1,38 



BREEDS OF SHEEP AND GOATS 



Fig. 49. — Hampshire ewe. 



early spring trade and bring good prices. The mutton is 

 of good quality and the ewes are very prolific and good 

 milkers. On the range they are frequently desired for 

 crossing with the Merino. Hampshire sheep are quite 

 widely distributed over the world wherever sheep are 

 raised. 



The Southdown. — The Southdown is the oldest es- 

 tablished breed of mutton sheep. They originated in 

 southeastern England upon the thin chalk soils in the low 

 hill or down country. Over one hundred years ago these 

 sheep existed pure, and through the efforts of two pro- 

 gressive English farmers, John Ellman and Jonas Webb, 

 they were improved, and became the favorite sheep of 

 royalty, which distinction they have held to the present 

 day. Some of the best sheep are produced near the city 



