140 Sheep-Farming 



the attention of the breeders along with form, fleece, 

 and feeding capacity. They serve to give uniformity 

 in the appearance of the flock and to set it apart 

 from other breeds. The latter purpose is analogous 

 to a "trade-mark." The possession of the special 

 breed points is a guarantee that the animal comes 

 from stock the breeding of which has been directed 

 by the leading men connected with the breed. 

 Breed type, therefore, aside from its own secondary 

 value, argues for the animal exhibiting it, the pos- 

 session of those inherent habits and special qualities 

 that give the breed its special field of usefulness. 

 The foregoing explains the breeder's great apprecia- 

 tion of type, an attitude which the novice is sometimes 

 inclined to consider as a matter more of fancy than 

 of utility. Type cannot be lost sight of by the sheep- 

 raiser who would maintain a flock with uniformity 

 in character, manner of development and adaptability, 

 whether it is the purpose to dispose of the surplus 

 as breeders or to finish them for market. 



The presence of breed type does not remove the 

 necessity of making sure that the animals selected 

 have also the individual points of build that give 

 them the greatest commercial value and that indicate 

 the greatest vigor and thrift. In fine-wool sheep, 

 the fleece is the main point to be studied. After 

 studying the fleece, the vjgor and stamina may be 

 judged by the chest capacity and the expression of 

 the face and the carriage and boldness of movement. 



