FOR SHOW RING AND MARKET. 27 



are preferable to heavy overgrown animals; but where we 

 consider the show side of the question, we must not forget 

 that we are endeavoring to show what our animals can do 

 in making weights and are capable of under pressure of high 

 feeding. 



If the intending exhibitor is thinking of raising cross-bred 

 sheep for exhibition purposes he will find the Oxford and 

 Hampshire cross a most desirable one. Hampshires are re- 

 markable for their rapid growth during the earlier stages of 

 their existence, while the Oxfords are not far behind them in 

 this respect. The offspring from this cross has no superior 

 .as regards early maturity, desirable mutton form, and wealth 

 of flesh. This cross has taken the leading honors at the 

 great English Smithfield Show for a number of years. The 

 weight and quality of flesh of the lambs shown by this cross 

 being in every case most remarkable. 



Housing. 



Close housing is detrimental to the welfare of sheep. Of 

 course they especially show sheep must be provided with 

 shelter, but close confinement should, as much as possible, 

 be avoided. Sheep that are subject to confinement in the 

 barns are usually found to be soft and blubbery; especially 

 is this the case with aged sheep. Sheep that are intended 

 for exhibition should be allowed the run of a paddock ad- 

 joining the sheep barn fine days and be confined only at 

 night, or during a storm, until within about from six to 

 eight weeks previous to the opening of the show season; and 

 even then, should have the run of a paddock, or yard for 

 an hour or so in the cool of the evening, when the weather 



