DOMESTIC BREEDS OP SHEEP. 23 



and ewes from 180 to 275 pounds. The fleece is heavy, but it derives 

 most of its weight from its length, as it is somewhat open in character, 

 due to Cotswold blood. Superior Oxford flocks should shear 12 

 pounds of wool, on an average, of quarter and low quarter blood comb- 

 ing wool, though Oxford fleeces occasionally grade as braid wool. 



The breed does not mature so early as some of the smaller ones, but 

 they are at least average in this respect. Then- fecundity is also 

 about the average. 



Objections to inferior Oxford Downs are open fleeces, dark spots on 

 the skin, and occasional black fiber. 



The English Oxford Down Breeders' Association was established 

 in August, 1888. The American Oxford Down Record Association 

 drew up its articles of incorporation at Cincinnati, Ohio, in January, 

 1882, after having met at least once during the previous year. The 

 number of sheep recorded by this society up to January 1, 1914, is 

 67,280. The office of the secretary is now at Hamilton, Ohio. The 

 following is the scale of points of the American Oxford Down Record 

 Association : 



BREED TYPE FOR ANIMALS. 



Points. 



Form of a good general appearance, made by a well-balanced co.nformation, 

 free from coarseness in any part, and snowing good style both at rest and 

 in motion 15 



Head of moderate length and width between the ears and between the eyes, 

 and well covered with wool over poll and down to the eyes. Color of face 

 an even dark gray or brown, either with or without gray spot on tip of nose . 6 



When fully matured and in good condition, rams should weigh 250 to 350 

 pounds; ewes, 180 to 275 pounds 5 



Ears medium size, not too thick and of an even brown or dark gray color 2 



Legs short, strong in bone, flat and of even dark gray or brown color, placed 

 squarely under the body and well apart 2 



30 



CONSTITUTION. 



Large around the heart and wide and full in the chest 10 



The movement must be bold and vigorous "... 5 



Eyes bold, prominent, and bright 4 



Skin bright pink in color 3 



Neck strong and muscular in rams and well set on in both sexes 3 



25 



MUTTON FORM AND QUALITY. 



Wide and straight on top of shoulders, back, loin, and rump, from base of neck 



to tail 15 



Full shoulders and thighs, well meated both inside and outside 5 



Flanks well filled and strong so as to make the lower lines of the body as 



straight as possible, and the side lines straight or rather full 4 



The whole carcass evenly covered with good, well-marbled meat 6 



30 



WOOL. 



Fleece of moderate length, close and of even quality, covering the whole 



carcass well, and free from black patches upon the body, neck, or head 15 



Total 100 



