CHAPTER XXXIV 

 SHEEP 



538. Development of types. It is not known where sheep 

 originated, but they have been associated with man throughout 

 his known history. They thrive and are profitable when grown 

 on the most fertile lowlands, where intensive systems of farming 

 are practiced, and they are thrifty and contented on the most 

 bleak and rugged mountains or on the parched plains. 



In ancient times, as to-day, sheep were raised for both food 

 and raiment. In modern times special types of sheep have been 

 developed. Some of these are especially adapted to the produc- 

 tion of wool and others to the production of meat. One of these 

 is the fine-wool type and the other is the mutton, or the medium- 

 wool and long- wool type. 



539. Characteristics of types. The fine-wool sheep, like the 

 dairy cow, is inclined to be angular in form. It possesses less 

 thickness of back, loin, and leg than does the mutton sheep. 



The Down breeds of sheep usually are spoken of as the 

 medium- wool breeds. They are raised primarily for mutton, with 

 wool as a secondary consideration. The form of the mutton 

 sheep is blockier, smoother, and more compact than that of the 

 fine-wool sheep, and it has a wide and thick-fleshed back and 

 loin and a heavy, thick leg. The fleece of the medium-wool 

 sheep, as compared with that of the fine-wool sheep, contains less 

 yolk, or oil, and is lighter and not so dense. Also, the crimp is 

 not so fine, which indicates that the staple is somewhat coarser. 



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