158 Sheep-Farming 



rather than otherwise, provided the animal whose 

 name appears in both pedigrees produced the right 

 kind of stock and that his weaknesses do not appear 

 in the descendants to be mated. 



There is one other point that can best be empha- 

 sized when mating of related stock is under considera- 

 tion. Breeders are prone to make their selections 

 upon a too narrow basis. Especially is this true 

 when some special excellence of fleece or form has 

 been secured, and it is desired to perpetuate it. 

 Interest is centered in the special features, and the 

 fundamental requirements of constitutional vigor 

 are ignored, with the result that they may become 

 so impaired as to nullify all the good that has been 

 secured. Constitutional vigor can be preserved 

 and improved just as can any other character if the 

 matings are directed toward that end. 



Culling the ewes. — The selection of breeding 

 ewes is of no less importance than the selection of 

 sires. While a single ewe has only a fraction of the 

 influence that the sire has upon the future of the 

 flock, yet the standard that is maintained in the ewe 

 flock has as much to do with progress as have con- 

 siderations that concern the rams. At the best, 

 only a part of the ewe lambs of any season can be 

 worthy of being allowed to contribute to the future 

 lamb crop. The culling of the ewe lambs must be 

 based first on their individual merits as shown by 

 type and points, then upon what may be known of 



