HAMPSHIRE DOWN SHEEP. 247 



and more especially where the ewes are of the compact and 

 small order. 



(2) Lambs from crossbred ewes may be made to attain 

 much size at an early age. 



VIII. Breeding qualities. 



(1) These are excellent, as good milking and good breed- 

 ing qualities go together. 



(2) They inherit their good breeding qualities from the 

 old original breeds. 



IX. Wool production. 



(1) They shear somewhat heavier fleeces than the South- 

 downs, averaging probably from seven to ten pounds per fleece, 

 unwashed. 



(2) The wool is of medium length, but a little coarser 

 perhaps than Shropshire wool. 



X. Compared with Southdowns. 



(1) Hampshires are much larger, are more prolific and 

 better milkers and produce a heavier fleece. 



(2) Southdowns have wider adaptation, especially in their 

 grazing qualities, and dress somewhat better on the block. 



(3) In other respects they are nearly equal. 



STANDARD POINTS. 



I. The following is the standard of excellence 

 drawn up by the American Hampshire Down Breed- 

 ers' Association in 1890: 



1 i ) Head and Legs 



(a) Head, moderately large but not coarse; well covered 

 with wool on forehead and cheeks. 



(b) Nostrils, wide. 



(c) Color (head and legs), dark brown or black. 



(d) Eyes, prominent and lustrous. 



(e) Ears, moderately long and thin, and dark brown or 

 black in color. 



(f) Legs, well under outside of body, straight, with good 

 size of bone ; black. 



(2) Neck, Shoulders and Chest 



(a) Neck, a regul. r taper from shoulders to head, without 

 any hollow in front of shoulders, set high up on body. 



(b) Shoulders, sloping, full, and not higher than the line 

 of back and neck. 



