THE COTSWOLD 



441 



the best results in feeding were secured on the Cotswold, giving 

 a more economical production than on the Leicester, Hampshire, 

 Sussex, or cross-breds. At the Iowa experiment station, in two 

 breed trials with fattening lambs, the Cotswold made the heavi- 

 est gain, averaging .62 and .50 pound daily respectively, consum- 

 ing less dry matter to secure a pound of gain than any other 

 breed in each trial. In per cent of dressed carcass the Cotswold 

 lambs showed an average of 54.9 and 53.57 respectively, a fair 

 record. From figures collated by Henry of records at the Ameri- 

 can Fat Stock Shows at Chicago between 1879 an d 1882, Cots- 

 wold wethers showed the following gain from birth : 



The general testimony is that the Cotswold is a superior feeder, 

 and Wallace writes that it is well suited for feeding on stiff land, 

 even when pretty wet, although the last part of the statement is 

 very questionable. 



The value of the Cotswold in crossing and grading is moderate. 

 Used on native sheep or grade Merinos, extra scale and better 

 mutton quality may be obtained, with more fleece. Formerly 

 Cotswold rams were considerably used in the central west on 

 common ewes, but the demand for a smaller type of mutton and 

 a compact fleece caused the discontinuance of this practice. 



The Cotswold as a grazing sheep ranks high where pastures 

 are abundant, but on hilly or rough land it is not a satisfactory 

 breed. This breed does best in the northern plain sections of 

 America, where plenty of grass, roots, and grain may be grown. 

 From its quiet temperament and heavy weight, like the other long- 

 wool breeds, it may be fed to great advantage on rape or turnips 

 for a limited time, on restricted areas within hurdles. 



The breeding qualities of the Cotswold are fairly good, though 

 some authorities rank the breed as superior in this respect. None 

 of the large breeds, however, are strongly fecund, though they 

 are excellent nurses and produce large lambs. 



