228 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



VII. Value in crossing and grading. 



(1) For crossing upon Merino grades and common stocks 

 generally, the Shropshires have shown themselves as possessed 

 of especial value. 



(2) They also cross excellently upon the grades of the 

 long wool varieties, and for that purpose they are now being 

 used more extensively in the United States than any other 

 vai iety. 



VIII. Breeding qualities. 



(1) The claim has been made that Shropshires are the 

 most prolific of all the breeds, but this claim is certainly 

 extravagant. 



(2) It would be correct, however, to say that in this 

 respect they are at least average. 



IX. Wool production. 



(1) The average fleece from a good flock should clip nine 

 to ten pounds unwashed in the ewes and twelve to fifteen 

 pounds in the rams. 



(2) The wool should be of medium length, between the 

 Southdown and Hampshire Down in fineness, and it should be 

 even and close. 



X. Compared with Southdowns. 



(1) The Shropshires are considerably larger, require 

 better grazing lands, produce larger progeny when crossed on 

 other stocks and a heavier fleece of wool. 



(2) The Southdowns are something ahead in maturity 

 and it may be in easy keeping qualities, and 



(3) In other essential characteristics they are not far 

 different. 



STANDARD POINTS. 



I. The following is the standard scale oi 

 points of excellence adopted by the American Shrop- 

 shire Association : 



POINTS. 



(i) Constitution Constitution and quality indi- 

 cated by the form of body; deep and large in 

 breast and through the heart ; back wide, straight 

 and well covered with lean meat or muscle ; wide 

 and full in the thigh, deep in flank; skin thick 

 but soft and of a pink color; prominent, bril- 

 liant eyes and healthy countenance . . .25 



