52 MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF SHEEP 



of the fleece. The reduction in fineness and density will 

 be relatively slow, and it will be measurably proportion- 

 ate to the character of the fleece possessed by the breed 

 used in crossing. The reduction in the yolk results from 

 the law of transmission operating through the crossing of 

 a breed with less yolk in the wool upon one possessed of 

 more. The increase in the length of the fiber will depend 

 upon relative length of the same in the breed used in 

 crossing and in the grade crossed upon. A cross from 

 any of the long wool breeds will lengthen the fiber in all 

 instances. A similar result will follow, though less in 

 degree, from some crosses made by certain of the middle 

 wool breeds, as the Oxford Down and Cheviot. A cross 

 of the Southdown will usually result in shortening the 

 wool fiber. The Lincoln cross upon Merino grades stands 

 high in favor, viewed from the standpoint of wool pro- 

 duction. Sheep the progeny of such crosses are heavy 

 shearers. The wool is strong in fiber and prized by man- 

 ufacturers. The Shropshire cross is also a favorite, viewed 

 from the standpoint of quality and yield in the wool. 



Crossing the mutton breeds upon those essentially of 

 Merino lineage tends in some degree to lessen hardihood 

 in the progeny, and it may also be said to detract from 

 their ability to rustle for food. The less dense character 

 of the fleece resulting makes them less resistant to storms. 

 The decrease in the yolk still further lessens such power. 

 They are also less inclined, and are indeed less able, to 

 roam over large areas when seeking food. On the arable 

 farm these considerations are not of moment nearly so 

 great as on the range. In but few instances, and possibly 

 not in any, has it been found possible on the western 

 ranges to maintain sufficient stamina in sheep, the prog- 

 eny of any considerable number of crosses made suc- 

 cessively from using sires of any of the mutton breeds. 

 After crossing thus for a time it has been found necessary 

 to introduce one or more outcrosses of Merino blood to in- 

 crease inherent vigor and especially storm-resistant power. 



