British Breeds of Sheep 117 



has found favor when early lambs find a profitable 

 market, for the lambs of this breeding weigh heavier 

 at an early age. On ewes that have an abundance 

 of quality, the Hampshire would make a good cross 

 for the purpose of producing lambs to meet the wants 

 of the early market. 



Adaptability of Hampshire. — Under conditions 

 where the food is abundant and the forced system of 

 breeding may be followed, the Hampshire will give 

 returns in gain equal to the long-wooled breeds, 

 while they may be said to be able to withstand in- 

 clemencies of the weather to better advantage, as 

 their fleeces are closer and they are naturally more 

 vigorous. For folding on green crops, rape, vetches, 

 or turnips, with heavy grain feeding in addition, 

 there is no breed among the Downs that will give 

 returns equal to the Hampshire, and where this 

 system of management may be adopted, and the 

 market is not too sensitive in regard to the quality, 

 the Hampshire will prove as profitable as any breed. 



The Oxford Down (PI. X) 



The Oxford Down has originated from crossing 

 Cotswold rams on Hampshire and Southdown ewes. 

 One of the first breeders writes: "The Oxfordshire 

 Down breed of sheep is the result of a cross between 

 a long-wooled ram and a Southdown or Hampshire 

 Down ewe. The crossing was commenced as far 



