105 



HAMPSHIRE 



This is a comparatively new breed of mutton sheep in 

 the Northwest,, but one of the oldest of the Down breeds of 

 England. In 1861, The Royal Agricultural Society of Eng- 

 land recognized this as a distinct breed, but it existed sever- 

 al years previous to this time. As with the Shropshire, this 

 breed was also repeatedly crossed with the Southdown to 

 improve its quality. The original strain had long curly legs 

 and a coarse body throughout. 



The present day Hampshire is noted for its large 

 weight at an yearly age and is perf erred for this reason by 

 many breeders. However, Hampshires are not as compact- 

 ly built as the Shropshires and not considered as desir- 

 able by the butcher on account of the large bones. 



The wool is shorter in staple than with the Shropshire 

 and they do not when matured yield as much per head. 



"ttlack wool and hair where there should be wool, in 

 the pure-breds should not be tolerated. 



Rams of this breed did not impress their qualities on 

 tli<> offspring as strongly as did rams of the Cotswold and 

 Rambouillet breeds. 



Nine years experience with the Hampshire shows it 

 to be perfectly hardy in South Dakota. 



