374 JUDGING SHEEP 



the back, pressing firmly with outstretched palm on the wool 

 to determine the thickness, firmness, and uniformity of the 

 flesh and condition in this part. After reaching the region 

 of the loin insert the tips of the fingers of each hand in the 

 barrel depression to determine the width of the loin. The 

 spring of rib should be determined by passing the hands along 

 the sides and on either side of the back-bone in such a way 

 that the true form will be revealed. The depth of the body 



FIG. 156. Determining the development through the hindquarters. 



in the region of the hindflank should be determined by placing 

 the right hand at the hook point and the left in the region 

 of the flank. 



Hindquarters. The fulness of the hindquarters should be 

 determined by passing the hands one on either side toward the 

 region of the tail-head. The left hand should then be placed 

 at the region of the hook point and the right at the point 

 of the buttock to determine the length of the hindquarters. 

 The size of the leg of mutton is determined by grasping the 

 leg with the left hand on a level with the flank and with the 



