38 



THE DOMESTIC SHEEP. 



aeter for them, was perfected in the early 80' s, and the 

 association is 11Q w one of the leading sub-Merino record 

 societies in the country, with headquarters in Washington 

 County, Pa. This excellent breed of sheep is briefly charac- 

 terized by its chief promoters as follows: 



Full grown rams in fleece should weigh not less than 175 

 Ibs., and mature ewes, in fleece, not less than 120 Ibs. In 

 normal physical development they should be deep and large 

 in the breast and through the heart, with broad back, square 

 quarters, fine pinkish skin, well expanded nostril, bright 

 eye, clean, healthy countenance, head carried well up, body 

 symmetrical and of good length, of heavy bone, smooth 

 joints, well sprung ribs, broad, flat shoulders, strong muscles, 

 plain body and small dew-laps. Head should be wide with 

 medium length, medium, well-defined ears, covered with soft 

 fur. Ewes hornless, but rams should have good, clear, finely 

 curved horns. The neck medium length and strong, deepen- 

 ing toward the shoulders. Legs medium length, good bone 

 and well apart, and the feet medium size, well turned and 

 firm. The fleece should be even and crimpy, covering the 

 body and legs to the knees, and the head well covered for- 

 ward between the eyes, and free from hair. Staple, medium 

 or fine delaine, not less than three inches long, of uniform 

 length, and fleece compact with free flowing white oil form- 

 ing on the exterior a uniform dark coating. 



WILD SHEEP OF NORTHERN EUROPE. 



