54 THE DOMESTIC SHEEP. 



and enterprise, lor the benefit of the old flocks, as we have 

 done already in regard to our finest specimens of cattle and 

 horses. 



SHORT-WOOL SHEEP. 



The Southdown is the generally accepted type of a mut- 

 ton and short clothing wool sheep. It is moreover worthy of 

 the first place in this category, for the reason that it has 

 been the sire of all other so-called Down breeds, crossed 

 on various old-fashioned races which had become obsolete, 

 and indeed unprofitable, in competition with the finer flocks 

 of the eminent breeders who had brought their sheep to 

 the highest degree of perfection. It is one of the most beau- 

 tiful sheep existing; its smooth even body, its round clean 

 barrel, its short legs, fine head, and broad saddle, with its 

 sweet, tender, never over-fat meat, make it especially the 

 ornament of a well kept lawn on any gentleman's country 

 place as well as the profitable stock of the farmer or special 

 breeder. Its mutton has long been held in the highest consid- 

 eration, and although it has some active rivals in general 

 popularity, it will be very severely missed if it were to fall 

 into neglect. In breeding it is always necessary for the 

 maintenance of the desired type to go back to the original 

 sires at times, to renew or strengthen certain points of ex- 

 cellence in the cross breed. And as the Southdown has been 

 the sire of so many of our best breeds, it will always be de- 

 sirable that this breed should be kept in reserve for future 

 usefulness. For a farm sheep fed for domestic use and for 

 the home supply of wool, as well as for its other pleasing 

 and profitable qualities, this should be well thought of among 

 other claimants for general favor. The wealthy proprietor 

 of a farm or country place might always have a flock of 

 Southdowns on his law r n for ornament, and as well for the 

 supply of his hospitable table. If this breed is ever suffered 

 to become extinct it will be a most serious loss in the future 1 ; 

 for it has many valuable, profitable points. Its lamb from 

 a Merino or a common native ewe is the most popular 

 for the market. The market men recognize its plumpness, 

 its light offal, its popular black face, and its tenderness, 

 juiciness, and fatness; all indispensable requirements for the 

 table. This cross-bred lamb has been sold by the author for 



