Judging Sheep 223 
wool and carcass. Gently place the right arm around back of 
the thighs, and the sheep will stop the backward movement at 
once. Likewise do not attempt 
to keep the animal from going 
forward by pulling on the wool, 
but place the left hand gently 
under the jaw. 
353. How to estimate the age 
of sheep. — The order of the ap- 
pearance of the permanent teeth 
furnishes the best index to the 
age, especially from one to four 
years of age (Fig. 88). The age 
Fic. $8.—Sheep’s teeth arranged ac- 
at which the permanent teeth make eOrding tOrane: 
iris nape iq cimat 12 months. 15 months. 
their appearance is approximately pone east nh 
as follows — 48 months. 8 years. 
First or middle pair of permanent teeth . . . . . . 15 months 
Second or first intermediate pair of permanent teeth . . . 26 months 
Third or second intermediate pair of permanent teeth . . . 37 months 
Fourth or lateral pair of permanent teeth . . . . . . . 48 months 
354. Score-card for sheep. — Each breed of sheep has its own 
scale of points, varying in detail, but similar to the following in 
general characteristics. (See p. 224.) 
GENERAL APPEARANCE OF SHEEP 
355. Form. — This will vary according to the object sought. 
In the fine-wool sheep, the form may differ materially from that 
desired for mutton. Class A, fine-wool, should have very heavy 
folds over the entire body. Great depth of body is often more 
sought than width, and the animals are often quite angular in 
appearance. The form sought is that which indicates great 
vitality, and gives much surface for the production of wool. Fine- 
wool sheep are therefore often high-standing; deep of chest, 
