SOUTHDOWN SHEEP. 207 



(3) It is thought originally they were horned, but none 

 have existed within the historic period of the breed. 



IV. The improvement of Southdowns began 

 about the period of the American Revolutionary war 

 in 1776. 



(1) It received its chief impulse, however, from the high 

 prices paid for mutton during the Napoleonic wars. 



(2) The two most noted improvers of the breed were 

 John Ell man of Glynde, near Lewis in 'Sussex, and later Tonas 

 Webb of Babraham, Cambridgeshire. 



V. John Ellman began- his work of improve- 

 ment about 1780, and died in 1832. 



(1) While improving the form he guarded well the con- 

 stitutional qualities of the animal. 



(2) He left this beautiful breed much the same in type as 

 it is to-day. 



VI. Distribution of Southdowns in Britain. 



(1) They have virtually superseded the ancient breeds of 

 Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire, and for a time greatly 

 circumscribed the limits of the area occupied by horned 

 Dorsets. 



(2) They occupy limited areas suited to their require- 

 ments in many of the counties of England and they have also 

 been introduced into Scotland to some extent, and 



(3) They have been so fused into several breeds as to 

 almost obliterate their distinctions. 



VII. Importations into the United States. 



(1) They were imported into America from England 

 about the beginning of the century. 



(2) Dr. Rose of Fayette, Seneca county, N. Y., possessed 

 a small flock as early as 1803. 



(3) Importations have been made at intervals during the 

 century, but not in large numbers. 



(4) The great demand during much of the century for 

 fine wool and the relatively small size of this excellent breed 

 have militated against its rapid distribution. 



VIII. Organizations. 



(1) Associations to promote the interests of the breed 

 have been established, first, in the United States and later in 

 Great Britain. 



(2) The American Southdown Breeders' Association was 

 organized in 1882. 



