THE MUTTON TYPE OF SHEEP 535 



with the best type. A short body — at least, with the male or 

 feeder — is much preferred to a long one. 



The hips should be inconspicuous, not too close together, and 

 smoothly covered. 



The nmip requires length, breadth, and levelness, with a full 

 covering of flesh. Instead of this we too frequently find the 

 peaked, narrow, droopy rump with low-set tail, an ill form either 

 for meat production or in relation to the proper conformation in 

 connection with the reproductive function. 



The thighs should be thick from behind, very full and low in 

 between at the twist, and, as viewed from one side, very wide and 

 carried strongly back. The entire upper thigh should be heavily 

 covered with flesh. The lower thigh, above the hock, must show 

 strength and neatness. 



The hocks should be straight and strong with ample space 

 between. If the hocks take a correct position, then the legs will 

 probably do likewise. Crooked hocks, however, are a common and 

 weak formation and are to be guarded against in breeding stock. 

 The legs below the hocks should be straight, short, and strong. 



The skin is a quite variable feature on mutton sheep. A 

 bright pink is the ideal color, with the skin mellow and yet firm, 

 indicating a healthy condition. Instead of this the skin is fre- 

 quently of a bluish-white cast or appears too white. A somewhat 

 mottled or bluish-white color also occurs with some individuals or 

 breeds. There are differences of views as to the significance of 

 skin color. No doubt the bluish tint of the Shropshire or Oxford 

 skin is one of inheritance and does not necessarily signify poor 

 condition. The clear pink skin, however, is preferable and meets 

 with most favor among critics. 



The fleshing of the mutton type calls for a smooth, uniformly 

 covered, deep layer of high-class mutton without wads of fat 

 or patchiness on sides or rump. Such a sheep with the fleece 

 removed would be beautiful in the general symmetry of outline, 

 whether in moderate flesh or fed for slaughter. 



The wool of the mutton type ranges in length from about two 



inches, as is frequently the case with the Southdown, to some ten 



inches or possibly more for a year's growth, as with the Lincoln. 



The fleece does not cover the body so compactly as with the fine 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



