, provided, of 

 course, they are bought at a fair valuation. The fact that they 

 are staid and matronly is an assurance that they are of more than 

 ordinary worth as motHers. Good shepherds do not long keep in- 

 different milkers or mothers in their flocks. Young ewes, especial- 



