CHAPTER XII. 

 CLASSIFICATION OF THE BREEDS OF SHEEP- 



Fewer breeds of sheep are raised on American 

 farms than in Great Britain. Indeed, in England 

 and Scotland, American flockowners would find 

 not only the breeds common in this country, but 

 also several which were practically unknown to 

 them. Therefore, perhaps the best opportunity 

 one could have to see all the various breeds with- 

 out traveling over a large territory, would be to 

 attend the great annual Royal show usually held 

 in one of the larger cities in England. At this show, 

 the breeds of sheep raised in England, Scotland, 

 and Ireland are all assembled, making a grand 

 display and leaving a deep impression on the per- 

 son who is interested in seeing so many different 

 kinds on exhibition. This show offers an excellent 

 chance to study and compare the different breeds. 



At the present time, only about twelve breeds 

 are familiar to American shepherds. These twelve 

 recognized breeds are divided into three distinct 

 groups, namely, medium or middle wools, long or 

 coarse wools, and fine wools. 



The medium or middle wools consist of eight 

 different breeds, as follows: Shropshire Down, 



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