140 MATING AND SELECTION. 



ease than a good point can be introduced. Should, however, 

 proper care be employed, and only those animals possessing good 

 forms and sound conditions be allowed to breed, then beyond 

 question the stock will be preserved pure, the proper form and 

 qualifications will be handed down to the offspring. 



Sckctton. 



This consists in the proper weeding out of the undesirable 

 ewes from the flock and the selection of rams specially fitted to 

 propagate the type of breed and form sought after by the breed- 

 er. The drafted ewes, consisting not only of those with broken 

 mouths, but such of the younger stock whose faulty conforma- 

 tion renders them unfit to perpetuate their kind. The breeder 

 selects every year one or more rams to place with the ewe flock, 

 and naturally selects those whose points and breeding are in line 

 with his desires. Should he be breeding for wool more 

 than mutton the selection will be of a ram of the Merino type, 

 taking care that in all respects it is a typical representative of the 

 breed. If breeding for mutton, or for both wool and mutton, 

 those selected will be from such breeds as are noted for these par- 

 ticular points and qualities, but in no case does the breeder 

 select a ram of faulty conformation, even though he be descended 

 from a long line of noted ancestors, the mere fact of his imper- 

 fections being evidence of a weakness in his chain of ancestry. 



The same applies to the selection of ewes. The breeder hav- 

 ing decided on the particular class which he desires, always bears 

 the same in mind when buying ewes to add to his flock. He will 

 also make annual drafts from the flock, all iindesirable animals 

 being sold as feeders, or if fat disposed of to the butcher. 

 Every draft made on a flock tends to strengthen the general 

 appearance and enhances the value of the remainder. Ewes 

 with weak necks, imperfect form or fleece, flat ribs or slanting 

 quarters, are undesirable, their progeny being certain to inherit 



