252 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. 



I. Relative size. 



(1) The Oxford Downs are the largest and heaviest of 

 the Down breeds, and they are also probably heavier than the 

 Leicesters in average weight. 



(2) When in good flesh Oxford Down rams should weigh 

 about 250 to 275 pounds at maturity and the ewes about 200 

 to 225 pounds. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) Oxford Downs are best adapted to arable sections 

 where the lands produce good pastures, but they will do fairly 

 well on coarse herbage. 



(2) They are better adapted to intensive conditions than 

 to those opposite in character. 



III. Early maturing qualities. 



(1) These are at least average. 



(2) The lambs attain heavy weights when one year old. 



IV. Grazing qualities. 



(1) Like the Cotswold, they graze well for so heavy a 

 breed, but 



(2) They should not be kept on rugged or broken pas- 

 tures. 



V. Feeding qualities. 



(1) They will make good gains for a long period, owing 

 to their great scale, but 



(2) To suit the markets of to-day, they should be fattened 

 when young. 



VI. Quality of the meat. 



(1) The meat, like that of all the Down breeds, ranks 

 high. 



(2) It is abundant in quantity, of medium fineness of 

 grain and well intermixed. 



VII. Value in crossing and grading. 



(1) Wherever lambs are wanted of large size, good mut- 

 ton qualities and good producers of heavy fleeces of medium 

 wool, the Oxford Downs will make a good cross. 



(2) Where pastures are good they have been found to 

 cross well upon Merinos, but not under conditions the 

 opposite. 



