DOMESTIC BKEEDS OF SHEEP. 3 



Whether the breeder expects to specialize upon some particular 

 line of sheep farming should likewise be instrumental in making a 

 decision. If winter lambs are to be produced a breed must be secured 

 that will breed at the right season of the year, and not all will do this. 

 The Dorset, Merino, and Tunis have given the best satisfaction thus 

 far. 



The popularity of a breed will often have its effect in influencing 

 one's decision. Some breeds have been developed under conditions 

 that are more general, or else they have a wider range of adaptability 

 than others. The popularity of several breeds in this country is due to 

 this fact. No better illustrations of these can be mentioned than the 

 Merinos and Shropshires that are found from Maine to California. 

 Some of the minor breeds need men who will place them before the 

 public, as there can be no doubt as to the effect of a wide-awake breed 

 association in advancing a breed. 



It is well before making a selection to consider carefully the most 

 popular breed in your community. There is usually some good reason 

 for it being popular, but occasionally because of fashion a breed will 

 enjoy a "boom" that it does not rightly deserve. In some States at 

 the present time there are colonies of breeders handling certain breeds, 

 and buyers are attracted there because there are excellent oppor- 

 tunities for selection in the neighborhood. There are also advantages 

 connected with buying stock near home. The keen competition 

 offered by some of the classes in the show ring has been a lure that has 

 caused some men to take up a certain breed. Others have been con- 

 tent to win more often in the smaller classes where the winnings are 

 easier. 



Some breeds are regarded as needing more care than others; at any 

 rate they become more unsightly if denied this attention. However, 

 no flock will thrive upon mismanagement. Good appearance is 

 always desirable, and sometimes it is of prime importance. The use 

 of sheep for keeping the lawns of parks and country places in trim 

 has been in effect in this country for years and here attractiveness 

 is indispensable. The Southdown has proven very popular for this 

 purpose. 



The cost of foundation stock will undoubtedly have considerable 

 influence with some people in making a selection. However, too 

 much importance should not be attached to this. Often breeding 

 stock of some breed unadapted to your locality can be bought very 

 reasonably, but if the flock was established there would be little 

 demand for its products and the venture would be likely to meet with 

 failure. 



The characteristics of the breeds as regards the color of the face and 

 legs and whether or not they are horned have been regarded as of 

 considerable weight, but it is doubtful whether these are as important 

 as is sometimes inferred. 



