246 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. 



I. Relative size. 



(1) In size the Hampshire Downs are second only to the 

 Oxfords among the middle wool breeds, and they are a close 

 second to them in average weight. 



(2) The average weight of rams at maturity and in good 

 flesh may be put at 250 pounds and of ewes 200 pounds. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) Hampshires are admirably adapted to locations near 

 large cities, where both arable and pasture lands are inter- 

 spersed, as they furnish large lambs for the early markets, 

 either pure or when crossed. 



(2) In other words, they are best adapted to an intensive 

 system of farming. 



III. Early maturing qualities. 



(1) These are excellent. 



(2) They produce lambs of heavier weight at an earlier 

 age, it is claimed, than any other breed. 



IV. Grazing qualities. 



(1) These are good when the pastures are not too 

 broken, as 



(2) The staying powers of the old original breeds have 

 in a measure been retained. 



V. Feeding qualities. 



(1) Here also they excel, as has been amply testified by 

 their winnings at leading fat stock shows. 



(2) Hampshires may be fattened at an early age and they 

 stand forcing well. 



(3) Lambs have frequently been made to gain a pound 

 per day from birth until marketed. 



VI. Quality of the meat. 



(1) The meat is juicy and tender, and ordinarily has the 

 fat and lean well intermixed, but 



(2) The proportion of the bone is larger than in some 

 breeds. 



VII. Value in crossing and grading. 



(i) Hampshires are specially valuable in crossing where 

 early and quick maturing and large-sized lambs are wanted, 



