166 



THE ROMNEY MARSH 



sistant to the diseases commonly affecting sheep. Since they graze 

 and lie singly, they do not taint their pastures to as great extent as 

 do sheep that are more gregarious in instinct. 



The Eomney Marsh is superior as a grazing sheep. Big wethers, 

 grazing on the Marsh, attain prime condition without the use 

 of grain. 



In quality of mutton, the Romney leads the coarse-wool breeds 

 and crosses between it and Southdowns or Hampshires are said to 

 produce mutton of superior quality. 



Romney breeders have aimed at a strong lamb to each ewe rather 

 than toward a large percentage of twins. The ewes are good 

 mothers and suckle well. 



Fig. 111. — Romney Marsh rams. For a large breed the Romney Marsh is low set. 



Distribution. — During the last twenty years the Romney has 

 become much appreciated in the Argentine, New Zealand, and 

 Australia. Breeders in the north island of New Zealand lay claim 

 to having developed a more useful type than the English Eomney, 

 but this is stoutly denied by the English breeders. As yet Romneys 

 are not to be found in the United States and Canada in large 

 numbers, but they have been introduced to these countries and it 

 has been found that they do exceedingly well in the low costal region 

 of Oregon and on the ranges of Washington. Undoubtedly there 

 are many other districts in the United States where they will do 

 equally well. 



The Kent or Romney Marsh Sheep Breeders' Association of 

 England was formed in 1895. The American Romney Breeders' 

 Association was formed in 1911. 



