392 JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



through the eyes, and with graceful outlines with the parts 

 clearly denned. 



The muzzle, which includes mouth and nostrils, should be 

 of good size, with capacity for feeding well. Thin, yet 

 strong lips are important, for the sheep uses them constantly 

 to assist in drawing in herbage while grazing or feeding on 

 the light roughage best suited to it. Comparatively large 

 nostrils, as associated with the organs of respiration, give 

 evidence of full breathing capacity. 



The eyes of the sheep in some cases are bold and promi- 

 nent, while with others they are hidden by wool to such a 

 degree that sight is interfered with. A large, placid, yet 

 bright eye, placed attractively in reasonably prominent 

 sockets will give evidence of alert character. The whites of 

 the eye should be easily seen. Softie shepherds prefer eyes 

 with clear whites, with little dark coloring or veining, be- 

 lieving such eyes go with the best feeders. A bloodshot eye 

 may indicate a poor physical condition, and is objectionable 

 in any great degree. 



The face of the sheep, as has already been indicated, 

 should be short. This gives a strong jaw, a feature of the 

 best feeder. Well denned features of the face give evidence 

 of quality and good breeding. The face below the eyes 

 should be broad, furnishing ample room for the respiratory 

 canals in the lower part of the skull. 



The forehead of the sheep should be broad and well 

 rounded out. The broad forehead gives, evidence of intel- 

 ligence. It is also necessarily a feature of the short, wide 

 head of the best feeders. A narrow forehead, lacking 

 prominence, would rather indicate a lower degree of intel- 

 ligence, and perhaps undesirable disposition. 



The ears of the sheep vary considerably in size and shape, 

 according to breed or blood lines. Some breeds have short 

 and rather small ears, as for example the Southdown, while 

 in other breeds they are long and prominent. A first neces- 

 sity in the ear is quality, the attachment to the head being 

 neat and well placed, and the texture of the ear relatively 



