180 FIRST PBINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURE. 



They are the most widely known of all the breeds of 

 sheep in America; they are bred almost exclusively for 

 their fine wool, for which purpose they are unexcelled 

 by any other breed. Their mutton qualities, while much 

 improved by careful breeding, are not of a superior 

 character. They are hardy, well adapted to warm cli- 

 mates, and the rams have been extensively used for 

 breeding up the flocks in the South-western States. 



Southdown. — Next to the Merino, the Southdown is 

 the most extensively distributed breed in the United 

 States. In size they are above the medium, and for the 

 production of mutton take first rank. The ewes are 

 prolific, and the lambs are vigorous and hardy. 



The other "down'' breeds, viz., Shropshire, Hampshire, 

 and Oxfordshire, resemble somewhat the Southdown in 

 mutton and wool producing qualities, though showing 

 differences in size and in their ability to thrive under 

 varying conditions. 



The Cotswold, Leicester, and Lincoln are bred 

 chiefly for their long wool. They are larger, and, as a 

 rule, less prolific than the various down breeds ; they are 

 extensively used in crosses to improve size. 



Horned Dorset is an old and well-established breed 

 in England, where it originated in the shire of Dorset. 

 It is not largely distributed in America. In size these 

 sheep are above the medium. For the production of 

 early, fat lambs this breed has no superior. With proper 

 management they may be made to breed at all times of 

 the year, are very prolific, dropping a large portion of 

 twins, and are good nurses. This breed should occupy 

 an important place here in the production of early lambs. 



