LECTURE LII. 



OXFORDS. 



Points to Be Observed in the Judging and Selection 

 of the Same. 



The Ram. He must have the true mutton form, and in 

 addition to this he must possess the characteristic markings 

 of the breed. The Oxford is larger than the Shropshire a 

 sheep which it resembles somewhat. The Oxford has a little 

 more stylish appearance, carrying its head a little more proud- 

 ly. Its head is a trifle longer with a slightly Roman nose. 

 The ears are longer, thinner and more pointed than those of 

 the Shropshire. The head should be wooled heavily down 

 to the eyes and there should be no black hairs in evidence 

 back of a line drawn from ear to ear. The freer the head 

 covering is from black hairs the better. On his forehead 

 there should be a tuft of wool, while on the Shropshire it 

 appears as a hood. There should be a good width between 

 the ears and he should have a strong nape and scrag. The 

 face should not be black, but should be brown or gray, and 

 the legs must possess the same color. Constitution, vigor, 

 condition, and quality, as well as strong bone and straight 

 legs and pasterns must be sought for. 



He should be well covered with wool all over the body. 

 Look for belly and leg covering well down to knees and 

 hocks and even to fetlocks. His fleece, it will be noticed, is 

 a little longer, coarser and more open than that of the Shrop- 

 shire. Improvement can still be made in the Oxford, as is 

 the case with all other breeds. 



The Ewe. The ewe possesses the characteristic markings 

 of the breed, but must show femininity as in other breeds. 

 Both male and female are hornless. 



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