282 Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



rounded conformation with a fair degree of smoothness is more to be 

 desired, especially in rams. 



The breast should be deep and have moderate width. The absence 

 of heavy fleshing makes impossible the development of any marked 

 degree of plumpness or width, yet a very narrow or peaked breast 

 indicates a cramped chest cavity and lack of strong constitution. 



The chest gets its capacity from depth more than from width. 

 Extreme narrowness is a serious fault; the fore-rib should arch suffi- 

 ciently and carry down far enough to provide a roomy chest. The 

 fore flank should be reasonably well filled out. Every type of animal 



Fig. 102.— Class B Merino ram. 



needs a robust constitution, one of the best evidences of which is a 

 large heart-girth, proper allowance being made, when judging, for the 

 thickness of fleshing which covers the forequarters. 



The front legs are often very crooked at the knees, too close to- 

 gether, and too long. They should be reasonably straight, moderately 

 wide apart, and fairly short. The feet are often poorly formed and 

 rather weak, whereas they should be well developed and strong. The 

 shanks should be reasonably fine and rather short, and the pasterns 

 should be free from weakness. 



The back and loin vary somewhat according to the ideals of 

 breeders. In the very wrinkly Merinos in which the mutton qualities 



