436 JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



should show a frame of the best sort, supported on strong 

 limbs and feet. This is an evidence of vigor and should 

 be associated with a deep, full heart girth and a prominent 

 brisket, features indicating strong constitution. The ram 

 should be short-coupled and, if of the mutton type, tend 

 to compactness of form rather than too much length. 

 There is also a sense of the massive in the male that does 

 not prevail in the female, the various parts being developed 

 on a stronger and heavier scale. A ram with a conforma- 

 tion lacking this masculine character would not prove an 

 attractive sort for a sire. 



Breed character in the ram is of paramount importance. 

 In this day of improved breeds there is no excuse for 

 using anything but a pure bred ram. The judge should 

 emphasize breed character as seen in the various features 

 to be found in good individuals of a breed. It is most im- 

 portant that one be familiar with these characteristics. 

 The striking differences in the heads of the Merino, Shrop- 

 shire, Cotswold or Cheviot show the need of familiarity 

 with each, if the judge is to be capable of passing in judg- 

 ment. In selecting a sire, or in passing on a ring of sires, 

 preference should be given to such as show the most true- 

 ness to breed type. 



(B) JUDGING THE EWE. 



The sex character of the ewe is especially seen in the 

 head, neck and breast, and udder. The head is much 

 smaller and more refined than in case of the ram. The 

 muzzle and nose should be free of thickness and coarseness, 

 although a Roman type of nose prevails in some breeds 

 and is no evidence of coarseness. The eyes are smaller and 

 more placid than with the male, and the forehead shows 

 the refinement of the sex. The neck is more slender, lacks 

 in thickness on its upper side, and is not so strongly muscled 

 as a whole. The chest cavity of the female lacks the spread 

 of the male, with the associated width of brisket and 

 withers and heaviness of shoulder. The udder of the ewe 



