Southdown i-iim Banner Bkaker, formerly stock sireof Turlinunori J^tock 

 Farm, Turliugton, Nebraska, now owned by W. E. iripicer. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE SOUTHDOWN SHEEP 



'Phis breed, winch is one of the oldest and purest, originated on the Downs of 

 Sussex in England and they represent a uniformity of type for mutton pur 

 poses which may be accepted as a model of mutton form. The type shown by this 

 breed is very symmetrical, compact and close to the ground and there is a marked 

 refinement in every feature; the general structure being of fine quality wluloevery 

 part strongly reflects the same characteristic. The head is moderate in size, short 

 and clearly defined in its lineaments. The forehead should be covered with wool and 

 the cheeks also but this usually does not join forward of the eye. There is a com- 

 plete absence of horns, with small i)(jinted ears, the face is some shade of brown or 

 gray tint and tlie same markings should prevail on the legs. The neck is very short 

 and straight, the breast broad and full, the back Is straight, well covered and 

 tightly knit, while the loin is wide, straight and smooth. The general form of the 

 body shows much depth and width with a trimness characteristic of every region. 

 The hips while markedly wide are not prominent, the hind quarter fills out square 

 and the twist and thigh are low and full. The fleece Is characterized more by its 

 fineness and density rather tlian the weight of the wool which it yields as it is gen - 

 erally medium In length and comparatively free from yolk. A marked uniformity 

 in the qu.ality of the wool should be in evidence; that over the shoulder and that 

 which covers the thigh and other parts being very even in quality. The best types 

 of this breed may be accepted as a model form for the block See ofiQclal scale of 

 points, page 181. 



