416 



JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



standard is desirable. The larger type of rams, with qual- 

 ity and constitution meet with most favor. The form should 

 be low set, with a depth of body indicating ample feeding 

 capacity, and symmetrical in proportions. The head should 



be quite covered 



Fig. 227. — "The head should be quite covered 

 with a heavy cap of wool." 



with a heavy cap 

 of wool, excepting 

 for a space half- 

 way up from nos- 

 trils to eye, which 

 is covered with 

 fine, silky hair. The 

 head covering 

 should be compact 

 and uniform in 

 character of wool. 

 Most Merino rams 

 have heavy horns, 

 which twist around 

 about one and one- 

 half times in cork- 

 screw form, with the tips pointing forward. The 

 ewes are free of horns, while polled rams are not rare. 

 The Merino head crowned with a fine pair of well-set, widely 

 turned horns, rooted in a heavy cap of wool, the muzzle 

 broad and slightly arched, and covered with silky hair 

 raised in slight wrinkles, presents a strong and dignified 

 appearance. The eyes are often quite hidden by the fleece, 

 and frequently small folds of skin so encroach on the eyes 

 that it is necessary to cut them away that the sight be not 

 obstructed. The ears should be small and covered with 

 ' ' furry hair, ' ' and should be rather widely separated. The 

 back of the American Merino often appears narrow and 

 lacking in level carriage. Narrow, peaked rumps are also 

 very common with this type, these seeming to be associated 

 with crooked hind legs that touch at the hocks and turn out 

 widely at the toes. 



