368 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



denotes a narrow chest. A narrow chest is always objection- 

 able, as it may indicate lack of constitutional vigor. 



Uniformity. — The importance of uniformity in a flock of 

 sheep chosen either for wool or mutton cannot be overestimated. 

 They should be uniform in type, size, and breeding. While 

 such uniformity may not add to the production of wool or to the 

 ability to take on flesh, it materially improves their general 

 appearance and increases their market value. Either the 

 butcher or the sheep breeder will pay more for a uniform flock 

 than for one in which such regularity is wanting. 



Detail characters of sheep 



A detailed examination of the characters of sheep is of 

 greater importance than that of any other class of farm ani- 

 mals. This is due to the wool covering many defects. In 

 order that none of the characters be overlooked, they should 

 be considered in order. 



The head should be short, with strong jaws and large nostrils. 

 The mouth should be examined to note the age and whether any 

 teeth are missing. Sheep with missing teeth are undesirable at 

 any price, either for mutton or wool. The eyes should be mild, 

 bright, and prominent ; the forehead broad and full. The ears 

 should be refined, short, and active. Coarse, leathery ears are 

 objectionable, as they indicate poor quality. The horns, if pres- 

 ent, should be strong, rather angular at the base, and have a 

 spiral shape turning backward and around, sometimes making 

 two complete turns (Fig. 110). 



Neck. — With the flat hand note the length and fullness of 

 the neck. Among mutton sheep the neck should be full, short, 

 and neatly attached to the head and shoulders. In fine-wool 

 sheep it may possess some length, deep folds, and lack the full- 

 ness, though it should be neatly attached at both head and 

 shoulders (Fig. 111). 



Shoulders. — Among mutton sheep the shoulder should be 



