80 SHEEP FARMING IN AMERICA 



siderable fame in England and America. It is yet 

 a most worthy sheep. 



The Lincoln cross does admirably on some types 

 of Merino ewes and is much esteemed in some re- 

 gions of the West. The Oxford cross has given 

 good results also as a permanent infusion in the 

 range flock. There are a few sheep owners who use 

 the Hampshire for this purpose, though the general 

 opinion is now that the blood of the downs cuts 

 short the yield of wool. 



The Leicester blood makes an admirable infusion 

 into the range flock. It is said that not more than 

 one-quarter or one-eighth of it is needed to give 

 strength and hardiness. The Dorset has been tried 

 and found worthy ; some of the best range ewes the 

 writer has ever seen have been in part of Dorset 

 blood. Dorset blood especially helps the milking 

 qualities of Merino ewes and makes them able to 

 push their lambs forward astonishingly. 



Though the writer knows of no instance of its use 

 he is of the opinion that the use of Cheviot blood 

 would prove a very desirable addition to herds 

 ranging in the mountains of the West. Probably 

 one-quarter of Cheviot blood would be enough. 

 Cheviots make flesh readily from grass alone and 

 are remarkably hardy and are very great rustlers 

 for feed. 



CROSS-BREEDIXG FOB THE LAMB MARKET. 



Considering the western range sheep first, various 

 breeds have been used for production of market 



