Imported Hampshire ram, BARTON'S BEST 699. Weight, 313 Ibs; fleece 12^ 

 Ibs., April 15, 1896. At head of the Prairie Castle flock. Dropped February 

 10, 1893. Owned by J. H. Taft Estate, Mendon, Mich. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE HAMPSHIRE SHEEP 



1*HIS BREED, finding its name from its native district in England is strong 

 framed with those features which denote constitution, strikingly shown. The 

 head is strong and somewhat large with prominent nose and ear inclined to bo 

 thick and large yet there should not be any undue coarseness in these parts. The 

 neck should be strong and deep from head to shoulder, the chest very deep and 

 wide. The back strong with width and proper covering. The hind quarter should 

 be cnaracterized by fullness both before and below. In general the frame is strong, 

 lengthy and close to the ground with the other attributes which indicate vigor. 

 The wool of the fleece is somewhat short, dense and strong in fiber. Ruggedncss 

 and weight of form are desirable yet these should be secured if possible without 

 extreme coarseness of form or fleece. The early development of the lambs of this 

 breed is a leading characteristic and should be recognized, consequently a heavy 

 weight at an early age but not at the expense of quality and breed type is very 

 desirable. See official scale of points, page 133. 



