SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. 73 



The Shropshire sheep seems to have been the result of a 

 gradual evolution, brought about in the first place by cross- 

 ing, but later by careful selection. Even recently it was 

 considered difficult to breed them truly, but, by dint of care 

 and perseverance, the speckled character of face has given 

 way to a rich uniform brown, accompanied sometimes with 

 a little grey or " mealy " colour about the muzzle. The head 

 is well covered with a close-fitting cap, or helmet, of wool, 

 extending well over the entire space between and in front of 

 the ears, which are somewhat rounded and short. The neck 

 is carried horizontally, and is very thick and rather short. 

 The shoulders are neatly stowed, and the girth is very great. 



We are not able to name any breeder who, like Bakewell, 

 Ellman, or Humphrey, actually accomplished the bringing- 

 out of the Shropshire sheep, as these men brought out the 

 Leicester, the Southdown, or the Hampshire Down. The 

 work appears to have been shared by many, and the pro- 

 gress seems to have been gradual. Looking back an entire 

 generation, we must, however, give full credit to the great 

 advances made by the late Mr. Henry Smith, of Sutton 

 Maddock, near Shifnal, who was a successful breeder and 

 prize-taker ; the Messrs. Crane ; Mr. Green, of Marlow ; Mr. 

 Horton, of Harnage Grange, Shrewsbury ; Mr. Farmer, of 

 Bridgnorth, whose ewes made as high as 15 each when his 

 stock was dispersed in 1857, while none of them made less 

 than 8. Mr. George Adney, of Harley, near Shrewsbury, 

 also had a splendid flock, as had Mr. S. Meire, of Berrington, 

 and Mr. G. M. Kettle, of Dallicott. These flocks, and others, 

 must be looked upon as the foundation of the present breed, 

 and their blood flows in the excellent flocks of the present 

 day. -^he number of famous breeders of Shropshires is in- 

 deed extraordinary, and, to their credit be it said, by far 

 the greater number are tenant-farmers. 



The Shropshire sheep is known in almost every county 

 of England, and is esteemed for crossing purposes, and 

 especially for raising fat lambs and tegs. It is well-known 



