Breeds of Sheep . 207 
ton qualities generally. He secured Southdown rams of John 
Ellman and used them in his flock. Leicester blood was also 
introduced for the purpose of improving the feeding qualities. 
Both the Southdown and the Leicester improved the general 
symmetry of the Shropshire sheep. 
331. Shropshire compared with the Southdown. — The former 
is the larger and ranks among the heaviest of the mutton breeds. 
Fic. 76. —The Shropshire. Mutton type. 
The more approved type of Shropshire calls for all the best features 
in the mutton sheep. The head is hornless, and in the best speci- 
mens is covered with a cap of wool almost to the nostrils. In 
form it is not so good in the thigh and twist as the Southdown. 
In general outline the Shropshire is taller and more rangy than the 
Southdown. The length of wool as well as the quantity exceeds 
