390 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



grade flock should be shorn rather early, in March or before if the 

 quarters can be well protected for a few days. In May turn the 

 sheep to pasture and in addition feed considerable stimulating 

 grain, such as ground oats, or bran, and, at the same time, mate 

 to a thrifty, vigorous pure-bred Horned-Dorset ram by turning 

 the ram to the flock each morning, as suggested on page 407, 



Fig. 127. — Shropshire Ram " D.wison's Ambition." Champion, Interna- 

 tional Live Stock Show, 1909. Owned by Dr. G. H. Davison, Millbrook, 

 N. Y. 



The Shropshire Down breed of mutton sheep originated in the county of Shrop- 

 shire, England. This breed is similar to the Southdown, l)ut somewhat larger, 

 the standard weight for mature rams being 225 pounds, with 150 for the ewes. 

 It, also, is noted for its early maturing qualities and delicious mutton. 

 As wool-producers this breed excels the Southdowns, bearing from 5 to 10 

 pounds of iiKKliuni-length wool. This liiret^d is extremely popular in the United 

 States. 



rather than letting him run with them all the time, and at the 

 same time marking the ewes served for identification. This 

 system of mating should result in the lambs licnng dropped in 

 October, November, and December. It is not considered a 



