52 MODERN SHEEP: BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



with the result, while many of our neighbors can only produce a 

 lamb to the ewe, we have been able for several seasons to produce 

 from 35 to 47 per cent more lambs than ewes put to the ram. 



"We are glad to see that English breeders are waking up to 

 the importance of using twin rams and we are often asked for 

 them. We have also introduced into the flock individual regis- 

 tration and we hope very soon to induce the council of the Hamp- 

 shire Down Sheep Breeders' Association to adopt the principle 

 of the individual registration of ewes. We consider the present 

 method of registration far from being perfect, as we can only get 

 the pedigree on the sire's side, but we hope very soon to see a new 

 order of things. Our method of disposing of our rams is by pri- 

 vate treaty and by auction. We sold over 300 last year. Our for- 

 eign trade is increasing year by year and we have at present 200 

 splendidly bred ewe lambs in preparation for next year's export 

 trade, besides 30 grand field rams and some useful wethers which 

 will make useful exhibition sheep next year." 



The American Hampshire Sheep Association is doing a good 

 work for this great breed in this country, thanks to the efforts of 

 Secretary Comfort A. Tyler and his colleagues. 



THE SOUTHDOWN. 



The Southdown is the oldest pure breed of short-wooled sheep. 

 It takes its name from a long line of chalk hills, known as the 

 South Downs, situated south of London and extending from 

 Beachy Head on the east to the Adur river in Sussex. These 

 Downs are covered with a short, close herbage, upon which great 

 numbers of sheep have been kept for many generations. Although 

 the grass on these Downs is, at the best of times, somewhat scant, 

 it is very nutritious, and much of the superiority of Down mutton 

 is due to its fine feeding qualities. 



Not only to the Southdown is due the improvement of the 

 mutton of other breeds, but the fleece of the 'short-wool types as 

 well. Southdown wool is the finest in texture and quality of all 

 short-wooled breeds, and is the nearest approach to Merino wool in 

 these respects. Some authorities claim that the Southdown and 

 the Leicester have the same common origin; but how dissimilar 

 in characteristics and temperament! The appellation that one 

 sheep will live where another will starve, no doubt originated with 

 the Southdown. Southdowns withstand extremes of heat and cold, 

 and are suitable for every climate. It is considered by its cham- 

 pions to be the king of all mutton breeds. That it deserves most 

 of the praise showered upon it is proved by its phenomenal achieve- 

 ments at our great Chicago International Shows. The following 

 is its record there : In 1902 the championship carcass of the show 

 was a grade Southdown, and in the college contest the champion 



