JUDGING THE MUTTON TYPE OF SHEEP 403 



its locks, opening gaps toward the skin in which chaff and 

 dirt readily catch, gives evidence of lack of density and 

 weighing lighter than would be the case otherwise. A dense 

 fleece is more easily kept clean than one that is open, a 

 matter of importance. 



The condition of the wool of the mutton sheep relates 

 to its color, lustre, freedom from foreign matter, and amount 

 and character of oil, or what the shepherd terms grease or 

 yolk. When the wool is parted, and is examined from the ex- 

 terior of the fleece, down to the skin, it should show a bright, 

 clean, soft appearance. Some fleeces, especially the long 

 wools, show a glisten or lustre, that adds to its value in cer- 

 tain markets. In a good quality of fleece we also find more or 

 less oil, which gives brightness and life to the fiber, making 

 it stronger and more elastic than it would be if harsh and 

 dry. A heavy secretion of oil, however, is objectionable, 

 owing to the resulting shrinkage in scouring. Usually ex- 

 cessive oil is indicated by the presence of greasy dirt on the 

 exterior of the fleece, manifest to the eye in color, or by the 

 extent the hands become oily. A dirty fleece, with more or 

 less chaff and foreign matter, is undesirable. In scoring the 

 fleece of the mutton sheep, it is not necessary to cut down 

 the points severely. A 20 to 30 per ,cent pruning 

 from the standard, is a fair amount, though the lack of 

 weight or presence of dirt might justify even more severity. 



