GROWING AND FITTING SHEEP TOR EXHIBITION 285 



shearling form. A two-shear ram should not serve 

 more than, say, 36 to 45 females if he is to be shown 

 again. A ram in the three-shear form may be used freely 

 in service, as it is not probable that he will go back into 

 the show ring again. Fortunately service is not usually 

 required of rams until the fairs for the season are over; 

 hence such service comes at a time when it is legitimate 

 to cease burdening the animal with flesh. During the sea- 

 son of service succulent food should oe freely fed to such 

 rams. 



9. The management of ewe lambs that are to be 

 shown at the fairs in the lamb form in the breeding classes 

 is less complex than that relating to ram lambs which are 

 to be shown and also used in service, as the former are 

 not bred in the lamb form. Of course, they should not be 

 given so much carbonaceous food when fitting them for 

 the fairs as would be admissible in fitting for the fat 

 classes ; nor would it be advisable to load them down so 

 heavily with flesh. On returning from the fairs if they 

 can be fed freely on rape they may not need much grain 

 so long as such food lasts. 



10. Blankets, so essential in preparing sheep for ex- 

 hibition and while making the circuit of the fairs, may be 

 made from such material as burlap, sacking and ducking. 

 The ducking is more suitable for use at the fairs on the 

 score of appearance, though the other material named will 

 be amply suitable for home use. They should be made so 

 as to fasten in front of the breast with buttons or straps, 

 the former being preferable. At the thigh a strap should 

 be fastened to the blanket in front, passed inside of the 

 thigh when in place, and buttoned or buckled to the 

 blanket at the rear of the thigh. 



