SHEEP. 



1007 



The Leicester differs from the Cotswold in having a more 

 delicate frame, somewhat smaller and a finer bone; finer and 

 more lustrous wool ; a bald head, which is also smaller ; white 

 face and legs. The hind-quarters are not so heavy at the tail, 

 and the ham is lighter, though both it and the Cotswold are in- 

 ferior to the South-Down in this respect. 



The South-Down is a fourth or a third smaller than the 

 foregoing, with black or dark face and legs (all three breeds are 

 hornless); low, square, and stocky figure ; powerful bone ; scrag 

 finely arched ; eyes bright and keen, with a general appearance 

 of great liveliness and hardiness. 



The farmer seeking to found a flock of Merinos for out-door 

 work, which must 

 " rough it " more 

 or less, at least 

 through the sum- 

 mer, should reject 

 every animal (un- 

 less phenomenally 

 valuable in other 

 points) which has 

 wrinkles on the 

 body sufficiently 

 prominent to show 

 on the surface of 

 the fleece at maturity. On the other hand, it is desirable to 

 have the skin so generously put on that it shall present that 

 fine spider-webbed or crinkled appearance seen in the well-bred 

 lamb ; rich, soft, and loose to the feel ; pink or rosy. It should 

 hang in a pendulous fold or web in the flank, giving an appear- 

 ance of depth ; a like fold should extend from the dewlap up 

 the median line of the neck, terminating in a pocket under the 

 chin. The ram may have several heavy folds about the neck, 

 like irregular horse-collars, and the ham may be slashed with 

 two or three wrinkles across the stifle, extending forward and 

 down ; but beyond this we should not go. The body should 

 present a plain broadside. The distinguishing crown of beauty 



-, -- 



SOUTH-DOWN RAM. 



