THE MUTTON BREEDS OF SHEEP 347 



either of the above, but are not so uniform. In length, 

 quality and quantity of fleece they are also between the 

 above two breeds. Some of the breed early brought to 

 America were excessively tall and inclined to be coarse. 

 They were also quite bare of wool on legs and belly. The 

 prevailing type at present approaches the Shropshire in 

 form, although it is not so heavy in the breast and chest. 

 It is now well covered over the body and legs to knees 

 and hocks, and has a good f oretop. There is still 'lack of 

 uniformity, style and quantity of fleece. A somewhat 

 common defect is a constricted heart-girth. The breed 

 stands confinement well and is a good feeder. It is also 

 prolific. 



414. Uses of Dorset-Horn sheep. The strong recom- 

 mendation of the breed in America, as in England, is for 

 the production of hot-house or winter lambs. It will breed 

 earlier than any other of the English breeds, and the ewes, 

 being heavy milkers, prepare their lambs for market in 

 about ten weeks, so that they command a good price for 

 mutton. Under high feeding they will produce lambs 

 twice a year in some climates, but it has never proved 

 expedient to have them do so. It is doubtful whether 

 they have superior merit as a general farm sheep, but for 

 the production of early market lambs they are especially 

 suited. Rams of the breed are very satisfactory for use 

 on grade Merino ewes in the production of feeders. The 

 ewes are also bred to Shropshire or Southdown rams to 

 produce market lambs. The mutton, except that of fat 

 lambs, is not superior. 



For wool-production the Dorset-Horn has a rather in- 

 ferior place. The wool is short, and still somewhat scant 

 under the body. Ewes average about six pounds and rams 

 about seven pounds of wool of fair quality. The fleece 



