CHEVIOT SHEEP. 235 



(2) The wool is coarser now than formerly, and is not 

 always even in quality. 



X. Compared with Southdowns. 



(1) Cheviots are larger and more rangy and even more 

 hardy, are adapted to even a wider range of conditions, are 

 better for crossing where hardihood is sought and carry a 

 heavier fleece of wool. 



(2) The Southdowns mature earlier, feed more quickly, 

 dress somewhat better on the block, and are superior for cross- 

 ing where improvement in mutton qualities is sought. 



STANDARD POINTS. 



I. The following is the scale of points drawn 

 up by the American Cheviot Sheep Breeders' Asso- 

 ciation : 



POINTS. 



(1) Blood Pure bred from one or more importa- 

 tions from Scotland . . . . . .10 



(2) Constitution and Quality Indicated by the 

 form of body; deep and large in breast and 

 through the heart ; back, wide and straight and 

 well covered with lean meat ; wide and full in 

 the thigh ; deep in flank ; skin soft and pink in 

 color ; prominent eyes, healthful countenance . 25 



(3) Size In fair condition, when fully matured, 

 rams should weigh not less than 175 pounds; 

 ewes 135 pounds when bred in America. Im- 

 ported stock: Rams 125 to 150 pounds, ewes 100 



to 125 pounds 10 



(4) General Appearance Good carriage ; head well 

 up ; elastic movement ; showing symmetry of 

 form and uniformity of character throughout . 10 



(5) Body Well proportioned; small bone; great 

 scale and length ; well finished hindquarters ; 

 thick back and loins ; standing with legs placed 

 well outside; breast wide and prominent in 

 front; tail wide and well covered with wool . 10 



(6) Head Long and broad and wide between the 

 eyes ; ears of medium length and erect ; face 

 white, but small black spots on head and ears 

 are not objectionable; straight or Roman nose; 

 end of nose dark, but never smut nose on top 

 with black or brown ; no tuft of wool on head 10 



(7) Neck Medium in length; thick and well 

 placed on the shoulders 5 



