WELSH BRE;ED 56 1 



variety, run up to 36 or 40 Ibs., and on the best pasture four- 

 or five-year-old wethers even weigh 50 Ibs. 



In 1905 the Welsh Mountain Sheep Breeders' Associa- 

 tion and Flock Book Society was formed, with J. Marshall Dug- 

 dale, Llwyn, Llanfyllin, as the first president. When the first 

 volume of the Flock Book appeared in 1906, twelve governors 

 and twenty members in all had joined the Society. The 

 previously accepted description of Welsh sheep was modified 

 "in order to meet the requirements of very high mountain 

 flocks as well as the more lowland ones," and published, in the 

 Flock Book after full and repeated discussion. The following 

 distinguishing characteristics of a Welsh ram are extracted 

 from vol. i., page 1 1 : Head masculine, wedge-shaped, taper- 

 ing towards the nose. Face slightly tanned or white. Fore- 

 head broad. Muzzle black, if possible. Horns fairly strong 

 and well curved, not too close at the roots. Eyes prominent 

 and bright. Ears small and thin, obliquely set. Shoulders 

 nicely rounded and level with the back. TW/long, strong, and 

 bushy. Legs fine, comparatively short and slightly tanned or 

 white. Skin pink, with mellow touch. Wool white, short, thick, 

 firm to handle ; a small proportion of kemp not to disqualify. 



The influence of crossing has been to produce thicker 

 sheep of " square" and equally balanced frames, which in 

 suitable localities, where turnips and other artificial food can 

 be conveniently provided, return more profit than the pure 

 breed under liberal treatment. The great differences in size 

 and appearance are accounted for by the different breeds used 

 in crossing. In some places the Radnor Forest sheep has 

 been employed for the purpose. In Anglesey and South 

 Carmarthenshire, where the largest sheep (running up to 15 

 and 20 Ibs. per quarter) are to be found, Leicester and 

 Lincoln blood has been introduced ; and on the highest hills 

 in Breconshire the Cheviot cross has proved to be hardy and 

 suitable to the surroundings. 



The weight of the Welsh fleece differs with the size and 

 character of the variety of the breed producing it, from 2 Ibs. 

 up to the weight of the larger English Down fleeces, the 

 staple of the improved specimens being longer and more 

 open as well as more heavy. 



The russet-rooted wool called gwar goch, which may be 

 seen in lambs in front of the top of the shoulder, may be 



2 N 



