GROWING AND FITTING SHEEP FOR EXHIBITION 28l 



champion prize is a prize offered the best animal, male 

 or female, of the breed, but the term champion also ap- 

 plies to a pen or flock. A sweepstake prize is a prize 

 offered for the best individual, male or female, the best 

 pen or the best flock, all breeds competing. 



2. The prize lists issued by the various fair associa- 

 tions usually determine the date beyond which breeding 

 sheep are not to be shorn. Usually this date does not go 

 back further than April 1st. When the date is not thus 

 fixed, there is no dishonesty in shearing earlier, providing 

 there is no misrepresentation as to the date of shearing 

 in response to a question from the judge while engaged 

 in making the awards. In order to add to the length of 

 the wool, what is termed "stubble shearing" is sometimes 

 practiced. This means shearing which leaves on part of 

 the growth of the wool. When dexterously done it may 

 also be made to aid in giving the sheep that appearance 

 in form which is admired in the show ring. The opera- 

 tion is performed by leveling the wool on the top and 

 bottom lines with the shears. The sides should then be 

 trimmed off sufficiently. The wool on the breast and 

 hindquarters are left overfull at the first, and are grad- 

 ually molded to the required shapes by subsequent trim- 

 ming. Usually about half the length of the fleece is taken 

 off. Stubble shearing is not dishonest when it violates 

 no rule of the fair association, but the benefit from the 

 practice to the breeders of sheep or to the sheep industry 

 is not apparent. Why, then, should it be given any coun- 

 tenance? In the fat classes length of wool does not carry 

 with it the same value as in the breeding classes. Very 

 long wool is not really desirable, as when present that 

 plumpness in the appearance so essential in fat sheep in 

 the show ring is not so easily maintained. Because of this 

 very early shearing brings with it no real benefit to such 

 sheep. Of course, they should be shorn before the weight 

 of the fleece becomes oppressively warm. 



