Judging Sheep 229 
367. Legs. — These should be carefully observed. Sheep’s 
legs are at best far from straight. As a rule, the fore legs of fine- 
wool sheep are too close together, the knees almost touching. 
This is objectionable, for, as we have already observed, fore legs 
placed close together indicate a narrow chest, which in turn sig- 
nifies lack of constitutional vigor. Fine-wool sheep also have very 
crooked hocks, which is equally as objectionable. Often the legs 
below the hocks are carried too much under the body, the shanks 
being too slanting. The toes are 
often neglected and let grow out 
too long, which throws the legs 
still farther out of their proper 
position. 
368. Examining the fleece. — 
In the examination of the wool 
the chief factors to consider are 
‘the quantity, the quality, and 
the condition. In considering the 
quantity the entire body must be 
examined. To note the quantity 
along the abdomen and arm pits, the sheep should be turned up 
and placed on its rump. With the sheep in this position, the wool 
along the abdomen and arm pits can be carefully noted. These 
places should be densely covered, 
though such is seldom the case 
among many of the mutton breeds. 
In considering the quality, the best 
method is to open the fleece along 
the side just back of the shoulder 
and in the region of the thigh. 
With the hands placed in a flat 
position, open the wool just back 
of the shoulder (Fig. 96). It is 
Fic. 97. —The coarsest of the fleece. in this region that the finest and 
Fic. 96.— The finest of the fleece. 
