4 14 SHEEP 



abundantly in Dorset and Somerset counties, especially on the 

 islands of Wight, Purbeck, and Portland, where superior flocks 

 may be found. In 1903, at the annual meeting of the Dorset Horn 

 Association, 46,878 head were reported in Dorset, 9458 in Somer- 

 set, and 6728 on the Isle of Wight, these all being registered 

 sheep. At the annual sale of Dorsets at Dorchester as many as 

 15,000 head are sold. The breed has not been taken up with 

 much activity abroad. In the United States high-class flocks 

 are found in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and 

 Connecticut, but the breed is found in many other states and 

 also in Canada. Dorsets have also been exported to Australasia 

 and other British provinces. The breed seems well adapted to 

 the level or slightly rolling lands where food is abundant. It 

 has also thrived in the Allegheny mountain region under 

 conditions of good grazing. 



Organizations of the Dorset Horn sheep breeders were perfected 

 in 1891 in both England and the United States. In England 

 the Dorset Horn Sheep Breeders' Society gives official super- 

 vision to the breed. This association issued its first flock book 

 in 1892, and up to 1905 has published fourteen volumes, regis- 

 tering some 1 800 rams. In 1 89 1 the Dorset Horn Sheep Breeders 

 of America organized and established a flock book, publishing 

 the first and second volumes in one in 1894. Owing to a dis- 

 agreement among the members, in 1 897 the Continental Dorset 

 Club was organized, with headquarters in Ohio. This club pub- 

 lished its first flock book in 1900, and in 1905 issued its third 

 volume. 



