Chapter LIV. 



OXFORDSHIRES. 



The Oxfords should stand between the "Downs" and "Long- 

 wools" in their classification, the tendency being more toward the latter. 

 They originated about 1830, by crossing the improved Cotswold with 

 the Hampshire. Probably the Southdown was used in the mixture, 

 to some small extent, but the two breeds first mentioned may be looked 

 upon as the parent stock. The wool is more marked by the Cotswold's 

 combing quality, while the dark faces and legs show unmistakable 

 evidence of the Hampshire blood. 



The Oxfordshire breed first came into public notice about 1850 to 

 1860, during which time the best flocks were found in the shire of Ox- 

 ford. Since that date, their excellent qualities have given them a foot- 

 hold in almost every county of England. In America, they are not so 

 widely known as some other breeds, but a Register has been established, 

 and the breed has been pushed forward rapidly. We understand, also, 

 that a number of Oxfords have been brought to the Southwest, and that 

 they are giving excellent satisfaction. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Color of face and legs dark brown, with a grayish tinge, inclining to 

 drab ; head medium to large, with a tuft 'of wool at the forehead, 

 standing out more from the head and not so long as in the Cotswold ; 

 the forehead is very broad and full ; ears set low and well back ; eyes 

 large, and muzzle finely pointed. The fleece is not so long as that of 

 the Cotswold being about five to seven inches but is closer and finer, 

 with much the same tendency to curl, and stands well out from the 

 body. 



The following Scale of Points has been adopted by the Oxford 

 Down Record Association : 



Head 8 Forward 37 



Face 4 Breast 10 



Nostrils I Fore Flank 5 



Eyes 2 Back and Loin 12 



Ears 4 Belly 3 



Collar 6 Quarters 8 



Shoulder 8 Hock 2 



.Fore Legs 4 Twist or junction 6 



Fleece 17 



Forward 37 



Perfection 100 



271 



