590 
MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
well as from the hough downwards, without long or coarse 
hair ; the breast broad and well-formed, and his fore-legs 
placed at a proper distance from each other; his chest of 
considerable girth, full, and deep, free from any hollow 
between the shoulders, and the fore-flank quite full; the 
back and loins broad, flat, and straight, with the ribs finely 
arched; his belly straight, and the quarter long and full, 
furnished with ample muscle down to the hough, which 
should be nearly straight; the junction of his thighs deep, 
wide, and full; the entire body should be covered with a thin 
pelt, and thick, with fine, bright, soft wool. 
There can be little doubt but the above is an excellent 
and graphic description of a well-formed ram, although some 
individuals differ with respect to some of the points. But- 
it is hardly to be expected that all will agree on any given 
form, however symmetrical it may be, and at the same time 
well adapted for taking on flesh. 
Considerable differences of opinion exist among sheep- 
farmers, as to whether a large or small ram is the best. This, 
however, can only be determined by local circumstances, and 
other considerations, which may strike the fancy of the 
breeder. Much will also depend upon the nature of the pas¬ 
ture-ground, as there can be no doubt that large rams require 
more food than small ones. Therefore, on lighter pastures a 
middling size should be preferred, to those which require a 
greater proportion of food. 
The ram lives to the age of about fifteen years, and is fit 
for procreation at one year old. When castrated, they are 
termed wedders; and they soon fatten, and the flesh becomes 
better flavoured, and finer in the fibre. 
LEAPING. 
(n former times it was the practice to turn rams loose 
