JUDGING SHEEP IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS. 11 
Condition. — The term " condition " or " finish " when used in con- 
nection with mutton sheep refers to the degree of fatness. Fat ani- 
mals are preferred by the butcher because they dress a higher per- 
centage of edible meat than do thin animals ; their carcasses present 
a better appearance; they lose less weight in refrigeration and cook- 
ing: they possess better curing and keeping qualities; and the edible 
quality of the meat is improved when a considerable amount of fat 
is distributed throughout the lean. A good mutton sheep will have 
a snooth finish; that is, the fat will not be in bunches, but have an 
evr n dif "-Jbution over the body. 
HEAD AND NECK. 
Muzzle. — A large muzzle, with open nostrils, and lips strong, 
thourli thin, indicates thrift and a good capacity for food. 
uyes. — Eyes which are bright, full, and placid indicate health and 
a quiet disposition. 
Face. — A broad head and a short face with clean-cut features de- 
note quality and breeding character. 
Forehead. — A forehead broad and full is an indication of intelli- 
gence. Width of forehead is also correlated with width of muzzle, 
indicating a good feeder, which may mean much in handling the 
sheep on farm or range. 
Ears. — Alert ears are an indication of an active disposition. To 
indicate quality they should be of fine texture, of medium size, and 
covered with fine, soft hair where not covered by wool. 
Neck. — Although the neck is not worth much as meat, it should be 
short and thick to correlate with other parts of the body. 
FORE QUARTERS. 
Shoulders. — The shoulders should have an even covering of flesh 
and should be compact on top and filled out well in the crops and 
shoulder vein to give a smooth finish. 
Brisket. — A wide, full breast is an indication of health and vigor. 
The brisket should project forward, but it should be neat and in pro- 
portion to the chest. 
Legs. — They should be short and straight and set wide apart, hav- 
ing a broad arm, well fleshed, and showing as little waste as possible. 
BODY. 
Chest. — A deep, full chest with a large heart girth is an indication 
of a strong constitution, as it means plenty of room for heart and 
lungs. Narrow-chested sheep are likely to lack thickness of flesh and 
to be in poor condition generally. 
