62 SHEEP FARMING IN AMERICA 



tion of modern and progressive breeders. Before 

 cows were used in the dairy in Dorsetshire sheep 

 were kept for their milk which, no doubt, accounts 

 in part for the wonderful milking powers of the 

 Dorset ewe. In truth, many of these ewes are such 

 large milkers that it is necessary to relieve them by 

 hand stripping for a few days after the lambs are 

 born until they become able to take all the milk. 



Dorset Horns are so named because both sexes 

 have horns. The rams' horns are large and heavy 

 and curved rather closely in front of the head; the 

 ewes have light horns that should curve toward the 

 front. It is a curious fact that Dorset ewes are as 

 pugnacious as their armament would indicate, often 

 attacking stray dogs and lacking almost altogether 

 that timidity that characterizes other sheep. A 

 sheep-killing dog will sometimes kill Dorset ewes, 

 but it is not probable that any dog would begin a 

 career of sheep-killing in a Dorset flock. These facts 

 win considerable favor for the breed in these days 

 of a surplusage of useless curs and many states with 

 unsatisfactory dog laws. 



The Dorsets have a form not unlike the South- 

 down, though generally more upstanding, and a sim- 

 ilar fleece of close, strong wool, with an elastic fiber 

 which is very white. They shear better than some 

 mutton breeds and the wool is of the first quality. 

 They are very docile and thrive in hurdles or on 

 grass where proper care is taken to keep them from 

 parasites. They have been introduced into several 

 states of our country and have thriven wherever 



