THE MERINO OR FINE-WOOL TYPE OF SHEEP 337 



The back of the Merino varies according to the class. Those 

 of Class A usually are narrower and flatter of rib. In any class 

 a strongly supported, fairly wide back, with level, wide loin is 

 essential. 



The body should have a rather strongly rounded out form, 

 the ribs showing a fair arch and considerable length, thus fur- 

 nishing ample feeding and breeding capacity. A blocky, short 

 body is not so typical as one with more roundness and of mod- 

 erate length. The hind 

 flanks should show ample 

 depth. 



The hips must be 

 smooth, not especially 

 prominent, and should be 

 neatly covered. 



The rump of the Me- 

 rino, in correct form, is 

 long, level, and wide, but 

 a common defect of speci- 

 mens of this breed, no 

 matter what the class, is 

 a peaked, droopy rump. 



The leg of mutton varies with the class. The nearer one 

 approaches Class C the more filled out in all its parts the hind 

 quarter becomes. Nevertheless, even in Class A, the thigh 

 should be strong and reasonably full, though not so thick or 

 full in twist as with Classes B and C. Considering that Class C 

 emphasizes mutton value, the leg of mutton here should be 

 strong of development. 



The hind legs should be muscular and straight, whether 

 viewed from either rear or one side, the shank bones fine and 

 short, the pasterns strong and well carried, and the toes neatly 

 placed. Instead of that, the hind legs in all classes of Merinos 

 strongly tend to crooked hocks, the points nearly if not quite 

 touching, and the toes turning out. Often the legs below the 

 hocks are carried too much under the body, the shanks being 

 too slanting. Owing to lack of attention, the toes often grow 

 too long, and thus the foot becomes thrown out of proper placing 



Fig. 150. An example of the Class C type of 

 Merino. Photograph by the author 



