206 



RENNIE S AGRICULTURE. 



Shropshires. 



The South 

 Down. 



Next in order of the fine-wool breeds is the 

 Shropshire. See III. 112. This is a very compact 

 animal, full of quality, both of flesh and wool. The 

 wool is of a fine silky texture, with which the entire 

 body is covered. The face and legs are dark. The 

 average weight of fleece is from eight to nine pounds. 



The most compact and hardy of all these breeds 

 is the South Down. See III. 11 j. This is a smaller 

 animal than the other breeds, but the deficiencv in 



111. OXFORD DOWN. 



other Breeds. 



size is made up in quality, both of flesh and wool, 

 which are superior to those of any of the other 

 breeds. The average weight of fleece is from seven 

 to eight pounds. 



There are other breeds, as the Dorset, Hamp- 

 shire, Suffolk, etc., each having their special char- 

 acteristics. 



For the first it is claimed that they will raise two 

 crops of lambs per year, but this is not practicable. 



