HAMPSHIRE DOWN SHEEP. 245 



(2) To the variations in soils in different sections where 

 they were reared, yet notwithstanding, 



(3) The Improved Hampshires have been brought to a 

 high state of uniformity. 



V. The improvers of Hampshire Downs. 



(1) Early in the century many farmers engaged in the 

 work without concerted action, and hence without uniformity 

 in plan, but 



(2) About 1834 or 1835, William Humphrey of Oak Ash, 

 Newbury, commenced a work which resulted in great improve- 

 ment to the breed, and later 



(3) Improvement was carried still further by Mr. Law- 

 rence of Bulbridge, and Mr. Morrison of Fonthill. 



VI. Distribution of Hampshire Downs. 



(1) Although this breed originated in the counties of 

 Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire, they are now found to 

 some extent in Dorset, Sussex, Surrey and other counties of 

 England. 



(2) Prior to the Civil war they were introduced in con- 

 siderable numbers into the southern states, but the flocks were 

 practically annihilated during that contest. 



(3) The first importation to the northern states was made 

 by Thomas Messenger of Great Neck, L. L, N. Y., in 1855, but 

 importations were infrequent until within the last two or three 

 decades. 



VII. Organizations. 



(1) Associations in the interests of the breed have been 

 formed both in Great Britain and the United States. 



(2) The Hampshire Down Breeders' Association of 

 America was organized in 1889. 



(3) The first volume of the Hampshire Down Flock 

 Record was issued in 1890. 



VIII. Distribution in the United States. 



(1) Hampshires are now distributed in nineteen states of 

 the Union and small flocks exist in Ontario and Quebec. 



(2) They are most numerous in the states of New York, 

 Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio and in the order named. 



(3) Distribution has not yet been extended to the south- 

 ern and southwestern states. 



IX. Registration in the United States. 



(1) In all 7,450 animals have been recorded. 



(2) Of these 2,088 are males and 5,362 females. 



