250 LIVE-STOCK JUDGING 



much yolk in it, while any discoloration tends to darken it. 

 The brightest fleeces are taken from sheep that are kept 

 under the best systems of care and management, while 

 the sheep that are grown on the open range, for instance, 

 have their fleeces badly soiled. 



268. Method of inspection. — Sheep present difflculties, 

 on account of their fleeces, which require special means of 

 making accurate observations and determinations of their 

 conformation. Their form is so effectively obscured by the 

 fleece, which may be further complicated by the shepherd's 

 clever trimming, as to make most careful handling neces- 

 sary. The hands should not be depended upon alto- 

 gether, however. The lines, general contour, length 

 and strength of the legs, the width between them and the 

 style and carriage of the sheep can best be made out 

 by viewing them from a little distance. Then thorough 

 handling must be resorted to in order to verify conclusions 

 arrived at by looking the sheep over. It is especially 

 important that the handling should be systematically 

 done, in order that omissions and repetitions may be 

 avoided, and a definite and accurate idea of the sheep 

 formed. The usual system is to approach the held sheep 

 from the left side, and with the right hand over the back of 

 the head, part the lips with the first and second fingers 

 to determine the age ; then look it full in the face, noting 

 the proportions, dimensions and features of the head, 

 after which span the neck with the thumb and forefinger 

 of each hand to find out its fullness and from this its 

 length and the manner in which it blends into the shoulders. 

 The breadth and compactness of the shoulder is felt by 

 the right hand, crossways over the top of the shoulder, 

 when, without changing this position, the depth of both 

 chest and foreflank can be made out by the left hand. 



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