Y8 DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



brings good prices. It is not generally considered a profitable 

 breed in this country, except, perhaps, on rich lowland farms 

 in the vicinity of considerable markets. 



5. The South-Down Breed. The South-Down is an upland 

 sheep of medium size, and its wool, in point of length, belongs 

 to the medium class. There has been considerable controversy 

 in reference to the value of the Downs in comparison with the 

 other favorite breeds. Mr. Randall does not rate them very 

 high for wool-bearing. But they are cultivated in England 

 more particularly for their mutton, which in the English mar- 

 kets takes precedence of every other sort. 



" The Down is turned off at two years old, and its weight at 

 that age in England is from eighty to a hundred pounds. Not- 

 withstanding its weight, the Down has a patience of occa- 

 sional short keep, and an endurance of hard stocking equal to 

 any other sheep. It is hardy, healthy, quiet, and docile. It 

 withstands our American winters well. A sheep possessing 

 such qualities must of course be valuable in upland districts in 

 the vicinity of markets."* 



Mr. J. 0. Taylor, of Holmdel, N. J., in a communication 

 published in the Country Gentleman, says : 



"I contend that under a high state of management, the 

 South-Downs are a very profitable sheep to keep, in proof of 

 which (for I have the figures) I will cite my now yearling ram. 

 Last July he was worth five dollars to sell for butchering, 

 without anything more than good pasture ; he served several 

 ewes from the middle of September to the first of December, 

 which was much against his growth. At seven cents per 

 week, from July to December, say $1 50 cost of keep from 

 December to May 2d, $5 41, making, with his worth in July, a 

 total of $11 91. Had he been a wether I could have sold him 

 on May 2d for $22 for butchering, leaving a clear gain of over 

 $10 at from thirteen to fourteen months old ! I ask the stock- 

 raiser and feeder if this is not as profitable as long wools, or 



* Randall. 



