Judging Sheep. 



7 



not try to describe each animal but tell wherein each is superior or 

 inferior to the others. For example, where there are three breeding 

 ewes in a ring, designated A, B, and C, and B is placed first, A second 

 and C third, the procedure would be as follows: 



B was placed first because she has a stronger back, deeper body, 

 larger leg of mutton, and a fleece that is of higher quality than A or C. 

 A was placed second because she has a stronger constitution, as shown 

 by her greater depth and width of chest, greater width of loin, and 

 brighter skin than C. C was deficient in having a weak back, light 

 hind quarters and a dull skin that shows she is out of condition. 



Fig. 3. — Front view of good mutton-type ewe. A ewe should show a 

 more refined head than a ram. In other points she should have 

 similar characteristics. 



The beginner in judging sheep is apt to rush in and begin the actual 

 handling too soon. It has been remarked that experienced judges at 

 fairs and large shows begin handling at once. This is true largely 

 because they have become able through practice to size up individuals 

 very quickly with the eye, and thus begin handling immediately to 

 verify their decisions. 



HOW TO HANDLE THE SHEEP. 



After the sheep has been carefully inspected from a distance and 

 the general make-up noted, verify your observations by going over 

 the sheep with the hand. In doing this keep the fingers close to- 

 gether so as not to leave depressions in the fleece, for when the in- 



