THE HAMPSHIRE DOWN 583 



The fecundity of the Hampshire Down, while not of the highest, 

 is distinctly superior. In 1903 the English association kept a 

 lambing record of 37 flocks comprising 15,482 ewes. These 

 reared 18,462 lambs, or 119.17 per cent, while only 2.21 per- 

 cent of the lambs dropped were lost. In a similar record for 

 1902 the percentage raised was 116.82. This speaks well for 

 the fecundity and maternal character of Hampshire Down ewes. 

 The lambs are usually strong and lusty at birth and often weigh 

 10 pounds or more. Craig states there is one case on record of a 



FIG. 271. Hampshire Down ewes on pasture at Walnut Hall Farms, Donerail, 

 Kentucky. From photograph, by courtesy of Robert S. Blastock, manager 



Hampshire Down lamb weighing 18 pounds at birth. The ewes 

 are rated as good mothers, have large udders, are excellent milkers, 

 and bring their lambs on rapidly to heavy weight for early age. 



The Hampshire Down as a producer of wool has only a very 

 moderate place among the breeds. The wool is coarse in quality, 

 grading three-quarters or three-eighths blood combing, has an 

 average length of three inches, and covers the body with just fair 

 density. The weight of a typical unwashed fleece of twelve 

 months' growth will approximate eight pounds, which is light for 

 so large a sheep, and furnishes just grounds for criticism. 



The prices received for Hampshire Down sheep in recent years 

 have been undergoing greatly increased value. In 1903 Waters 

 and Rawlence sold at public sale about 2500 head, which in 



