386 



JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



Fig. 213. "The space between the hands here 

 indicates the width of back." 



the front flank, 

 thus estimating the 

 fullness behind the 

 shoulder and in 

 flank. Next feel 

 with the right hand 

 along the center of 

 the back, from over 

 the shoulders to 

 the root of tail, 

 thereby ascertain- 

 ing the carriage 

 and covering of 

 back. Then move 

 forward again, 

 commencing this 

 time with the 



hands along each side, at the shoulders, gradually moving 

 backward, examining for the spring of rib, and thickness 

 and covering of body, until the end of the rump is reached. 

 The hands move along the back toward the rump until 

 the loin is reached. The space between the hands 

 here indicates the width of back. After feeling the 

 width of loin, the hands naturally drop back to the hips, 

 and beyond to the tail-head, to determine the width between 

 these and their covering. One may also stand back of the 

 sheep and press with the hands at different points on the 

 thighs, to get an idea of the width and general thickness 

 at this point. The length and level carriage of the rump 

 is seen b;y standing opposite this part, and measuring with 

 the hands the distance between the hip and end of rump. 

 The depth from the end of rump to the point below where 

 the quarters join may be determined by pressing these two 

 parts between the hands. The general width of the hind 

 end may be observed by pressing against the outsides of the 

 thighs with the flattened hands. Finally, the leg of mutton 

 receives consideration, including the hind flank. The leg 



