MORE IMPORTANT BREEDS OF SHEEP 



445 



WOOL, 15 Points: 



Fleece Of moderate length, close and of even quality, covering the 



whole carcass well, and free from black patches upon the body, 



neck or head . 15 



Total 



100 



The Hampshire breed of sheep originated in Hampshire, 

 in southern England. This is a large, hornless breed. The 

 color of the hair on head, ears and legs is a very dark 



Fig. 243. Hampshire ram, champion at Ohio State Fair. 



brown, almost black in shade. In size the Hampshire ranks 

 among the largest medium wool breeds, mature rams weigh- 

 ing about 250 pounds and ewes from 175 to 200 pounds. 

 Among the most distinctive characteristics of individuals of 

 the breed are the following: the head is somewhat large, 

 with a tendency to Roman nose ; the ears are large, bare of 

 wool, conspicuous, and often of droopy carriage ; the wool 

 extends but a slight distance over the forehead, so that the 



