416 



JUDGING SHEEP 



somewhat inferior. One of the principal objections to the 

 breed is the inclination to coarseness of bone. The fleece 

 averages about three inches in length and does not possess 

 an excess of yolk like the other fine-wool breeds. As a 

 combined wool and mutton producer the breed ranks well, 

 having an acceptable mutton form and reasonably early 

 maturing qualities. The breed is widely distributed. 



Fig. 176. — Lincoln ewe, illustrating femininity and breeding qualities. 



Breeding and Class Characteristics. — From the standpoint 

 of the stockman sheep may be divided into breeding, fat, 

 and feeder classes. The first includes pure breds of the 

 various breeds, their grades and crosses. The second class 

 includes fat sheep and lambs, and the third feeder sheep. 



Breeding Classes. — In selecting sheep for breeding purposes 

 whether pure bred or grade, special attention should be 

 given to age, weight, health, quality, constitution, and con- 

 dition. These subjects have been fully treated only from 

 the standpoint of the pure-bred and fat sheep, and the 

 application of the points mentioned here is therefore neces- 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



