1C 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



light, but the fibre is very white, and black is seldom seen. The Dorset has the 

 reputation of being the most fertile of all the mutton breeds, ewes frequently pro- 

 ducing triplets. American breeders report from 140 to 175 per cent, lamb-crop. The 



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Dorset Horn rams. 



Dorset Horn ewe. 



ewes will breed either in the spring or fall, as desired. It is claimed two crops of 

 lambs a year can be obtained, but this is not wise. The ewes are good mothers and 

 excellent milkers, being formerly used in their native home for dairy purposes. On 

 account of these qualities Dorset ewes have been largely used for the production of 

 winter or "hothouse" lambs, which have to be born in the fall or very early in the 

 year. The lambs grow very rapidly and show a finish which unfortunately is not 

 carried if they are kept as wethers. The light shearing qualities and the fact that 

 the Dorset is a hard feeder are the main objections to the breed. 



THE CHEVIOT. 



The home of this attractive little sheep is on the borders of England and 

 Scotland. The ancestors of the Cheviot are supposed to have swum ashore from 



