QUESTIONS 109 



down breed not only in external appearance, but also in manner of 

 feeding and growth, and in quality of mutton. For this reason 

 Southdown rams are especially suited to crossing on Dorset Horned 

 and Merino ewes when early or winter lambs are desired for special 

 markets (Fig. 66). 



Distribution. The Southdown has been introduced into prac- 

 tically all countries where the production of mutton has received 

 attention. But in spite of its trimness, which is always a delight, 

 to the eye, and its superior quality of mutton, it has not become 

 the prevailing breed in many regions outside of its native hom'e. In 

 America, and in various other countries as well, England excepted, 

 its distribution is characterized by occasional flocks. The reason 

 for this is that it is not big enough and its fleece is too light in 

 weight to suit the average sheep raiser. But unquestionably there 

 are many places in the United States where the grain and grass 

 crops are admirably suited to the Southdown, and -since the Amer- 

 ican markets always welcome neat, tidy lambs, there is no good reason 

 why pure and grade Southdown flocks should not be more numerous. 



Both in England and in the United States societies have been 

 organized for the promotion of the breed. The English society, 

 which succeeded the English Southdown Sheep Breeders' Associa- 

 tion, organized in 1890, is known as the Southdown Sheep Society, 

 and it annually publishes a volume enittled " The Southdown Flock 

 Book." 



The American society was incorporated in 1882 as the American 

 Southdown Association, and its annual volume is entitled " The 

 American Southdown Kecord." 



QUESTIONS 



1. Compare the work of Ellman and Webb. 



2. What desirable features did the old Southdowns possess? 



3. What undesirable features? 



4. Enumerate the superior points of the Southdown as a mutton sheep. 



5. What criticisms have been made against the Southdown? 



6. On what kind of land do you think Southdowns would return as much 



or more than any other breed? 



7. On what kind of land do you think it would be inadvisable to keep them? 



8. Would you gather from the history of the Southdown that it strongly 



impresses its characters when crossed with other breeds? 



9. What can be said of the prolificacy and milking qualities of Southdown 



ewes? 



