66 Sheep-Farming 



and vary somewhat in its quality on the different 

 parts of the sheep, as on some individuals it grows 

 quite coarse on the thigh. 



Grazing qualities. — An early writer makes the 

 intelligent comment on this breed that they are 

 remarkable for the exceptional combination of mas- 

 sive proportions of frame with a constitution adapted 

 to upland grazing on short pasture. Though 

 this breed may not be as strong in constitution as 

 it was at an early day, yet they rank to the fore 

 among the long-wooled breeds at the present time 

 in this respect. For a large breed of sheep they have 

 exceptional ability to do for themselves, being active 

 and vigorous, consequently as grazers they are prob- 

 ably the best of any of the long wools. 



Qualities as breeders. — As in the instance of most 

 other large breeds, there is a strong tendency for fat 

 to accumulate on the back and around the tail, col- 

 lecting in such quantities as to make uncertain 

 breeders. The Cotswold are fine milkers, good 

 nurses, and likely to develop the disposition of good 

 mothers. While not as prolific as some other breeds, 

 yet, when managed with intelligence, the ewes rarely 

 fail to make good lambs of what they do produce, 

 as they milk freely and are attentive to the wants of 

 their young. 



Value of Cotswolds for grading. — Being long estab- 

 lished as a breed, the Cotswolds are very permanent 

 in character and prepotent as well. They are very 



