DOMESTIC BKEEDS OP SHEEP. 17 



The Morfe Common were a small-horned sheep with black, brown, 

 and spotted faces. Their carcasses weighed from 35 to 65 pounds, 

 and the average weight of fleece was about 2 pounds. Their wool 

 was of reputed good quality. The infusion of Southdown blood 

 improved the mutton qualities and removed the horns. The Cots- 

 wold and Leicester blood increased the size and weight of fleece and 

 introduced early maturing qualities. The introduction of new blood 

 caused a lack of uniformity for a time, but this has been subsequently 

 overcome by careful selection. Among the early improvers of the breed 

 were Samuel Meire, of Berrington, and George Adney, of Harley. 



From its home in Shropshire this breed has spread into practically 

 every county in England. It may also be found in Scotland, Ireland, 

 Russia, and nearly all other countries where improved sheep have 

 been introduced. 



An importation of Shropshires was made into Virginia in 1855, 

 but the records do not state who imported them. Samuel Sutton, of 

 Relay House, Md., brought over another lot in 1860, and since that 

 time there have been many importations. In fact, few other breeds 

 are being imported in greater numbers at the present time. 



The profitable combination of wool and mutton the Shropshire 

 represents has caused it to be known as the "farmers' sheep," and it 

 has been especially popular in the farming sections of America. 

 However, this breed has not only found a home under these condi- 

 tions, but it has been used extensively in the West for crossing upon 

 range ewes. Because of its wide range of adaptability and conse- 

 quent popularity, it is doubtful whether there is a State in the 

 Union that does not possess flocks of this breed. The Shropshire is 

 also prominent in the show ring, as attested by the large classes 

 exhibited. They usually overtop any other breed in respect to num- 

 bers, and there have been instances where they outnumbered all 

 other breeds combined. It is a source of considerable satisfaction to 

 American Shropshire breeders to know that their best sheep are not 

 surpassed in excellence by any imported. This is also a tribute to 

 the breed, as it indicates that the Shropshire does not deteriorate 

 when removed from its native home, but maintains its type and soon 

 becomes acclimatized. The winnings at the International Live 

 Stock Exposition, tabulated on pages 57 and 58, indicate to some 

 extent the prominence of the breed. 



At present the Shropshire is an early maturing breed of pronounced 

 fecundity. They are medium sized, rams weighing from 175 to 250 

 pounds and ewes from 140 to 180 pounds. Their wool is of good 

 quality and weight, fleeces ranging from 8 to 15 pounds. One of the 

 best ewe flocks in this country, comprising over 200 head, produced 

 10.31 pounds per head, which is. a very good average. From data 

 36158°— 14 3 



