THE DORSET HORN. 79 



6. Who are the principal breeders ? 



There are so many now who may be considered principal 

 breeders, who have large flocks of really good sheep, about 

 the same standard, that selecting a few names would be unfair 

 to the others. 



7. Do the wethers fatten kindly ? 



They do, but the larger number are sold fat as lambs. 



8. What weight per quarter do wethers make at ten or 

 sixteen months ? 



This depends upon the food and treatment. In an ordinary 

 way, perhaps, from 16 Ibs. to 20 Ibs. per quarter. 



9. When do the ewes lamb down ? 



Generally from November 2oth to December aoth in each 

 year. 



11. What is about the value of lambs at Christmas or any 

 time when generally sold ? 



Lambs are generally sold fat in March and April, weighing 

 from 40 Ibs. to 44 Ibs. dressed carcase on an average ; price 

 per Ib. according to the market. 



12. What soils suit them ? 



Their natural home being the county of Dorset, the soils of 

 which are the Kimmeridge clay, in Purbeck, the chalk near 

 Dorchester, and in West Dorset the oolite, it appears that any 

 of these soils will suit them. Dorset Horns have been kept in 

 Purbeck for generations, and extend all through the south of 

 Dorset into Somerset, where many large flocks are kept round 

 Chard, Ilminster, and Taunton, as well as in the neighbour- 

 hood of Bridgwater. Breeding flocks are now kept in other 

 counties, especially in the Isle of Wight. Ireland also has 

 taken some of the breed during the past three or four years. 

 Canada and the United States are also buyers of Dorset Horn 

 sheep. A few good specimens were sent to Mr. Wm. Rolph, 

 of Ontario ; and Mr. E. F. Rowditch, of Mass., imported some 

 choice sheep in 1887 anc ^ 1888. The largest consignment was 

 in 1889, when Mr. T. S. Cooper, of Pa., U.S.A., imported 

 153 Dorset Horns, including all the first prize-winners of the 



