JUDGING SHEEP IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS. 21 
detailed examination. The importance of first impressions should 
be emphasized. To note the general appearance of a sheep the 
students should not get too close. They will get a better impression 
of the animal as a whole from a distance of at least 10 feet (fig. 12). 
From this distance the general form of the animal may be noted. 
After the general form has been noted the legs and face may be 
examined as to cleanness of bone and the nature of the hair as 
an indication of quality. Scoring as to condition well may be left 
until the parts involved have been examined more in detail. The 
Fig. 14.—Noting the depth of chest. 
more detailed examination then may proceed, beginning with the 
head and continuing over the whole body. After the age has been 
estimated as directed below, while holding the sheep by the throat 
with one hand, the other hand may aid the eye in determining if the 
head is of the proper shape with good width of forehead, sound eyes, 
and no appearance of horns in breeds supposed to be hornless. If the 
sheep has horns they should spring clear from the head. The student 
should next feel the fullness of the neck, noting its length and the 
manner in which it meets the shoulder at the shoulder vein and note 
