CHAPTER V. 



DOWN AND HORN BREEDS. 

 SOUTHDOWN. 



The Southdown, the first of the heath breeds to be brought 

 under systematic improvement, originated on the Sussex chalk 

 hills, which are high-lying heaths carrying exceptionally sweet 

 herbage, in which the minor legumes and aromatic plants are 

 very prevalent. These hills attain the height of 800 feet at the 

 highest point, but are generally considerably lower. The term 

 down, in Sussex, is applied to many other hills which are not on 

 the chalk. At the base of the chalk downs there is generally an 

 outcrop of Greensand forming rich land and excellent lair for 

 sheep ; in addition to this there is often light alluvial soil before 

 the strong land of the Weald is met ; rich marshland is near 

 by in some parts, especially towards the east. These are the 

 soils on which the Southdown sheep was bred and developed over 

 many centuries ; but one essential feature in the development 

 of the Southdown breed not commonly regarded was the fact 

 that it was customary for centuries for the Down breeders to 

 send their sheep to agist on the strong land of the Weald from 

 October to April. I had possession of the sheep account book 

 of Mr. Boyes, of Eastbourne, in which there was a record of every 

 sheep in his flock of 800 from 1742 to 1783. (I gave this 

 memorandum to the National Sheep Breeders' Association.) The 

 sheep from this flock were of good quality for the time, and Mr. Boyes 

 was a personal friend of Mr. Ellman, of Glynde, who brought 

 the breed into prominence by his splendid skill as a breed maker. 

 From this account it can be seen that the flock was sent yearly 

 to farms in various parts of the Weald to winter, evidently as 

 part of the ordinary practice of the Down breeders before turnips, 

 mangels, and other crops were grown in sufficient quantity to 

 provide winter food at home. It is interesting to note the price 

 of sheep at that time. In the first year of the record, the main 

 sale of lambs at Lindfield Fair on July 25 was made at one shilling 

 and ninepence halfpenny per lamb ! And sheep a year older 

 were sold for eight shillings, which was considered satisfactory. 

 Next year sheep were dearer, and the lambs fetched two shillings 

 each. Gradually the price increased as the influence of better 

 farming and the improvement made on the breed by Ellman was 

 felt ; and in the last year of the record the lambs at Lindfield 

 Fair made over eighteen shillings which may be regarded as a 

 truly wonderful improvement. 



Mention has been made of these points dealing with the origin of 



