BREED CHARACTERISTICS 399 



grown by the Down breeds. The skin of the Oxford is not 

 as desirable as it should be, there being some tendency to 

 a bluish tinge which is an objectionable feature in any breed. 

 The Oxford is prolific and meets with most favor on level 

 or rolling lands. 



Standabd of Excellence and Scale op Points for Oxford 

 Down Sheep. 



Points. 



Breed Type — 30 Points. 



Form: Of a good general appearance, made by a well-balanced 

 conformation, free from coarseness in any part, and show- 

 ing 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 darlc gray or brown, 

 either with or without gray spot on tip of nose . 6 



Rams: When fully matured and in good condition rams] 

 should weigh 250 to 350 pounds. I r 



Ewes: When fully matured and in good condition ewesj 

 should weigh 180 to 275 pounds . . . .J 



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 

 Constitution — 25 Points. 



Heart Girth: Large and wide and full in the chest . 10 



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 



Mutton Form and Quality — 30 Points. 



Shoulders, Back, Loin, and Rump: Wide and straight on top 

 from base of neck to tail ... 15 



Shoulders and Thighs: Full and 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 side lines straight 

 or rather full 4 



Carcass: Evenly covered with good, well-marbled meat 6 



Wool — 15 Points. * 



Fleece: Of moderate length, close and of even quality, cover- 

 ing the whole carcass, well and free from black patches 

 upon the body, neck or head .... 15 



Total .... 100 



Cheviot. — The Cheviot is a very characteristic breed. Its 

 stylish form and sprightly movements are noticeable by any 



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