DORSET HORN SHEEP. 2IQ 



(1) There is evidence to show that for at least 200 years 

 past it was customary with many to breed them so as to drop 

 lambs in the early autumn, and 



(2) In many instances they have been bred twice a year, 

 like the sheep of some warm climates. 



V. The improvement of the breed. 



(1) But little was done for the improvement of the 

 breed until near the middle of the century. 



(2) They did not receive much encouragement from the 

 agricultural societies, and were not recognized as a distinct 

 breed at the Royal Agricultural Society's show until 1862. 



(3) The improvement of the breed was brought about by 

 careful selecting, judicious mating and improved food, and 

 without drawing upon alien blood. 



VI. The improvers of Dorsets. 



(1) No one name stands out pre-eminently as an improver 

 of Dorsets, but the first distinguished in this line was Richard 

 Seymour of Bradpole. 



(2) During recent years many breeders have been zealous 

 in this work. 



VII. Period of retrogression. 



(1) During the first half of the century, Dorsets were 

 at first superseded by Merinos, and to a far greater extent by 

 Southdowns. 



(2) They were also much crossed upon by Southdowns 

 and Leicesters, insomuch that 



(3) At one time fears were entertained in some quarters 

 for the preservation of the breed, but they are rapidly regaining 

 lost ground. 



VIII. Distribution in Britain. 



(1) Outside of Dorset and Somerset, Dorsets are most 

 numerous in Devon and the Isle of Wight, but 



(2) During recent years small flocks have been estab- 

 lished in other counties of England, and in Scotland and 

 Ireland. 



(3) Prior to 1885 they were very largely confined to the 

 counties of Dorset and Somerset. 



IX. Distribution in other countries. 



(1) They were first imported into Canada in 1885 by E. 

 Stanford of Markham, Ont.. 



(2) They were first introduced into the United States 

 from Hamilton, Ont., by William Daley of Lockport, N. Y., 

 in 1887. 



