THE ROMNEY MARSH 



647 



sheep placed to the acre. The improved breed produces sheep ready for 

 market at from two to three years old, weighing from 120 to 140 pounds. 

 The fleece is valuable, weighing on the average 8 pounds. 



The modern type of Romney Marsh sheep is a decided improve- 

 ment over the breed as described by Wilson. The head is white 

 and hornless, with a broad, aquiline nose, and a thick foretop of wool 

 is common, although often lacking. The flesh at the nose is black. 

 The ears are large and thick. Careful selection and breeding 



FIG. 305. A Romney Marsh ram, first prize in class at the 1904 show of the Royal 

 Agricultural Society of England. Owned and exhibited by Charles File. From 

 photograph, by courtesy of William Cooper & Nephews, Berkhamsted, England 



has reduced the size somewhat, but has produced a sheep more 

 compact of frame and more easily fattened than the old sort. The 

 back is broader, the ribs are longer, the coupling shorter, and the 

 leg of mutton heavier and of excellent quality. In the improve- 

 ment of the breed the fleece has been refined to a marked degree. 

 The adaptability of the Romney Marsh sheep to low-lying lands 

 has caused it to be regarded with favor in eastern England and 

 in some other sections, for it seems freer from foot rot and liver 

 fluke than most breeds ; in fact, it is claimed that this breed on 

 Romney Marshes is not affected with foot rot at all. 



