244 FARM ANIMALS 



centage of twins and are among the most fertile 

 breeds of sheep that we have. The Dorset is pecu- 

 liarly valuable for the production of winter lambs. 

 It is an old breed and has long been kept in a pure 

 form so that its characteristics are firmly established. 



The Shropshire has been considerably modified 

 by selection and breeding within the present cen- 

 tury. This breed is not equal to the Southdown 

 or Merino in its grazing ability, but the quality 

 of the meat is excellent and the fleece is of good 

 size and character. The face and legs are of a 

 soft black color. 



The Cheviot originated in the hill country of 

 Great Britain and is noted for its hardiness and 

 grazing ability. The quality of the mutton is ex- 

 cellent and tne fleece weighs about seven or eight 

 pounds. This breed is especially valuable on 

 account of its hardiness, but at present the num- 

 ber in the United States is comparatively small. 



The Suffolk, like so many other breeds, came 

 originally from England and is somewhat larger 

 than the Shropshire or Dorset. The quality of 

 the meat is very fine and the ewes are noted for 

 being good mothers and milk producers. 



The Hampshire has been improved by crossing 

 with the Southdown and by careful selection. 

 This is one of the typical Down breeds with black 

 face and legs. It is now widely distributed through- 

 out the United States. The Hampshire are large, 

 early maturing, good rustlers and produce tender 

 and juicy meat. The fleece is heavier than that 

 of the Southdown and the hardiness of the breed 

 is quite satisfactory. 



The Oxford has been improved within recent 

 years, especially by crossing with the Southdown, 

 Hampshire and Cotswold. The breed is widely 



