442 JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



proaching black. In size, the Shropshire is somewhat 

 larger than the Southdown, mature rams weighing 200 

 pounds and ewes 150 to 160 pounds. The better specimens 

 of the breed are characterized by certain distinctive features. 

 The head is covered with a heavy cap of wool, extending 

 near to the nostrils as with a Merino. This feature is more 

 pronounced than with other mutton breeds. The ears tend 

 to be short and broad, and covered with fine hair, or short, 

 curly wool. The legs should be wooled to the ankle joints, 

 and in case of lambs, the wooling should be very marked. 

 The form is distinctly mutton in type, though not so wide of 

 back and short of leg as the Southdown. The fleece com- 

 bines length', compactness, fineness of staple, and general 

 quality to a degree superior to that of any other mutton 

 breed. In good specimens the shoulder wool, at twelve 

 months is about three and one-half inches long, the fleece as 

 a whole weighing about eight pounds. The skin of the 

 Shropshire is not always uniformly pink in color, there 

 being a tendency to bluish spots on the natural pink. The 

 great popularity of the breed is due to its combining mut- 

 ton and wool qualities and unusual fecundity. It is the 

 most universally bred of any of the mutton breeds. 



SCALE OF POINTS FOR SHROPSHIBE SHEEP. 



(Adopted by the American Shropshire Sheep Breeders' Association.) 



Points 



General appearance — Attractive, indicating breeding and quality, with 

 stylish carriage, and a symmetrical form covered with a dense 

 fleece 25 



Constitution — Robust, as indicated by width and depth of chest, strength 



and formation of neck, and by bold, active movement 10 



Size — In breeding condition when fully matured, rams should weigh not 

 less than 180 to 225 pounds, and ewes not less than 125 to 170 

 pounds 10 



Fleece and skin — Fleece of good length, dense, elastic to touch, medium 

 fine, free from black fiber, slightly crimped, with evenness of texture 

 throughout; scrotum of rams well covered with wool. Skin light 

 cherry color, free from dark spots 15 



Body — Well proportioned, with shoulders well placed, fitting smoothly 

 upon the chest, which should be deep and wide, broad and straight 

 back; thick loins well covered with firm flesh; hindquarters well 

 finished; twist deep and full , 20 



