266 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



IV. Grazing qualities. 



(1) Lincolns are adapted only to such grazing lands as 

 are productive and level, or gently undulating, hence 



(2) They answer admirably where folding is desired. 



V. Feeding qualities. 



(1) Lincolns rank very high in feeding qualities. 



(2) Their docility, improved breeding and vigorous diges- 

 tion enable them to make good returns for the food fed. 



VI. Quality of the meat. 



(1) Lincolns dress well and furnish a large proportion of 

 good meat, but 



(2) The amount of fat is large, and the grain and flavor 

 are not equal to those in some of the middle wool breeds. 



VII. Value in crossing and grading. 



(1) Lincolns may be profitably used in crossing where 

 increased size and greater weight of fleece are wanted, but 



(2) When so used the food supplies should be adapted to 

 the improvements made. 



(3) A cross of t" e Lincoln upon the grade Merino has 

 long been a favorite with many ranchmen in the United States, 

 and more particularly in Australia. 



VIII. Breeding qualities. 



(1) These are fair when the animals are kept in condition 

 not too high, but 



(2) They are not more distinguished for prolificacy than 

 the other long wooled breeds. 



IX. Wool production. 



(1) In wool production, Lincolns are seldom excelled as 

 to the weight of the fleece, which should not be less on an aver- 

 age in good flocks than twelve to fourteen pounds, unwashed. 



(2) In fineness of quality it is nearly the same as the 

 Leicester, some authorities claiming that it is the finer of 

 the two. '' 



X. Compared with Leicesters. 



(1) The Lincolns are considerably larger and heavier 

 than the Leicesters and carry a considerably heavier fleece. 



(2) The Leicesters have teen crossed upon other breeds 

 for their improvement to a much greater extent than the 

 Lincolns. 



