342 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 
pecially where early market lambs are wanted. In this 
country, Hampshire rams are especially prized for siring 
lambs to be marketed at three to five months of age. 
They are winning some favor on the range, as sires for 
mating with Merino grade ewes. The lambs are said to 
be good rustlers. Pure-breds will doubtless prove prof- 
itable for the production of lambs to be marketed in the 
early spring or summer. But pure-bred flocks will be 
chiefly valuable in America for the supply of rams for 
cross-breeding. 
As has been said, for wool-production the Hampshire 
Down is very mediocre. The fleece is light, short and of 
rather inferior quality. 
401. Distribution. — This breed is now widely dis- 
seminated throughout the United States and Canada, 
especially in the eastern sections. It seems hardy and 
well adapted to American conditions, and is a good grazer. 
It has made its way throughout the southern counties of 
England, and into all the English colonies. It is now 
found in many countries, among which, aside from North 
America, including Mexico, may be named Russia, Ger- 
many, Portugal, Hungary, South Africa, Australia, New 
Zealand and several parts of South America, notably 
Argentina and Uruguay. 
402. Organizations and records.— The Hampshire 
Down Sheep Breeders’ Association was organized in Eng- 
land in 1889. The Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders’ 
Association of America was also organized in 1889, and 
has issued thirteen volumes of its flock-book in which 
the number of registrations is over 58,000. 
