496 



THE COMPLETE GRAZIER. 



now been, as a rule, succeeded by the Shropshire, and the number of 

 pure-bred Ryeland flocks is probably very limited. These sheep are 

 small and hornless, and distinguished for the great fineness of their 

 wool, which is superior for carding purposes to that of any other 

 English breed. The introduction of fine foreign wool no doubt had 

 much to do with the diminution of this breed in popularity. 



THE SOMERSET and DORSET HORNED breed (fig. 127) is one of the 

 oldest in the kingdom, and has been preserved practically pure, though 

 the sheep have been greatly improved in size, shape, and fleece during 

 the past fifty years. The ram has a singularly long convoluted horn, 



** w~ -~. 



, *" 4 ?; 



k. HMR *- ij 



Fig. 126. Ryeland Ram in Full Wool. 



The property of Mr. Frank Shepherd, The Brook, Colwall, Malvern, Worcestershire. 



this outgrowth being less developed in the ewe. The muzzle, legs, and 

 hoofs are white ; the nostrils are pink. The chest is deep, and the loins 

 broad. The wool is of an intermediate kind between long and short, 

 and of medium fineness, weighing about 4 Ib. per fleece ; and the 

 carcass averages 18 Ib. per quarter of excellent mutton. 



The Dorset Horns are a hardy race, being chiefty bred on open 

 downs, and inured to the fold ; but their principal value consists in 

 the peculiar forwardness of the ewes, which take the ram at an 

 earlier period than any other breed, and are therefore much sought 

 after, and command high prices, for the purpose of producing early 

 lamb for winter consumption. They will take the ram as early as 

 April. 



At one time this breed occupied the greater part of the chalk 

 district, but they had to give way before the Southdowns and Hamp- 

 shire Downs, which were more suited to the situation. The principal 

 flocks are found in the neighbourhood of Dorchester, but latterly 

 they have extended their range, flocks now existing in many parts 



