566 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



the back and loins broad, flat, and straight, with the 

 ribs finely arched ; his belly straight, and the quarter 

 long and full, furnished with ample muscle down to 

 the hough, which should be nearly straight ; the 

 junction of his thighs deep, wide, and full ; the entire 

 body should be covered with a thin pelt, and thick^ 

 with fine, bright, soft wool. 



There can be little doubt but the above is an 

 excellent and graphic description of a well-formed 

 ram, although some individuals differ with respect to 

 some of the points. But it is hardly to be expected 

 that all will agree on any given form, however 

 symmetrical it may be, and at the same time well 

 adapted for taking on flesh. 



Considerable differences of opinion exist among 

 sheep-farmers, as to whether a large or small ram 

 is the best. This, however, can only be determined 

 by local circumstances, and other considerations, 

 which may strike the fancy of the breeder. Much 

 will also depend upon the nature of the pasture- 

 ground, as there can be no doubt that large rams 

 require more food than small ones. Therefore, on 

 lighter pastures a middling size should be preferred 

 to those which require a greater proportion of 

 food. 



The ram lives to the age of about fifteen years, 

 and is fit for procreation at one year old. When 

 castrated, they are termed wedders ; and they soon 

 fatten, and the flesh becomes better flavoured, and 

 finer in the fibre. 



LEAPING. 



In former times it was the practice to turn rams 

 loose among the ewes ; but they are now kept apart 

 from them during the rutting season. A separate 



