JUDGING THE MUTTON TYPE OF SHEEP 



393 



Fig. 218. — "The ears of sheep vary considerably in size and shape." 



thin and with no evidence of coarseness. Further, the ear 

 should be an index of disposition and interest in things, and 

 where not interfered with by wool or horn, should be car- 

 ried rather erect most of the time. A droopy, heavy ear 

 indicates something of a dull temperament, and perhaps 

 a poor feeder. One likes to see an animated carriage of the 

 ear on the sheep, just as much as on the horse, and for the 

 same reason. 



The neck of the mutton sheep, as has been said, should 

 be short and thick, this conformation combining meat pro- 

 duction and strength. To examine the neck, grasp it with 

 one hand where it joins the head, and feel for thickness at 

 this point. Then standing against the side of the sheep, 

 facing the front, press with each hand against the neck in 

 its lower part, and note its character and the way it joins the 

 body at the shoulders. The neck should be full here, and 

 neatly blend into the shoulders at the point just in front, 

 which is called the shoulder vein or neck vein. Depression 



