EXTERIOR FAULTS AND DEFECTS 51 



should be determined as far as practicable by the eye. 

 Questionable cases should be determined by the use of the 

 hands. Too much handling is not a good form, however, 

 and should be avoided. 



Examination of Sheep. In judging sheep a thorough 

 examination by the use of the hands is necessary The 

 practice is perfectly justifiable on the ground that the form 

 of a sheep may not be in conformity with the outline of the 

 wool covering. Sheep are trimmed to give beauty of form 

 and to cover faults and defects. While the latter practice is 

 natural, it is questionable whether it is justifiable. 



Any fault or defect in form can easily be determined by a 

 rigid examination with the hands in all important parts 

 considered in animal judging. The method of examination 

 will be explained more fully in a subsequent discussion. 



Exterior Faults and Defects. The three most common 

 kinds of faults and defects are classified under the terms 

 unsoundness, blemishes, and operations which are of impor- 

 tance in judging as described below. 



Unsoundness. Unsoundness is of particular importance 

 in the horse. Because of the character of work for which 

 the horse is used it is of special importance to have a sound 

 and otherwise healthy animal. While this is important in 

 judging any class of animals it is especially necessary in the 

 horse when used for hard and persistent service. Cattle, 

 hogs, and sheep intended for the block may have slightly 

 imperfect structural forms and still be satisfactory meat 

 producers. If they were to be retained for a period of 

 years, like the breeding animal, the pleasure or work horse, 

 it would be very important to have them free from any 

 hereditary or predisposed unsoundness. Of all the animals 

 named, however, the horse is of special interest, as severe 

 driving or work often develops troubles which might not 

 occur if they were not subjected to actual road or field work, 

 something which other farm animals are not required to do. 

 On the streets of the large cities horses are much shorter 

 lived from an active utility standpoint, because their con- 

 stant contact with the hard pavements usually aggravates an 

 unsoundness or develops any predisposed trouble. Many of 



