142 Sheep-Farming 



top of the shoulder, using one hand, follow the line 

 of the back to the end of the body. (See Fig. 32.) 

 By carefully handling these parts, the fleshiness of 

 the sheep or the way the ribs are covered and the 

 straightness of the back are determined, and at the 

 same time the spring of the ribs is made apparent. 

 The width of the loin should then be taken, and the 

 covering and the thickness of it should also be noticed. 

 (See Fig. 33.) The width at the hips should then be 

 observed, and turning to one side and using the two 

 hands, the length from the hip to the end of the hind 

 quarter should be made apparent between the two 

 hands. Then the way the hind quarter is carried 

 back and the fullness should also be examined. 

 (See Fig. 34.) Following down towards the leg, the 

 development of the thigh on the outside requires 

 examination. And then with the hand the quarters 

 or the twist between the legs should be firmly felt. 

 (See Fig. 35.) In Figure 36, the proper method of 

 opening the fleece is shown. 



Deception in form due to trimming. — In this way, 

 the sheep has been thoroughly examined as to form, 

 but it is to be remembered that the hand should be 

 thoroughly relied on to detect all discrepancies in 

 form, and unless the sheep is carefully handled the 

 examiner is very likely to be deceived. The wool 

 of all show sheep and fat stock is always trimmed, 

 and the trimmer possessing skill can make a sheep 

 of any desired form, providing the wool is long enough 



