WOOL TYPE 



417 



sarily important. In selecting sheep for breeding purposes 

 the age is important. Broken-mouthed ewes will neither 

 thrive themselves nor produce strong, vigorous lambs. Ewes 

 selected for this purpose should show indication of health, 

 proper weight for age, good constitution, and quality of both 

 wool and mutton attributes. Such ewes should be large 

 and roomy and uniformly covered with a fine, dense fleece. 

 In pure-bred classes breed type and sex characteristics are 



Fig. 177. — Grade-breeding ewe. (Photog»aph by author.) 



important. Rams and ewes should show masculinity and 

 femininity respectively. 



Fat Sheep and Lambs.^Fat sheep and lambs should be 

 judged according to the standard given formerly. Weight, 

 quality, and condition are important. The fat sheep or 

 Iamb should be square, low set, compact, and fine in flesh 

 texture. The back should be level, the loin wide, flrm, and 

 the quarters well developed. Fleece characteristics are not of 

 special importance except that a reasonably dense fleece 

 is usually associated with good mutton-producing qualities. 

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