490 THE COMPLETE GRAZIER. BOOK iv. 



from 100 guineas downwards, thus proving the enormous advantages, in 

 the way of quick returns, enjoyed by the Hampshire Downs over many 

 other breeds. 



" The chief points of a true-bred Hampshire Down sheep (fig. 120) 

 are : A long, deep, and symmetrical carcass, with the ribs well sprung, 

 broad straight back, flat loins, full dock, wide rump, deep and heavily 

 developed legs of mutton and breast, head and neck well placed on 

 gradually sloping and closely fitting shoulders, the neck being parti- 

 cularly of a strong muscular growth and. not too long, the ears nicely 

 set on, of fair length and whole coloured ; prominent intelligent eye; 

 the body, as above described, standing on strongly jointed and power- 



Photo by J. T. Kewman. 



Fig. 121. Oxford Down Ram. 



First in the Shearling Class at the Royal Agricultural Society's Show at Lincoln, 1907. 

 The property of Mr. James T. Hobbs, Maisey Hampton, Fairford. 



ful legs, with good feet, presenting a smart and attractive appearance. 

 The colour of the face, cheeks, ears, and legs should be of a rich dark 

 brown, approaching to black, white specks or black bar between the 

 ears being especially avoided. The wool is moderate in length, of close 

 and fine texture, reaching well over the forehead, the skin being of a 

 delicate pink." 



THE' OXFORD DOWN originated in the deliberate crossing of two 

 distinct types of sheep, the long-wool and the short-wool. As it has 

 on the whole approximated more to the Down character while largely 

 retaining the weight of fleece and size of the long-wool it is now 

 usually classified with the Southdowns and Hampshire Downs. Its 



