12 BULLETIN 593, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
Ribs.—Well-sprung ribs not only make room for the vital organs 
but also give ample space for the laying on of flesh. 
Back.—The spinal column should be well hidden with a thick 
covering of firm, smooth flesh. The back should be moderately short 
and straight, showing strength. 
Loin.—In keeping with a strong back and well-sprung ribs, the 
lion should be short, broad, and thick to give a good connection be- 
tween the thigh, or leg of mutton, and the back, and at the same time 
furnish a large amount of relatively high-priced meat. 
HIND QUARTERS. 
[Hips.—The hips should not stand out prominently. They should 
stand far apart and both should be on the same level. 
Rump.—The rump should show a good length and a good width 
‘carried out well to the tail head. The rump should not droop toward 
either the tail or the thighs. 
Thighs.—As the leg of mutton is the most valuable cut of meat, it 
is very important that the thighs should be deep and wide and full 
to the point of being plump. 
Twist.—The leg of mutton should be not only plump and full on 
the outside but also in between the legs the twist should be filled well 
with flesh down to the hock, causing the legs to stand well apart. - 
Legs—Mautton sheep should not have a leggy appearance, as long 
legs, with a lack of development in muscle, indicate a lack of constitu- 
tion as well as a large proportion of waste in the carcass. Shortness 
of leg is associated with strength and smoothness, and fineness of 
shank is associated with quality. 
WOOL. 
Quantity —The factors which determine the amount of wool on 
sheep are its length and density and the uniformity in both over all 
parts of the body. 
From a commercial point of view wools may be classified as short- 
stapled, or clothing wools, which are used in the manufacture of 
woolen goods; and long-stapled, or combing wools, which are used 
in the making of worsted goods. A fleece of long wool will give: 
greater protection to a sheep in a cold country. 
Density of the fleece refers to the closeness of fibers; it is deter- 
mined with exactness by counting the number of fibers to a square 
inch. A dense fleece means not only more weight but it means also 
more protection for the sheep. To insure a heavy fleece the wool must 
be of fairly uniform length and density throughout the body. 
Quality.—Although the highest quality and the greatest quantity — 
can not be expected to go together both should be considered. For 
