422 SHEEP 



Characteristics of Suffolk Down Sheep. The head is hornless 

 and is a distinct black color, more so than with any other British 

 breed, and inclines to be long. The ears are also black and tend 

 to be large. The neck is moderately long, the body inclines to 

 be rangy but with well-sprung rib, the chest is broad and full, 

 and the legs black in color. The fleece is moderately short and 

 fine and covers the body and neck to head, not as a rule passing 

 over the forehead. The legs are wooled to knees and hocks. 



FIG. 198. Playford Model (7731), first-prize Suffolk ram at the Royal Agricul- 

 tural Society of England Show, 1904. Owned by S. R. Sherwood, 

 Playford, England. Photograph from William Cooper & Nephews, 

 Berkhamsted, England 



The breed rather resembles the Hampshire Down but for the 

 bareness of head. The Suffolk is said to be very hardy and is 

 quite exempt from foot rot. 



The size of the Suffolk Down is nearly equal to the Hampshire, 

 and is greater than the Shropshire. It is stated that mature rams 

 of Mr. Sewell weighed from 200 to 240 pounds, while one of 

 the imported yearling ewes of Mr. Streeter weighed 200 pounds 

 and a ram lamb nine months old 195 pounds. The average 

 Suffolk possesses a weight popular with American stockmen. 



