A champion Southdown ram shown in 1911 by Charles Leet & Son, 

 Mantua, Ohio. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE SOUTHDOWN SHEEP. 



THIS BREED, which is one of the oldest and purest, originated on the 

 Downs of Sussex in England and they represent a uniformity of type for 

 mutton purposes which may be accepted as a model of mutton form. The 

 type shown by this breed is very symmetrical, compact and close to the 

 ground and there is a marked refinement in every feature ; the general struc- 

 ture being of fine quality while every part strongly reflects the same char- 

 acteristic. The head is moderate in size, short and clearly defined in its 

 lineaments. The forehead should be covered v/ith wool and the cheeks also 

 but this usually does not join forward of the eye. There is a complete absence 

 of horns, with small pointed ears, the face is some shade of brown or gray 

 tint and the same markings should prevail on the legs. The neck is very 

 short and straight, the breast broad and full, the back is straight, well cov- 

 ered and tightly knit, while the loin is wide, straight and smooth. The gen- 

 eral form of the body shows much depth and width with a trimness charac- 

 teristic of every region. The hips while markedly wide are not prominent, the 

 hind quarter fills out square and the twist and thigh are low and full. . The 

 fleece is characterized more by its fineness and density rather than the weight 

 of the wool which it yields as it is generally medium in length and compar- 

 atively free from yolk. A marked uniformity in the quality of the wool should 

 be in evidence ; that over the shoulder and that which covers the thigh and 

 other parts being very even in quality. The best types of this breed may be 

 accepted as a model form for the block. See official scale of points, page 131. 



