SHBEP HUSBANDRY. 359 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 



VARIOUS BREEDS OF SHEEP. 



Our Illustrations. We have been unusually fortunate in having 

 the extensive collection of cuts belonging to that valuable farmers' pa- 

 per, "The Country Gentleman," placed at our disposal. Through its 

 kindness we are able to give illustrations of the various breeds that have 

 been made from photographs of the living animals, nearly all of them 

 prize-winners. Such illustrations are much more valuable than those 

 drawn by the artist's fancy, making typical sheep of the various breeds 

 according to his ideal. So many cuts of this nature have been placed 

 before the public that the average stock-raiser is at a disadvantage when 

 comparing his animals with those of the artist's fancy. 



Southdown. In the south of England there is a range of low hills 

 known as the "Downs," which have a dry soil, covered with short, 

 sweet, rich, dense grass. These hills, or "Downs," extend from rich 

 cultivated soil in the north, gradually descending southward to the sea. 

 Here the Sussex, or Southdowns were bred, and at the time the breed- 

 •jrs took them in hand were not very desirable. They were small, had 

 \hin necks, were narrow in the fore-quarters, low behind, high in front, 

 razor-backed, and very flat ribbed. Tin. ir only point of superiority was 

 the sweetness and excellent flavor of their flesh, which was undoubtedly 

 the result of the excellent character of their pasture. But fifty years of 

 veeding and constant selection of the best for breeding purposes, im- 

 proved them till they became the first of the short -wool breeds. 



At the present time the Southdowns hold the position of being the 

 best mutton sheep in the world. At one year of age they dress from 

 seventy to eighty pounds of the very choicest "lamb" in the market. 

 Their fleece, while not heavy, will weigh five or six pounds, and it is in 

 great demand for soft flannels. 



They make excellent mothers and prolific breeders. These sheep, as 

 now bred', are without horns, and have dark brown or black faces and 

 legs. The body is round and deep, and of medium size, the back broad 

 and level, the thigh full and massive, and the fore-quarters are wide and 

 deep, with a broad breast. 



It is a good feeder, and the lambs are active and hardy. The South- 

 downs will adapt themselves to any climate and style of farming where 

 they can have good pasture. 



