418 JUDGING SHEEP 



the fleece on the fine-wool breeds is comparatively short. 

 The staple usually ranges from two to three inches in length 

 having a close crimp and being very dense, meaning tech- 

 nically a large number of fibers per square inch. It contains 

 an excessive amount of yolk, scoured wool often shrinking 

 as much as 60 per cent, or more of its original weight. 



The fleece of the fine-wool breeds completely covers the 

 body from the muzzle extremity to the pasterns. Absence 

 of wool over any part is seriously objectionable. The area 

 or surface for producing wool has been materially increased 

 by the development of the folds or wrinkles over the body. 

 These folds are excessively developed in the American 

 Merino, less so in the Delaine, with the fewest number 

 appearing in the Rambouillet. The fineness and density 

 of the fleece ranks in the same order, the American Merino 

 producing the finest and the Rambouillet the coarsest wool 

 of the three breeds. 



In judging fine wools, the length, crimp, density, distribu- 

 tion, lustre, soundness and condition should all be carefully 

 considered. The amount of yolk is also important, as an 

 even distribution through the fleece indicates that the animal 

 is in a healthy condition and therefore the wool is likely 

 sound. The fleece should be thoroughly examined over 

 all parts including the head, shoulders, back, sides, thighs, 

 belly, and armpits. An evenly distributed, dense fleece with 

 a close crimp and in a bright, lustrous, healthy condition is 

 indicative of value, as measured by the demands of the 

 manufacturer. This should be the guide in judging a fine- 

 wool sheep the same as mutton form is judged according to 

 the demands of the butcher and mutton consumer. 



SCORE CARD FOR FINE-WOOL SHEEP. 



Perfect score. 



GENERAL APPEARANCE 26 Points. 



Weight 4 



Form: level, deep, stylish, round rather than square ... 6 



Quality: clean, fine bone; silky hair; fine skin 6 



Temperament : active 4 



Condition : thick, even covering of firm flesh; full purse and 



flank, showing ripeness 6 



Carried forward . . 26 



