THE EOMNEY MAKSH. 35 



not exceeding fourteen miles in length by ten miles in breadth. 

 The soil being a heavy rich clay, was adapted to the growth of 

 a large breed of sheep, and we find the Eomney Marsh compet- 

 ing with the Lincoln for weight of carcass. 



The unimproved breed is described as having had flat sides, 

 big bellies, narrow chests and large heads, and were evidently 

 more useful than good-looking; but by the judicioxis infusion of 

 improved Leicester blood, and years of careful selection, they 

 have attained a place of favor in the estimation of sheep breeders 

 which they certainly merit. They are especially adapted to low- 

 lying soils. 



In general appearance they resemble the Lincoln, being 

 white-faced, hornless ; the wool is of long staple and heavy. The 

 first importations of the breed to America are supposed to have 

 been in the- early settlement of Massachusetts, evidently being 

 the unimproved breed. Latterly the Eomney Marsh are spring- 

 ing into favor, and doubtless in a short time an association will be 

 formed in the United States to record correct pedigrees, etc., 

 and establish the breed in its proper place among the others of 

 this country. 



]VIiddle-dooled Breeds, 



Cbe Southdown. 



Also called the Sussex. This breed of sheep trace back 

 with a long line of pure descent to a period prior to the reign 

 of William the Conqueror. It is beyond a doubt one of the 

 purest and most unmixed breeds in England, holding a position 

 in the esteem of breeders second to none. This noted breed has 

 reached its present state of perfection by unceasing attention on 

 the part of breeders, perpetuating the purity and perfection of 



