CHAPTER XIII. 



SOUTHDOWN SHEEP. 



HE breed of sheep known as the Southdowns, from 

 the fact that they originated on the line of hills so 

 called, which extend from Beachy Head on the east, 

 to the river Adur, that falls into Shoreham Harbour, 

 on the west, occupy, as regards short- wooUed sheep, a position 

 similar to that which the Leicesters hold among the longwools. 

 Both were the starting points of improvements that are still 

 going on ; and not a type of short wool but has been benefited 

 by a cross or two of Southdown blood. Like the Leicesters, the 

 present value of the blood is rather in its crosses than its 

 purity, albeit we have nought but eulogy for these sheep as seen 

 on their native hills. Nothing can be more dissimilar than the 

 active, restless Southdown, and the sober, staid Leicester ; yet 

 both have a common origin, and their peculiar features and 

 characteristics are doubtless due to local influences. In early 

 days, when the majority of the district, and certainly all the 

 high land, was downs, sheep that could travel well and were 

 hardy would be invaluable : the very nature of the life, out all 

 day roaming the downs, driven at night into folds on fallows, 

 would tend to activity ; and an animal that could bear fatigue 

 would be of the highest value. 



Mr. Thomas EUmann, of Glynde, Sussex, occupies a similar 

 position in reference to the Southdown as is awarded to Mr. 

 Bakewell in Leicester history. Hear the description of the 

 originals given by the indefatigable writer, Arthur Young, in 

 1788: "The true Southdown, when very well bred, have the 

 following points ; no horns, a long speckled face, clean and thin 



