SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. 22^ 



X. Registration in the United States. 



(1) The American Shropshire Association has recorded 

 128,623 animals. 



(2) About 40 per cent of these are males. 



LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. 



I. Relative size. 



(1) In size Shropshires are considerably larger than the 

 Southdowns and they are of heavier build than the Dorsets, 

 but are not so large as the other Down breeds. 



(2) In weight they are not a little ahead of the South- 

 downs, and they are probably heavier also than the Dorsets. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) Their wide diffusion and increasing popularity are 

 sure indications of their general adaptability. 



(2) They are best adapted, however, to surfaces not vio- 

 lently undulating, and to sections where a fair proportion of 

 the land is arable. 



III. Early maturing qualities. 



(1) They mature quite as early probably as any other 

 breed except the Southdown. 



(2) This property in the Shropshire is peculiarly valuable, 

 owing to the extent to which they are used in crossing. 



IV. Grazing qualities. 



(1) The grazing qualities of the Shropshire are good, but 

 it requires better pastures than the Southdown and Merino. 



(2) Its docility also adapts it well to folding. 



V. Feeding qualities. 



(1) Shropshires feed very well under suitable conditions. 



(2) The closeness of the fleece enables them to be fattened 

 where the shelter is very moderate, and they give an excellent 

 return for the food fed. 



VI. Quality of the meat. 



(1) The quality of the meat is excellent, about equal to 

 that of the Southdown, while the quantity furnished is con- 

 siderably more, and 



(2) Like the Southdown they dress well in proportion to 

 the live weight. 



