274 



Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



The ram's fleece should be heavy and of good quahty according 

 to his breed, special attention being given to the wool in case the ewe 

 flock averages below desired standards for fleece. 



So far as the fatness of the ram is concerned, greater satisfaction 

 will ordinarily result from the purchase of a ram in medium condition, 

 or what shepherds call a "field ram," than one that has been much 

 pampered in preparation for sale or show. The latter may present a 

 more attractive form and appearance at the time of purchase, but must 

 be let down in flesh before he can be used for breeding purposes, and 

 it is often true that with loss of fat there are revealed some rather dis- 



FiG. 98. — Correct type in the breeding ewe. Champion Hampshire ewe at the 

 International Show, owned by A. W. Arnold, Galesville, Wis. This ewe has strength 

 and vigor, combined with femininity 'and quality, and her roomy middle and dense 

 fleece are valuable attributes in the breeding ewe. 



appointing points in form. This more often happens when the buyer 

 is a novice and the ram has had the additional advantage of the correct- 

 ing power of shears in expert hands. In any case, the purchase price 

 of a fitted ram must include the cost of fitting, which may be a con- 

 siderable amount. It is, of course, a fact that the very choicest rams 

 are highly fitted before being offered for sale, as no flock owner expects 

 to realize full value for an exceptional ram unless he is presented in 

 finished and fitted form; however, this applies to the best offerings and 

 is somewhat outside of the matter under consideration. When rams 



