British Breeds of Sheep 103 



sent in, and was hearty then. In permanency of 

 character, the Shropshire occupies a favorable posi- 

 tion, though they have hardly been able to equal 

 the older breeds up to this time. 



Utility for crossing. — The Shropshire has proven 

 to be a valuable agent in improving Merino stocks 

 so that they may more perfectly meet the demands 

 of the present market for mutton and wool. The 

 writer experimented with this cross for several years 

 until the stock studied included sheep of the first, 

 second, third, and fourth crosses. The Merino ewes 

 employed in the trial were typical of the American 

 Merino, being fine-fleeced, large, and vigorous, but 

 without any appearance of mutton quality. The 

 Shropshire rams used were typical of the breed. In 

 the first cross, of the Shropshire ram on the Merino 

 ewes, an increase in size and a much smoother ap- 

 pearance of the body resulted from the nearer 

 approach to mutton form. They are heavier than 

 the original Merinos and are especially better in the 

 development of mutton points. The fleece is ex- 

 ceptional in the degree to which it meets the demand 

 of the market for a medium combing wool. The 

 fiber is coarser and longer than the pure Merino, 

 but these qualities in connection with its firmness 

 and strength make the fleece worth more in the 

 market. The weight of the fleece remained about 

 the same. The improvement consisted in weight, 

 mutton form, and feeding qualities. The second 



