THE MUTTON BREEDS OF SHEEP 347 
either of the above, but are not so uniform. In length, 
quality and quantity of fleece they are also between the 
above two breeds. Some of the breed early brought to 
America were excessively tall and inclined to be coarse. 
They were also quite bare of wool on legs and belly. The 
prevailing type at present approaches the Shropshire in 
form, although it is not so heavy in the breast and chest. 
It is now well covered over the body and legs to knees 
and hocks, and has a good foretop. There is still lack of 
uniformity, style and quantity of fleece. A somewhat 
common defect is a constricted heart-girth. The breed 
stands confinement well and is a good feeder. It is also 
prolific. 
414. Uses of Dorset-Horn sheep.— The strong recom- 
mendation of the breed in America, as in England, is for 
the production of hot-house or winter lambs. It will breed 
earlier than any other of the English breeds, and the ewes, 
being heavy milkers, prepare their lambs for market in 
about ten weeks, so that they command a good price for 
mutton. Under high feeding they will produce lambs 
twice a year in some climates, but it has never proved 
expedient to have them do so. It is doubtful whether 
they have superior merit as a general farm sheep, but for 
the production of early market lambs they are especially 
suited. Rams of the breed are very satisfactory for use 
on grade Merino ewes in the production of feeders. The 
ewes are also bred to Shropshire or Southdown rams to 
produce market lambs. The mutton, except that of fat 
lambs, is not superior. 
For wool-production the Dorset-Horn has a rather in- 
ferior place. The wool is short, and still somewhat scant 
under the body. Ewes average about six pounds and rams 
about seven pounds of wool of fair quality. The fleece 
