222 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



X. Compared with Southdowns. 



(1) Dorsets lead considerably in size, are more prolific 

 and better milkers, are superior for crossing when early lambs 

 are sought, and grow a heavier fleece. 



(2) The Southdowns have more of general adaptability, 

 mature even more quickly, and fatten and kill somewhat 

 better. 



PRINCIPAL POINTS. 



I. In the absence of an authorized scale of 

 points, the following is submitted : 



(1) Size Medium for the breed, but the size is of course 

 affected by environment. 



(2) General Outline Inclining to long and not too com- 

 pact or massive. 



(3) Head Large rather than small, tapering toward the 

 muzzle and longer than in some breeds, and covered with a 

 tuft of wool of medium length. 



(a) Forehead, broad and covered with a tuft of wool of 

 medium length. 



(b) Nose, frequently slightly Roman, more especially in 

 the males. 



(c) Poll, wide. 



(d) Horns in both sexes, small and flat in the female, 

 but considerably longer, stronger and more angular in the male 

 and curved spirally outward from the side of the head. 



(^) Ears, fairly long and fine and inclining a little 

 outward. 



(4) Neck Not less than medium in length and general 

 development. 



(a) Not strong at the junction with the lead, nor of 

 more than average development at the junction With the 

 shoulders. 



(b) Depression on the top is to be guarded against. 



(5) Back Fairly wide, straight and level. 



(a) Withers fairly wide and not elevated. 



(b) Loin, broad and long. 



(6) Forequarters Of nearly equal development with the 

 hindquarters, but not quite so well filled out. 



(a) Shoulders of fair size and moderately rounded out 

 above, with increasing fullness in center and lower portion. 



(b) Chest, capacious. 



(c) Breast, wide, deep and at least moderately well filled. 



(d) Brisket, rounded and of much width. 



(e) Forearm, inclining to long and tapering. 



(7) Body Inclining to long in the barrel and capacious. 



