Imperial Valley press., 1912-12-03

generally very easy keepers, and are
not hard to keep in thrifty condition.
The breed stands out preeminent as
economical producers Of mutton. Be-
| cause of their great constitution, they
possess the highest degree Of digestive
and assimilaiive powers, thus making
most thorough use of all their foods.
The superior feature Of the pure bred
Shropshire ram is that he transmits
these good qualities in a marked de-
gree to his offspring. These rams can
be depended on to get the most pro-
filabe class of lambs when used on
grades or ewes of other breeds. The
large size, strength Of constitution.
conformation, quality Of mutton, black
face, and attractive general character
being exclusive Shropshire character
istics, are always generally transmit
ted to the cross breeds. 1t might be
said that he is unequaled as. a general
purpose sheep for the farmer and
breeder
How to Start With Shropshires
When beginner starts out to found
Il Shropshire flock few of the things
which ought to be especially watched
in laying the foundation of such a
flock might be here helpful in the
work. Get thoroughly fixed in your
Snind The main characteristics of this
great mutton sheep and above all the
true Shropshire type; then you are
ready to select your eve flock. The
general makeup of the sheep cannot
be studied too closely, and it might
be we'll to have a system in your eX-
animation because when purchasing a
foundation flock you should carefully
examine each individual rather than
give a simple glance over the whole
bunch.
Body Points
Commence the examination at lhr
nostrls. which should be well extend
ed: nose, face. and whole head should
be short and broad: neck short thick
firm. and smoothly blended to the
shoulders. With your fingers close
together. the back can be examined
for both straightness and covering off
natural flesh: it should be straight from
the top of the shoulder to the lOin
and with as little droop as possible on
the tail head. BY natural flesh | mean
The covering of lean meat on the bones
a well covered back is firm and does
not feel bare to the touch. The l0in
should be wide and thick: the tail
head wide and well set up 1t is well
then to handle the back "A second time
because the sheep may be standing in
different position. Also notice the
spring of rib. because when the ribs
come Immediately and well Ont from
the backbone it increases the width of
the back ana gives more room for the
internal organs. Examine to find the
depth and width of chest, because a
wide deep chest strengthens the con-
stltntion by giving ample room for the
heart and digestive organs to properly
do the required work.
No good results will ever accrue
from the breeding pens or in the feed
lots where sheep have not good con-
Stltntlon and where they are narrow
c.hested and straight ribbed. Straight.
strong legs are necessity under breed
ing sheep, and pasterns must be strong.
and although this is more important
Win rams, it is also necessary with
the ewes.
The Wool
when the sheep has been examined
Tor mutton form, constitution. legs. etc.
the fleece should be carefully looked
through. 4 Shropshire fleece should
he fine in texture, dense. bright. of
good length, and with a uniform close
crIRsp: there should be a dense wool
covering on the under side of the body
ana inside the legs as well as on
the body, because this not only in