BREED CHARACTERISTICS 



401 



there are other breeds which surpass it. The most striking 

 characteristics are the head which is broad, deep and almost 

 completely covered with wool. The eyes and the extremity 

 of the muzzle are the only parts which are not covered 

 with wool, although in some cases it is so dense that the eye- 

 sight is almost completely obstructed. The fleece is medium 

 in length, compact, and should extend from the muzzle ex- 

 tremity well down to the hoofs on characteristic animals 

 of the breed. The muzzle is usually dark brown or black 

 and also that part of the legs which may not be covered 



FIG. 172. Shropshire ram. 



with wool. The Shropshire possesses most striking breed 

 characteristics. The breed is hornless, the ears small, short, 

 and should be covered with short, fine wool. Large ears are 

 objectionable. The Shropshire is a strong-backed breed, 

 and usually has good depth of body. The brisket is usually 

 full and square. The fleece covers the entire body uniformly 

 and exhibits unusual quality. The breed is early maturing, 

 the lambs growing and fattening uniformly at an early age. 

 The mutton and wool combination, size, quality, and matur- 

 ity are popular with the numerous advocates of the breed. 

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