PROPERTIES 



147 



neat and trim, and free from wool below the knees and hocks. 

 Mature rams in breeding condition weigh about 175 pounds and 

 ewes from 135 to 150 poimds. 



Wool. — The Cheviot has no wool on the head and ears nor on 

 the legs below the hocks and knees, but the body is well covered. The 

 wool is pure white, about four inches long when of twelve months' 

 growth and contains very little yolk. Fleeces weigh from six to 

 eight pounds. 



Fig. 99. — Cheviots on the way to market. 



MarMngs and Skin.— The head and the ears are covered with 

 short, hard white hair free from a reddish tinge. Distinct black 

 spots often appear on the ears and occasionally on the face, and the 

 nostrils, lips, and hoofs are black. The skin is a deep rich pink. 

 The ewes are hornless, but not all of the rams (Fig. 99). 



Properties. — Hardiness is the leading property of Cheviots. 

 Although a hill breed, they do surprisingly well on the level lands 

 of the Corn Belt in the United States. They are distinctly a grazing 

 breed, and they fatten quicker on the grass than in the feed lot. In 

 regions where the grass is more luxuriant than in their native home 

 they are inclined to become larger and coarser than the border 

 country Cheviot. 



