346 



THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



FIG. 68. Dorset-Horn ram. 



The Dorset was first recognized at the leading English 

 shows in 1862. It has been greatly improved since that 

 date; in fact, American breeders have greatly modified 



and unified the breed in the 

 past quarter century. 



412. In America. The 

 introduction of Dorsets to 

 America has been very recent. 

 The first specimens were 

 shown at the Chicago Fat 

 Stock Show, in 1885. That 

 same year an importation 

 was made into Canada. In 

 1887, A. Thayer, of Hoosic Falls, New York, and E. F. 

 Bowditch, of Framingham, Massachusetts, made importa- 

 tions. In 1889, T. S. Cooper, of Pennsylvania, imported 

 153 head. They have not as yet gained the popularity in 

 America that other English 

 breeds have, and have had 

 only a limited trial on the 

 ranges. 



413. Description. In 

 form and fleece the Dorset- 

 Horn closely resembles the 

 Down breeds, but in some ' 



features presents strong con- 

 trasts (Figs. 68, 69). Its face 

 and legs are pure white, and the modern American type 

 has a flesh-colored nose. Both sexes have horns, the rams 

 very heavy ones that have a forward spiral curve. In size 

 these sheep are between the Southdown and the Shrop- 

 shire, the standard weight for rams being about 200 pounds 

 and for ewes, 160 pounds. They generally are taller than 



FIG. 69. Dorset-Horn ewe. 



