48 BRITISH SHEEP AND SHEPHERDING. 



well on the hardest keep, and when taken to lower and better 

 ground, prove itself equal to the occasion by growing larger and 

 becoming fat. 



EXMOOR OR PORLOCK. 



The Exmoor is one of the four breeds associated with the south- 

 western part of England. It is indigenous to the Exmoor Hills 

 in West Somerset and North Devon, and was a heath or forest 

 breed, small, of almost goat-like appearance, possessing great agility. 

 Low described it, about eighty years ago, as being much crossed 

 out by the Cheviot, and doubtless the splendid sheep which has 

 been developed owes much to the Cheviot, the true Cheviot frill 

 of wool around the neck and throat clearly indicating this, as 

 does the general build, which contrasts greatly with the original 

 form. But the hardy constitution remains in this well-horned 

 breed, which retains in so many ways its old heath character 

 in spite of its increased size and good fleece of close set, well 

 stapled wool. Moreover, a slight slackness behind the shoulder, 

 noticeable in the shorn sheep, further suggests this. It is not 

 merely as a local breed that the modern Exmoor proves its value, 

 for it is one of the most prominent of the minor breeds which are 

 being largely taken up in different parts of England. It is hardy 

 and a good thriver ; the ewes are good mothers, and will do well 

 on poor land, though, as for a long time they have been accustomed 

 to receive roots, they do well in the fold, as well as on high exposed 

 grazings. The fleece weighs about 5 Ib. The Exmoor is as 

 attractive in appearance as it is useful, and breeders can confidently 

 look for an extended demand for this little breed, which, with 

 high-class mutton, eminently meets modern demands. 



DARTMOOR. 



The Dartmoor, now a long-wool breed, has probably undergone 

 as much alteration from its original type as any breed in these 

 islands, for it was at one time very small, much like the sheep 

 of Wales, carrying a long, soft wool, of different type to the ordinary 

 heath or forest races. It was then whitefaced, and the males 

 carried horns. They, however, mated extremely well with the 

 Leicester and Southdowns, though the Longwools made most 

 impression on them. The original Okehampton mutton, much 

 favoured in London, was produced by the Dartmoor and Exmoor 

 sheep. Now the Dartmoor sheep, as wethers of one and a-half to two 

 years old, weigh from 20 Ib. to 24 Ib. per quarter. The horns have 

 been bred out, except for an occasional snag on the rams. The 



