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. 



THIS 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 be 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 characterized 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. Ruggedness 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 char- 

 acteristic 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. 



