106 THE SOUTHDOWN 



in form. The body, which is oval on top, is wide, deep, low set and 

 evenly covered with deep, firm flesh. The neck is short, thick, and 

 placed to the shoulders so that the head is carried just a little ahove 

 them. The legs are placed far apart, thus giving to the body width 

 at the bottom about equal to that at the top. The arch of rib, the 

 smoothness at hip and lower shoulder point, the fullness at fore- 

 arm, thigh and twist suggest a rotund rather than a rectangular 

 conformation. A compact, symmetrical block of mutton fittingly 

 summaries Southdown form. Mature rams in breeding condition 

 weigh from 185 to 220 pounds; ewes from 135 to 155 pounds. 



Features. The features are neither refined nor coarse, but are 

 developed to harmonize with those of the body. The mouth and 

 nostrils are fairly large and the lips somewhat thick as compared 





FIG. 64. Southdown ewes bred by the University of Illinois. Note the width and compact- 

 ness, both typical of the breed. 



with the development of other features. In ewes the profile of the 

 nose or face is slightly dished; in rams it is almost straight. The 

 eyes are large, round, bright, and prominent, suggesting alertness. 

 The ears are short and erect, giving an expression of smartness. 

 The legs are short and straight. As a rule the bone. of the fore legs 

 is a little more nearly round than in the other mutton breeds 

 (Fig. 63). 



Markings, Wool, and Skin. The color of face and legs varies 

 from light steel gray to a light soft brown, frequently referred to as a 

 mouse brown. The face should not approach black in color nor be 

 speckled with white. Clear, pink skins are preferred, as sheep 

 having dark skins are regarded as hard feeders. The weight of 



