22O THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



(3) The first direct importation was made from Britain 

 by A. Thayer, Hoosick Falls, N. Y., and E. F. Bowditch of 

 Massachusetts, in 1887. 



(4) They were introduced into France in 1890. 



X. Organizations. 



(1) Associations to promote the interests of the breed 

 have been established both in England and in the United 

 States. 



(2) The American Dorset Horn Association was estab- 

 lished in 1891. 



(3) The American Continental Dorset Club was estab- 

 lished in 1897. 



XL Distribution in the United States and 

 Canada. 



(1) Dorsets are now being recorded from 27 states and 

 from several of the provinces of Canada. 



(2) In the United States they are found most numerously 

 in New York, Pennsylvania, phio, Massachusetts, Vermont 

 and Connecticut, and probably in the order named. 



XII. Registration in the United States. 



(1) The two American associations have registered 10,738 

 animals. 



(2) Of these a small percentage only are duplicates. 



LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. 



I. Relative size. 



(1) In size the Dorsets are larger than the Southdowns, 

 but do not weigh so well in proportion. 



(2) The size has, however, been much improved during 

 recent years. 



(3) The average weight of matured rams in fair flesh is 

 about 215 pounds and of matured ewes 165 pounds. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) They have a semi-mountain character which well 

 adapts them to grassy slopes, plains and hills of moderate 

 elevation, and yet 



(2) They can be reared in fine form on arable land, and 

 even on land not sufficiently drained. 



(3) For the production of "winter lambs," that is, 

 unweaned lambs which can be marketed in the winter and 

 early spring, they are unrivalled. 



