26O THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



(2) To climates which produce an abundance of succulent 

 vegetation. 



III. Early maturing qualities. 



(1) No breed excels them in early maturing qualities or in 

 aptitude to fatten at an early age, hence 



(2) They are easy keepers, and the lambs can be marketed 

 when young. 



IV. Grazing qualities. 



(1) These are only fair, as they are not particularly well 

 adapted to ''roughing it," but 



(2) They are eminently adapted to folding and feeding on 

 specially prepared pastures, as turnips and rape. 



V. Feeding qualities. 



(1) These are of the very best. 



(2) No other breed is more docile, feeds more quickly, or 

 gives a better return for the food fed. 



VI. Quality of the meat. 



(1) The meat is juicy and plentiful and the offal is 

 light, but 



(2) The proportion of fat is large, and it is laid on too 

 much externally. 



VII. Value in crossing and grading. 



(1) No breed will render better service in crossing where 

 early maturity and good fleshing and easy keeping qualities are 

 sought, and 



(2) High grade Leicesters are equally well adapted for 

 being crossed upon by the Down breeds. 



(3) Such crosses usually lessen the size somewhat, but 

 they improve the quality of t-e meat. 



VIII. Breeding qualities. 



(1) Like the highly improved Southdowns they are not 

 specially noted for prolificacy and high milking qualities, but 



(2) When properly managed there will be no trouble 

 from the sources named. 



IX. Wool production. 



(1) The fleece should average from nine to eleven pounds 

 of unwashed wool. 



(2) The wool is lustrous, and is perhaps the finest pro- 

 duced by the long wooled breeds. 



