GROWING AND FITTING SHEEP FOR EXHIBITION 279 



cially at the flanks. Such a condition is present more fre- 

 quently in the show rams than in show wethers. (2) Labored 

 locomotion including a limping or "groggy" gait, which 

 points with no little certainty to imprudent or over- 

 feeding. (3) Wool that is losing its luster. When wool 

 covering sheep loaded with flesh has a dull appearance, 

 it indicates, with no little certainty, fading, that is, reced- 

 ing bloom. These evidences are more objectionable, rel- 

 atively, in breeding animals than in the fat classes, for 

 when present they indicate that the usefulness of the animals 

 for breeding is virtually gone. Excess in fitting sheep 

 is sooner reached with breeding stocks than with those in 

 the fat classes. 



The age to which sheep may be shown — They are sel- 

 dom found in the show ring beyond the age of three years, 

 for the reason that they seldom maintain form and bloom 

 beyond that age equal in degree with sheep that are 

 younger, nor is the fleece of a sheep beyond the age men- 

 tioned equal to that of the same sheep at a younger age. 

 The same sheep, therefore, seldom appears in the show 

 ring during more than three successive seasons, and in 

 many instances two seasons is the limit of the show yard 

 career. 



Sheep never appear in finer bloom than when they 

 are shown as lambs. At that age they carry wool longer 

 than that which they carry as shearlings. But shearlings 

 also may carry that finish which is very attractive to the 

 eye. They are also nearly matured ; hence when the con- 

 test for supremacy is between shearlings and those that 

 are older, the former usually bear away the honors. Sheep 

 seldom appear in the show ring the third season in as 

 perfect form as previously, although there are some ex- 

 ceptions. If exhibitors are to hold their place, therefore, 

 in the show rings, the necessity for superseding the older 

 show animals is continuous. 



That the high fitting called for to enable breeding 

 sheep to carry honors does militate against the most sue- 



