78 SHEEP: BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



1. What was the appearance of the early, unimproved type ? 

 They were small and light in their fore-quarters, with black 



noses, and horns curving upwards and backwards, but were 

 always remarkable as good mothers. 



2. Who improved them ? 



The breeders in West Dorset were the first to improve the 

 race; one of the earliest was the late Richard Seymour, of 

 Bradpole, who had, perhaps, the best flock of Dorsets from 

 1830 to 1840. Others followed his example, amongst them 

 the late Matthew Paull, of Burstock and Compton Paunce- 

 foot ; John Pope and John Pitfield, of Symondsbury ; the two 

 Davys, of Horn Park and Netherbury; William Way, of 

 A Bradpole; Thomas Chick, of Eggardon and Stratton. These 

 all helped much in their day in bringing the breed up to its 

 present standard. This work has been continued by their 

 sons and successors, and others who have taken up the breed. 

 Notably in the latter class may be named Messrs. Henry 

 Mayo, of Coker's Frome, Herbert Farthing, John Kidner, 

 Samuel Kidner, and W. T. Culverwell, in the county of 

 Somerset, who deserve great credit for bringing the breed 

 more prominently before the public. 



3. Were they crossed with any other sheep ? 



The improvement was effected entirely by selection, not by 

 crossing with any other breed of sheep. 



4. What are their points of excellence ? 



In a general way, the usual good points in all sheep. Their 

 horns should not rise from (? above) the head, but droop 

 slightly as they grow outwards from the head, and curl round 

 neither too wide from, nor too close to the face. They should 

 always have a nice lock of close wool on their foreheads. 



5. What are their properties ? 



Their excellence as mothers and breeders of early lambs, 

 and general prolific qualities. They will take the ram at 

 almost all seasons, and bring two and three lambs at a birth, 

 when well fed. Their mutton is of good quality, and their 

 wool realises about the same price as that of the Southdown 

 and Hampshire. 



