288 



THE DOMESTIC SHEEP. 



longer in some parts of the body than in others, so as 

 to increase the value of special points of excellence in the 

 form, as well as to add to the length of the staple. This 

 nefarious trick is common in the English exhibitions, and is 

 winked at by the judges, so that the most skillful adept in 

 this distortion of the form secures the prizes and leaves 

 the honest exhibitor in an undeserved low position. It has 

 been known too that exhibitors have descended to the low 

 trick of washing their show sheep, and coloring the fleece 

 with yellow ocher and oil, so as to give a false appearance 



FIG. 37. Tying Fleeces. 



and feel to the wool. It is well that judges at exhibitions 

 should be cautious to inspect the stock and be about in good 

 season, and at times when these tricks may be practiced 

 by the shepherds in charge of the sheep in the various pens. 

 And while this deception may not be frequently practiced, 

 yet it is well that all concerned should be on the lookout 

 for it, and insist on the disqualification of the animals so 

 distorted, and levy a substantial fine on the delinquents. 

 This is simply a matter of justice to all honest exhibitors. 

 The author is free to say, and happy to testify, that this 

 practice is by no means common at our exhibitions, but still 



