214 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) Because of their great hardihood the Tunis sheep are 

 adapted to conditions where breeds other than the Merino 

 would fail. 



(2) They seem to have much ability to withstand the heat 

 of a warm climate, hence they will probably spread southward 

 rather than northward, where the field is much more occupied 

 with other breeds. 



(3) Their habit of breeding at almost any season desired 

 emphasizes such adaptation. 



III. Early maturing qualities. 



(1) These are of the best, since the lambs can be rapidly 

 pushed along for the market. 



(2) This property should prove especially valuable under 

 southern conditions, where winter lambs could be grazed much 

 of the time on pastures grown for the purpose. 



IV. Grazing qualities. 



(1) These are excellent, since they are active foragers and 

 like the Merino will consume a great variety of plants. 



(2) They take kindly to the native grasses of the south, 

 including those that infest the corn and cotton fields. 



V. Feeding qualities. 



(1) These are good, since they can be fed for market at 

 almost any age. 



(2) Their value in fattening under the folding system 

 has not apparently been proved, but there would seem to be 

 no reasons why they should not do well under such a system. 



(3) It is also claimed that the carcass dresses profitably 

 on the block. 



VI. Quality of the meat. 



(1) The quality of the meat is said to be of the very best. 



(2) The fat is blended with the lean, rather than laid on 

 externally and internally, and the flavor of the meat has been 

 highly praised. 



VII. Value in crossing and grading. 



(1) When crossed upon the various Down breeds they put 

 their stamp upon the progeny, thus showing their great 

 prepotency. 



(2) The cross upon the Merino, pure or graded, is said 

 to improve the mutton qualities, and that upon native stocks 

 in the south results in marked improvement in the entire 

 animal. 



