THE OXFORD DOWN 



399 



is a cross-bred that feeds rapidly to advantage on a variety of 

 lands. The large size and heavy shearing quality of this breed 

 has attracted our farmers, so that pure-bred rams are in demand 

 to grade up flocks with Merino or common ewes. This produces 

 offspring of excellent mutton qualities, shearing large fleeces and 

 meeting with popular favor. This demand is not restricted to 

 America. The English writers state that Oxford rams are in 

 special favor in Germany for crossing on Merino ewes, where 



FIG. 183. The grand-champion Oxford ewe at the Louisiana Purchase Expo- 

 sition, 1904, and first in class at six state fairs. Owned and exhibited 

 by George McKerrow & Sons of Wisconsin. Photograph from the 

 National Stockman and Farmer 



they are considerably used. In Scotland the use of Oxford rams 

 on Cheviot ewes or cross-bred ewes is attracting favorable atten- 

 tion. At the Scottish National Fat Stock Show in* 1899 the 

 Oxford crosses took all the prizes in a class of twenty-five entries, 

 a remarkable showing. 



The Oxford as a wool producer is in special favor to-day. 

 Shearing a heavy fleece of combing wool, which tends to coarse- 

 ness and length of staple, it thus satisfies the demand of the 



