414 JUDGING SHEEP 



small and covered with a fine quality of soft hair. The 

 quality of the fleece in the Delaine is inferior to that of the 

 American Merino, in not having the same degree of crimp 

 or density. The fleece is also more open than in the Ameri- 

 can type. The breed is either horned or polled, depending 

 on the line of breeding which has been followed. The 

 introduction of crosses has caused considerable variation, 

 not only in the development of horns, but also in the size, 

 smoothness, and compactness. The fleece characteristics 

 have likewise varied with the breeding. The Delaine Merino 

 does not have as much yolk in the wool as the American, 

 however, the fleece is somewhat stronger and longer. Shear- 

 ings of 15 to 20 pounds are not uncommon. 



Standard op Excellence and Scale of Points for Delaine 

 OE Class C Merino Sheep. 



Points. 



General Appearance — 23 Points. 



Weight: according to age: 30 pounds, six months; 60 pounds, 



twelve months . 4 



Form: low, compact, symmetrical . 9 



Quality: bone and wool fine, hair silky 10 



Head and Neck — 9 Points. 



Muzzle: fine of good size, face medium length 2 



Eyes: bright, easily seen; forehead broad ... 2 



Ears: medium size, set well apart, coated with fine hair . 2 



Neck: short on top, deep, neatly blending head and shoulders 3 



Fobequarters — 14 Points. 



Shoulders: well placed; chest deep, medium thick . . 8 

 Brisket: carried well forward, with some breadth and fold or 



apron ... 2 



Legs: straight, short, strong; feet good 4 



Body — 10 Points. 



Back: straight, medium wide; loin wide 6 



Bibs: well sprung, long; flanks low 4 



Hindquarters — 12 Points. 



Hips: smooth; rump, long, level, wide 5 



Thighs: ranging from muscular to plump . 3 



Legs: straight, short; stifle full; feet good 4 



Wool— 32 Points. 



Quality: fine, soft, clean, even 10 



Density: compact all over body 9 



Length: uniform, at least 2\ inches for twelve months 9 



Oil: light colored, evenly distributed . 4 



Total , 100 



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