JUDGING THE MUTTON TYPE OF SHEEP 397 



one usually finds the most striking evidence of the too-fat 

 animal, and where excess fat is most objectionable on ac- 

 count of the high percentage of waste in the cuts of this 

 part. A rib roast or chop from here, at best, shows a large 

 per cent of bone and fat to lean tissue. Many people value 

 this part on account of the superior quality of the meat, but 

 others object to buying it, on account of the waste. Hence 

 the necessity of this part having no superfluous fleshing. 



The loin of the mutton sheep should combine breadth, 

 length and thickness. With this conformation we secure a 

 strong constitution, the thick muscles protecting the kidneys 

 below, and at the same time we secure the desirable thick- 

 ness of loin chop or roast. "While not commanding quite 

 as high a price as the rib part, the fact is the loin furnishes 

 the very choicest of cut, with much less waste than in the 

 ribs. In judging this part, seek for some rounding up and 

 fullness here, and regard any depression as evidence of weak 

 conformation, with not enough thickness of loin covering. 

 Nine points are credited to the perfect loin, as reference to 

 the scale of points will show, thus emphasizing the impor- 

 tance of this part. 



The ribs of the mutton sheep, in correct conformation, 

 show a wide arch on top, with an associated length such as 

 provides a body of depth and great digestive capacity. Arch 

 and length of rib are absolutely necessary in the sheep that 

 is to be a good feeder. The ribs should be smoothly and 

 thickly covered with flesh, and this desirable covering can 

 be best secured on the kind of ribs described. When the 

 body is not paunchy, that is, having no excess of belly, then 

 if of sufficient thickness and depth, we get the greatest pos- 

 sible weight, a very essential point. If arch of rib is lack- 

 ing, then the high-priced cuts are narrower and con- 

 sequently less valuable. 



The flanks of the mutton sheep serve as a measure of the 

 digestive capacity and condition of the animal. If the flank 

 is low, furnishing a straight underline, then usually the 

 body is deep, which fact can easily be noted by standing 



