%8 Domestic ANIMALS. 
brings good prices. It is not generally considered a profitable 
breed in this country, except, perhaps, on rich lowland farms 
in the vicinity of considerable markets. 
5. The South-Down Breed. ~The South-Down is an upland ' 
sheep of medium size, and its wool, in point of length, belongs 
to the medium class. There has been considerable controversy 
in reference to the value of the Downs in comparison with the 
other favorite breeds. Mr. Randall does not rate them very 
high for wool-bearing. But they are cultivated in England 
more particularly for their mutton, which in the English mar- 
kets takes precedence of every other sort. 
“The Down is turned off at two years old, and its weight at 
that age in England is from eighty to a hundred pounds, Not- 
withstanding its weight, the Down has a patience of occa- 
sional short keep, and an endurance of hard stocking equal to 
any other sheep. It is hardy, healthy, quiet, and docile. It 
withstands our American winters well. A sheep possessing 
such qualities must of course be valuable in upland districts in 
the vicinity of markets.”* 
Mr. J. C. Taylor, of Holmdel, N. J., in a communication 
published in the Country Gentleman, says: 
“T contend that under a high state of management, the 
South-Downs are a very profitable sheep to keep, in proof of 
which (for I have the figures) I will cite my now yearling ram. 
Last July he was worth five dollars to sell for butchering, 
without anything more than good pasture; he served several 
ewes from the middle of September to the first of December, 
which was much against his growth. At seven cents per 
week, from July to December, say $1 50—cost of keep from 
December to May 2d, $5 41, making, with his worth in July, a 
total of $11 91. Had he been a wether I could have sold him 
on May 2d for $22 for butchering, leaving a clear gain of over 
$10 at from thirteen to fourteen months old! I ask the stock- 
raiser and feeder if this is not as profitable as long wools, or 
* Randall. 
