THE KENT OR ROMNEY MARSH 451 



The head and legs are white ; the head long and broad, with a tuft of 

 wool on forehead ; no horns ; neck long and thin ; breast narrow with mod- 

 erate fore quarters ; the body long with flattish sides and sharp chine ; loins 

 wide and strong ; the belly large ; thighs broad and thick ; and legs and feet 

 large, with coarse bone and muscle. They are very hardy and are well 

 adapted for the bleak and exposed district of the Romney Marshes. They 

 also bear stocking closer than other breeds, as it is not unusual to see six or 

 eight fattening sheep placed to the acre. The improved breed produces 

 sheep ready for market at from two to three years old, weighing from 120 to 

 140 pounds. The fleece is valuable, weighing on the average eight pounds. 



The modern type of Kent sheep is a decided improvement over 

 the breed as described by Wilson. The head is white and is fre- 

 quently bare of wool and also hornless. Careful selection and 

 breeding has reduced the size somewhat, but has produced a 

 sheep more compact of frame and more easily fattened than the 

 old sort. The back is broader, the ribs are longer, the coupling 

 shorter, and the leg of mutton heavier and of excellent quality. 

 In the improvement of the breed the fleece has been refined to a 

 marked degree. The adaptability of the Kentish sheep to low- 

 lying lands has caused it to be regarded with favor in eastern 

 England and in some other sections, for it seems freer from foot 

 rot than most breeds ; in fact, it is claimed that this breed on 

 Romney Marshes is not affected with this disease at all. 



The Kent sheep in America is almost unknown. A few indi- 

 viduals have been brought here in the past, but the importations 

 have not succeeded in obtaining a permanent and satisfactory 

 foothold. In 1904 a few poor specimens were imported and 

 exhibited at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, but 

 persons familiar with the breed criticised them severely. There 

 is no question but what Kent sheep have merit in their native 

 county, and are suited to certain regions in the United States. 

 In Australia the breed has met with favor and is imported to the 

 British colonies to some extent. 



