DOMESTIC SHEEP 



819 



Irish Breeds 



the excellence of their flesh; when removed from their native pastures they are im- 

 patient of restraint. 



The Irish Wicklow sheep were almost identical with the Welsh 

 mountain sheep, but have been much altered by crossing. There are, 

 however, several other Irish breeds, among which the Kerry is the best known. 

 These are larger than the Welsh sheep, with the horns frequently absent in the ewes, 

 and the fleece moderately soft, but irregular, and mixed with hair. They are late 

 in reaching maturity, and wild in disposition. 



HEAD OF MERINO RAM. 



Heath Breed 



The black-faced Heath breed, which are natives of the chain of 

 mountains and moors extending northward from Derbyshire, are the 

 hardiest and boldest of all the British races. Both sexes are horned, and their faces 

 and limbs are dark-colored, and their fleeces coarse and shaggy. When taken to 

 lower grounds, their wool becomes finer. 



The Cheviot breed, originally confined to a small tract of grassy 

 hills in the North of England, are rather heavier, although less robust 

 than the last. Both sexes are hornless, their faces and limbs are white, and they 

 produce wool of moderate fineness. 



The old Norfolk breed, of the eastern counties of England, are 

 strong and active sheep, with horns in both sexes, which are thick and 

 spiral in the rams. The body and limbs are long, the head is carried high, and the 

 face and legs are black; while the wool is silky and of medium length. 



Cheviots 



Norfolk Breed 



