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CHAPTER VII. 



THE MOST POPULAR BREEDS IN TENNESSEE. 

 (See answers to questions in Appendix.) 



Of all the improved varieties the Southdowns, the Cots- 

 wolds, and the Merino, in the order named, are the most 

 popular with the breeders of Tennessee. 



SOUTHDOWNS. 



This breed has existed for more than two centuries in 

 England on a range of chalky hills known as the South 

 Downs, from which this breed derives its name. As late as 

 1775 but little progress had been made in their improve- 

 ment, and although noted somewhat then for their mutton 

 qualities, they were small and inferior compared with the 

 Southdowns of the present day. They are an upland sheep, 

 of medium size, of round compact form, and their wool, in 

 point of length, belongs to the middle class ; it is deficient 

 in felting properties, makes a fuzzy, hairy cloth, and is used 

 by manufacturers in making worsteds. The average weight 

 of fleece is from three to four pounds. 



This breed is cultivated more especially for its mutton 

 qualities, and in this particular they take precedence of all 

 others. They mature early, are industrious feeders, though 

 not much disposed to roam, and they take on fat quickly 

 and evenly over the entire carcass. They are prolific 

 breeders, and good mothers. They are not as long lived as 

 the Merino, and like most all other breeds their fleece de- 

 oreases in weight after they pass maturity. Thoroughbred 

 rams of this breed are exceedingly valuable to cross upon 

 the common ewes of the country, and it is estimated by com- 

 petent and experienced breeders that the lambs from this 



