SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. 349 



some of the larger breeds, that a fine single lamb is more 

 esteemed than a double. The ewes are good mothers, and 

 can do justice to their offspring ; moreover it is always possible 

 to assist nature by nutritious diet. Next, the Shropshire is a 

 hardy sheep, suitable for a large range of soils, standing 

 moisture better than severe cold, and capable of close folding 

 without sensible loss of size. The yield both of mutton and 

 wool is far greater than from the Southdown or other shortwool. 

 Hampshires may arrive at greater weight, but they require 

 more time, the proportion of bone and offal is greater, and the 

 wool much less ; it is no uncommon event to find a flock of 

 Shropshire sheep on good land yielding an average of 6|lb. to 

 71b. a fleece. The quality of the meat, both from the fineness 

 of texture, the presence of fat in the tissues, and the rich dark 

 colour, is fully equal to the best Southdown. And for all these 

 reasons the Shropshire sheep are rent-payers, and deservedly and 

 increasingly popular. They suit the moist climate of Ireland 

 remarkably well, and not a few buyers from the Emerald 

 Isle may be seen round Mr. Preece's Eing at Shrewsbury or 

 at Bingley Hall. With generous treatment from their earliest 

 days — and such treatment is surely profitable as well — Shrop- 

 shire hogs can be brought out in May to weigh from 181b. to 

 201b. a quarter. Cases could be cited where much more has 

 been done, but we speak of what is possible where the land is 

 heavily stocked. Altogether, they take rank as the most im- 

 portant shortwool breed of the present day. It was to be 

 desired that greater uniformity of character should prevail, and 

 with such breeders as Lord Chesham, Messrs. Mansell, Evans, 

 Coxon, and Mrs. Beach in the van, satisfactory progress has 

 been made. 



The Shropshire sheep of the present day exhibit much of the 

 quality of the Down, with considerably more size ; the features 

 are rather longer, of a uniform dark but not black tint, the eye 

 full and large, the forehead moderately flat and well wooUed, 

 the ears rather large and thin, standing well out from the head. 

 Much improvement in symmetry has taken place of late years. 

 Formerly the shoulder was frequently upright, the spine not 

 straight, the top far from level, and the fore quarter generally 

 light J now the best bred sheep are as true-grown as the Downs. 



