An Oxford Down ram, winner of numei-ous state fair prizes, owned by 

 George JIcKerrow, Sussex, Wisconsin. 



DESCRIPTION OF THK OXFOKD DO\VN SHEEP 



T'HIS breed originated in the county of Oxford, England, and the type was 

 evolved by tlie use of tlie Cotswold and Hampshire. The origin of the type is 

 sliown somewliat in the modern representatives for the scale, substance and back 

 w hich tliey possess reflect the qualities of tlie long wool line, while the dark face^ 

 fleece characteristics and quality of structure are attributable to the Down ancestry. 

 Tlie face and markings are either gray or brown. The .head of the Oxford differs 

 somewhat from the Shropshire in being longer and not so densely wooled past tlie 

 eye, while the car is slightly larger and longer. The form is square in general 

 appearance, wider than In that of the other Down breeds and the hind quarter 

 square on top and below carrying flesh close to the hocks. The fleece is heavy, 

 moderately open and the fiber is long and strong. When mature they are one of 

 the heaviest of the Down breeds being large in size and strong in frame. See official 

 scale of points, page iijo. 



