122 FINE WOOL SHEEP HUSBANDRY. 
the qualities of the fleece, &c., there is a difference 
of opinion. The Germans are disposed to avoid too 
great disparities in all particulars. 
Selection of Flocks. 
Carcass. In a climate like ours, and under a 
general system of sheep husbandry like ours, carcass 
is unquestionably the first point to be regarded even 
in the fine wooled sheep—because on the proper con- 
stitution, or the proper structure and connection of 
its parts, depends the health, vigor, and hardiness of 
the animal; and without these, all other qualities are 
houses built on sand. Plump medium size, for the 
breed or variety, is the most desirable one. The 
body should be round and deep, not over long, and 
both the head and neck short and thick. The back 
should be straight and broad; the bosom and buttock 
full; the legs decidedly short, well apart, straight 
and strong, with heavy forearm and fulness in the 
twist. This “pony-built” figure, as the farmers term 
it, indicates hardiness, easiness of keep, and a predis- 
position to take on flesh. 
Skin. The skin should be of a rich, deep, rosy 
color. The Spaniards ever justly regarded this a 
point of much importance, as indicative of the fatten- 
ing or easy-keeping properties of the animal, and of 
anormal and healthy condition of the system. The 
skin should be thinnish, mellow, elastic, and particu- 
larly loose on the carcass. A white skin, when the 
animal is in health, or a tawny one, is rarely found 
on a high bred Merino. A thick, stiff, inelastic skin, 
like that found on many badly bred French sheep, is 
highly objectionable. 
