Preparation of Sheep for Show 271 



head. To keep the jacket from sliding forward, a 

 loop should be made to pass under the tail and the 

 hind flanks. 



Washing before trimming. — With the exception 

 of Southdowns, all sheep should be washed before 

 they are trimmed. It is not advisable to wash sheep 

 of any breed more than twice. Always choose 

 a bright forenoon for washing, so as to lessen the 

 possibility of a chill. Soft soap and water rather 

 slightly tepid may be used freely, and the rinsing 

 done afterwards with clean water. A week should 

 elapse between the washing and trimming of ewes 

 to give the wool time to set. If trimmed before 

 this, it is likely that holes will be left in the fleece, 

 and these will be diflficult to remove. 



Stubble shearing. — Blocking the sheep out of the 

 old wool is often done, but it is usually unsatisfactory 

 in results. A discriminating judge detects it readily 

 and generally renders judgment, discouraging the 

 practice ia the show ring. This deception may be 

 easily discovered and should at once be condemned 

 by the judge. The old wool that has been left on 

 the sheep is clearly shown by its dark gray color. 



Trimming. — This preparation has for its aim the 

 smoothening of the sheep's fleece and the hiding of 

 any defects in its form. The fleece of the Down 

 breeds supplies the best material for the trimmer's 

 art ; hence it reaches the greatest perfection amongst 

 breeders of such sheep. It is very necessary that 



