36 BRITISH SHEEP AND SHEPHERDING. 



" The Standard of Excellence," and the " Objections," as out- 

 lined by the Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders' Association, are as 

 follows : 



STANDARD or EXCELLENCE. 



Head. Face and ears of a rich dark brown approaching to black 

 well covered with wool over the poll and forehead. In- 

 telligent bright full eye. Ears well set on, fairly long, 

 and slightly curved. In rams, a bold masculine head is 

 an essential feature. 



Neck and Shoulders. Neck of strong muscular growth, not too 

 long, and well placed on gradually sloping and closely 

 fitting shoulders. 



Carcase. Deep and symmetrical, with the ribs well sprung, broad 

 straight back, flat loins, full dock, wide rump, deep and 

 heavily developed legs of mutton and breast. 



Legs and Feet. St ongly jointed and powerful legs of the same 

 colour as face, set well apart, the hocks and knees not 

 bending towards each other. Feet sound and short in 

 the hoof. 



Wool. White, of moderate length, close and fine texture, extending 

 over the forehead and belly, the scrotum of rams being 

 well covered. 



Skin. Pink and flexible. 



OBJECTIONS. 



Objections. Snigs. 



White specks on face, ears and legs. 



Thick coarse ears. 



Black wool. 



Coarse wool on breeches. 



Protruding under jaw. 



Excessive loose skin under neck. 



THE DORSET DOWN. 



The Dorset Down has been instituted as a distinct breed in 

 quite recent years. It is in reality an offshoot of the Hamp- 

 shire, and still holds many points in common. Its future type 

 cannot be said to be definitely defined at present. In Dorset 

 sheep have a tendency to develop white or light faces ; but the 

 Dorset men have all along fancied a smaller and lighter faced 

 sheep than has been popular with the men to the east of them, and 

 have favoured something more after the Southdown type. Their 



