68 Dorset Horn Sheep. 



exported to New Zealand in 1906 produced 200 per cent, of 

 lambs. 



It is not too much to say that the Dorset Horn Sheep excels 

 all other breeds in fecundity and early maturity, as well as in 

 its capacity for adapting itself to all localities and varieties of 

 climate, from the chalk and limestone hill farms of the Isle of 

 Wight and Dorset, to the vales of Somerset and Devon. 



The breed was first accorded a place in the prize lists of 

 leading British shows in 1862, and has since been very much 

 improved. It is a pure blooded breed in the strictest sense 

 of the word. 



Description of the Breed at the Present Day. 



During the last fifty years owing to the enterprise of many 

 eminent breeders, amongst whom we may mention the names 

 of Messrs. Henry Mayo, Cokers Frome ; W. Hull, of Druce ; 

 G. Pitfield, of Eype ; W. R. Flower, of West Stafford : W. A. 

 Johnson, of Piddletown ; Sir Everard Hambro, K.C V.O., of 

 Milton Abbey, W. J. Chick, of Stratton, A. Johnson, of 

 Symondsbury, W, Elworthy, of Monkton, C. Hawkins, of 

 Waddon, C. B. Stiby, of Bradford Peverell, C. Scott, of Preston, 

 Dorset ; John Kidner, of Dodhill ; S. Kidner, of Milverton ; F. J. 

 Merson, of Bridgwater, W. England, of Taverstock, Somerset ; 

 L. C. Attrill. James Attrill, and H. Cawley Way, of the Isle of 

 Wight, the breed has been much improved. Success has 

 attended their efforts to such an extent that the best Dorset 

 Horn lambs arrive at maturity quite as early as the Down 

 breeds. The improved breed may now be described as straight 

 and deep in the body, ribs well arched, loins broad, and the 

 neck well set on. They are full in the shoulder without 

 coarseness, and the hind limb well let down towards the 

 shank, forming a good leg of mutton with small bone. The 

 general features are pleasing, the head standing well up, the 

 horns thin, with a symmetrical curl, the eye quick and lively, 

 the face rather long and thin, the lips and nose pink, or flesh 

 coloured. They still deserve their reputation as excellent 

 mothers and good folding sheep, and the mutton is well 

 flavoured. Although thej' have lieen so much improved, they 

 have nevertheless retained their hardiness and fecundity. 



In the year 1891 the Dorset Horn Sheep Breeders' Asso- 

 ciation was incorporated with the object of encouraging the 

 breeding of Dorset Horn Sheep at home and abroad, and the 

 maintenance of the purity of the breed. The Association is 

 managed by a Council of twenty-four members, with a 

 President and Vice-Presidents who are ex-officio members 

 of the Council, the headquarters of the Association being at 

 Dorchester. 



