JUDGING THE MUTTON TYPE OF SHEEP 339 



Fig. 217. "The leg in its thickest part is grasped by the 

 two hands." 



the skin, but as a rule, no satisfactory examination 

 of the skin can be made, excepting for color, when 

 a heavy fleece is carried. Further, it is doubtful 

 if the color of the skin, when healthy, is an indica- 

 tion of quality. Some breeds, such as the Cheviot and 

 Merino, are noted for their pink skins, while some other 

 breeds incline to a bluish or mottled blue-pink, which in- 

 vites criticism from the skin critic. Yet these bluish colored 

 skins are as common as pink ones on good feeders. Large, 

 heavy ears are indicators of coarseness, especially if carried 

 in a dull, sluggish style. Perhaps in the stockyards, among 

 buyers, quality is regarded as most important. Other 

 things being equal, the sheep with the most quality will 

 dress out with the least waste, which means the most profit 

 to the buyer. 



