104 Sheep-Farming 



cross, that is, a Shropshire ram on the first-cross 

 ewes, is larger and fuller in mutton points, and the 

 fleece is longer and stronger in fiber, though lighter 

 in weight. The third cross is a still nearer approach 

 to the Shropshire. In fact, they cannot be dis- 

 tinguished from the pure-bred Shropshire, and for 

 the market they are equally profitable. A slightly 

 greater length of fiber, more strength, and coarse- 

 ness characterizes the wool of this cross, while there 

 is a peculiar softness noticeable in the fleeces that 

 with their density add greatly to their value. A 

 point noticeable in these trials was the rapidity and 

 certainty with which the Shropshire transmitted 

 their characteristics to the Merino. The Merino is 

 one of the longest established breeds that we have, 

 and consequently quite fixed in its characteristics, 

 yet the Shropshire influence very materially asserted 

 itself in each cross. For crossing on common sheep, 

 the Shropshire has enjoyed unequaled popularity 

 because of the degree to which it is capable of 

 improving the common type for the requirement 

 of our wool and mutton markets. 



Adaptability of Shropshire. — Compared with other 

 breeds, a striking feature of the Shropshire is its 

 cosmopolitan nature. As may be seen from our 

 .classification of the breeds, and as may be learned 

 from a personal study of its characteristics, the 

 Shropshire occupies a middle position. They are 

 neither small nor large in size, they are medium in 



