THE STUDY OP FORM AND FUNCTION 9 



action of the Hackney, and for the preponderance of 

 large white markings in the coat of hair of tlie Ayrshire. 

 Referring to tliis matter of style, Mr. W. J. Clarke, a 

 prominent sheep authority, well says : '^ "In these days 

 of rapid progress, fashion asserts her sway, even on 

 subjects pertaining to shepherding. The type of some 

 of our leading mutton breeds of sheep has undergone 



Fig. 5. — Holehouse White Bess, the Ayrshire. "The preponderance of large, 

 white markings in the coat of hair." (Courtesy Branford Farms.) 



a decidedly marked change and great improvement 

 during the past ten years; therefore, it can easily be 

 understood why, to become a really expert judge of a 

 breed, it requires thought, observation, and the con- 

 stant handling and studying of a breed to thoroughly 

 understand the true type that fashion dictates as being the 

 correct one of to-day. Whilst in fat stock contests the mut- 



^ Pitting Sheep for Show Ring and Marlset, 1900, p. 9. 



