6 BULLETIN 20, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
IMPORTANCE OF PROPER SELECTION. 
Selecting the breeding stock is the most important operation in 
establishing the flock. It would be a much simpler prpblem if the 
visible qualities, such as form, were the only ones concerned, but 
such is not the case. Funetional characteristics, such as fecundity 
and good milking qualities, are equally important. Too much atten- 
tion can not be given to this phase of selection. . Upon success or 
failure of proper selection depends the advance or retardation of the 
flock. The old adage, ‘‘Well begun is half done,’ was never more 
appropriate than here. 
IMPORTANCE OF SELECTING HEALTHY BREEDING STOCK. 
It is necessary to pay special attention to the health of the breeding 
animals. Sheep are affected with so many diseases and parasites that 
extreme care must be exercised to select individuals free from these 
troubles. The sheep of the corn belt have been especially troubled 
with parasites. It is because of the comparative freedom of the range 
from these pests, and the consequent vigor and robustness of western 
sheep, that this class of sheep are particularly desirable for breeding 
purposes. 
SELECTING PUREBRED STOCK. 
With purebreds there are certain breed characteristics that must 
be given their due consideration. ‘These may or may not be of value 
in themselves, but at any rate they are important in that they indi- 
eate purity of blood, which blood contains unquestionably superior 
qualities. 
The different breeds are all undergoing more or less of a change. 
Part of this is actual improvement and part of it is fashion. It is 
desirable that the breeder of purebred sheep keep up to date in his — 
selection, avoiding “‘off-type” sheep. He should do this whenever 
the newly desired qualities do not interfére with the usefulness or 
value of the sheep; but where constitution, utility, or some other 
such quality must be sacrificed to fashion, it should be avoided, and 
more progress will be made in the end. The most improved and at 
the same time the most up-to-date type should be selected. 
With purebred stock it is desirable, if possible, to select all the ewes 
from the flock of one reliable breeder. More uniformity, both in 
the ewes themselves and in the lambs, can thus be secured. The pur- 
chaser should make it a point to see the stock before buying. [If this 
is impossible, the stock should be shipped subject to approval. Many 
breeders’ show flocks are comprised of purchased or imported sheep 
of high quality, while their breeding flocks are of a very mediocre 
character. 
