CHAPTER XXXYI. 



THE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MUTTON SHEEP. 



AFTER the score card has been used a number of times on 

 individual sheep, to familiarize one in this work, then the 

 next step should be to compare two or more sheep of the 

 same class. The use of the score card may be made in this 

 comparison, by placing two sheep side by side, going over 

 the same parts of each animal in regular order, filling out 

 the score in the process. Thus a numerical score may be 

 made, with each part up for comparison in its turn. The 

 method of judging involved in this Case, is simply that of 

 score card work, but where more than one animal is in- 

 volved, it is also comparative. The greater the number of 

 animals to be scored in comparative judging, the more 

 tedious the process, due to the amount of time necessary to 

 estimate and record values on the cards. Following this, 

 considerable time will be necessary to figure up the different 

 scores, and then perhaps make some readjustments in satis- 

 fying oneself for a final judgment. 



Comparative judging of mutton sheep in pens of three 

 to five individuals, without the use of the score card, offers 

 the most satisfactory method of studying these animals. It 

 is customary for each animal to be held, so that the sheep 

 shall stand in line, side by side. There should be space 

 enough between the animals to permit free movement on 

 the part of the judge. He should first walk about and view 

 the group from a distance that will permit satisfactory 

 general comparison. One should walk in front of the sheep, 

 to compare heads, shoulders, breasts and legs, and thenjpass 

 to the rear to compare the backs, rumps, thighs and posi- 

 tions of legs. The sheep may at this time be placed in 



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