107 



OXFORD 



The Oxford is the largest of the Down breeds of sheep. 

 If has in its value the blood of the Southdown, the Hamp- 

 shire ami the Cotswold breeds. It was originated about 

 is:>0, but., the present day sheep is the result of great care 

 and selection since that time. 



The object in originating this breed was to secure a 

 better quality of mutton than that produced by the long- 

 wool ed breeds of sheep, and a better quality and a larger 

 quantity of wool than that produced by the short wooled 

 breeds. In England it is considered by many the best 

 breeds of sheep not only for the producer, but for the 

 butcher. 



There are comparatively few breeders of Oxfords in 

 the Nor lh west. 



Like the other Down breeds of sheep used in this ex- 

 periment the breed characteristics were not as uniformly 

 transmitted to the lambs as with some other breeds. 



Nine yeans experience shows that the pure-bred flock 

 on t lie College Farm is perfectly hardy under our condi- 

 tions. 



