first possess the essential characteristics of the breed to which 

 he belongs. Constitutional vigor is to be desired above everything 

 else. This is shown in the width and depth of chest, active move- 

 ment, expressive eyes, bright, pink skin free from a pale, lifeless ap- 

 pearance, or a bluish skin, which indicates ill health or lack of thrift 

 He should have good size and weight, but quality should not be sacri- 

 ficed for size. In judging weight, due consideration should be given 

 for fat. A ram should never be excessively fat, but rather in a mus- 

 cular condition. Fat in a ram renders him sluggish and inactive as a 

 breeder. The condition of a ram should be judged by the uniformity 

 of muscular development in the region of the back, loin, rump and leg 

 of mutton. Selection should be made with the idea of developing this 

 portion of the sheep's body to the greatest extent, since the valuable 

 region of the carcass for mutton is found here. Quality in a ram is 

 important, but more coarseness must be allowed than in the ewes 

 since a certain degree of that coarseness indicates masculinity. Mascu- 

 linity is the best indication of the breeding character of the ram 

 Quality is shown in the bone of the leg, the texture of the hair on the 

 nose and legs, the shape and size of the ear and, to some extent, the 

 quality and texture of the wool. To place accurate judgment on form 

 it is necessary to handle the sheep rather than to judge by observation 

 alone, since sheep may be trimmed in such a way as to deceive the 

 eye. The judge should first look at the teeth to determine the age 

 then the eye to observe the disposition and alertness, using both 

 hands to determine the width of the head, the width of neck, shoulder 

 chest, loin, back and rump. The ram should be uniform in width 

 throughout, with some allowance for greater width in the shoulder 

 for the ram as compared with wethers or ewes. His neck should be 

 short and thick and his body at the chest, middle and flank of equa! 

 depth and width, the leg of mutton carried down deep in the twist, anc 

 he should stand straight on legs. Rams that "break down" in their 

 pastern joints have a hereditary weakness of that condition, and shoulc 

 be avoided. The appearance of a ram should be blocky. The sides 

 should be straight, with level and parallel top and under lines. He 

 should be erect and stylish in carriage. The fleece of the ram should 

 show density, quality and length of fiber and secretion of yolk. These 

 indicate the value of wool. Wool is essential in mutton sheep as w( 

 as in Merino sheep, and due consideration should be given to it in tl 

 selection of breeding stock. 



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