CHARACTERISTICS OF BREEDS. 157 



luok at them, and so little Avere they known as a class, 

 that Philip Pusey, Esq., President of the Koyal Agii- 

 cultural Society, knew nothing about them, although 

 one of his largest tenants, Mr. Druce, had long bred 

 them. It is only within two years that they were for- 

 mally recognized at a meeting, I believe, of the Smith- 

 field club, and they then received the name which I 

 gave them years ago, of Oxford Downs. By this name 

 they are now known in England. I can only add that 

 an experience of six years confirms all that is claimed 

 for them. Fifty-two ewes produced seventy-three 

 healthy lambs from February 13th to March 15th, this 

 year. The same ewes sheared an average of more than 

 seven pounds to the fleece, unwashed wool, which sold 

 for 34 cents per pound. A good ram should weigh as 

 a shearling from 180 to 250 pounds : a good ewe from 

 125 to 160 pounds. They fatten rapidly, and thrive on 

 rough pasture. My flock, now the older and poorer 

 ones have been disposed of, will average, I have no 

 doubt, eight pounds of wool to the fleece. The mutton 

 is exceedingly fine and can be turned into cash in 18 

 months from birth.'' 



