THE MUTTON BREEDS OF SHEEP 333 
mountain ewes for the production of mutton lambs. 
Pure-breds are also in favor for production of lambs to be 
sold at weaning time. The rams bred to Merino ewes 
produce highly satisfactory lambs for feeding off at eight 
to ten months of age. They produce a high quality of 
mature mutton, as they do not develop fat in bunches. 
The ewes are not suited for growing winter lambs, as they 
will not breed at the right season, but the rams are very 
satisfactory for siring such lambs. The lambs are good 
feeders and mature rapidly. Single lambs are the rule, 
but a flock of ewes usually produces 125 per cent of lambs. 
Southdowns have rarely been known to produce triplets. 
The Southdown has the shortest and finest wool of any 
of the Down or middle-wool breeds. The attempt has 
been to develop a fleece with a compact, smooth surface, 
that is, without spiral tips on the locks of wool. The 
average weight of the fleece for ewes is about six pounds, 
and for rams about eight pounds. The wool grades as 
one-half and three-eighths. 
380. Distribution. — The general adaptability and good 
grazing qualities of the Southdown, together with its 
superior mutton, have led to its wide dissemination. In 
America it has been especially popular in the Central-East 
and South, although it is found in practically every state 
and territory in the Union and in Canada. In South 
America it is found in Argentina, Chile and other countries. 
It has been introduced throughout Europe, Asia, Japan, 
Africa and Australia. 
381. Organization and records. — English and Ameri- 
can record associations were organized in 1882. The 
Southdown Sheep Society has headquarters in London; 
the American Southdown Breeders’ Association, with 
headquarters at Springfield, Illinois, has issued fourteen 
