Judging Sheep. 



13 



A wide, thick dock indicates deep, strong muscling along the spine. 

 A good filling of fat on each side between the dock and rump indi- 

 cates high condition, more important in fat sheep than breeding 

 sheep. (Fig. 16.) 



Depth and fullness of twist : Determine the depth and firmness of 

 the twist by placing the left hand on the top of the rump, the right 

 hand under the twist and pressing up slightly. A full twist is 

 desirable as it helps make a plump leg of lamb or mutton. (Fig. 17.) 



Development of the leg: Determine the size of the leg of lamb or 

 mutton by placing the left hand in front of the leg, close to the 



Flo. 10.— Fullness required In neck vein. 



body and the right hand in the rear, as shown. The leg should be of 

 good size, full, and the fullness carried well down to the hock. 

 (Fig. 18.) 



The fleece and skin: After the conformation of the sheep has 

 been determined, the fleece and skin must be carefully examined. 

 The best wool grows on the shoulder or just back of it. Part the 

 fleece in this region by laying the hands flat on the surface and 

 gently forcing it to part, as shown in figure 19. When the wool is 



