THE BREEDING OF SHEEP 



409 



bringing them to him each morning while it is cool. The ewes 

 should be placed in a small pen and the ram turned in, when he 

 will single out those ready to be mated. As soon as mated, 

 the ewe should be marked and placed in a quiet pen, where she 

 should remain for about two days before returning to the flock. 



Fig. 134. — Champion Oxfohd Ram. Photograph from National Stockman 



and Farmer. 



The Oxford Down breed of mutton sheep originated in Oxford County, Eng- 

 land. This breed is similar to the Hampshire except in size, when it occupies 

 first rank, rams weighing 275 pounds and the ewes 200 pounds. When large 

 mutton is desired, this breed is unexceled. In wool production it excels the 

 Hampshires, shearing from 5 to 10 pounds of combing wool. 



One service is sufficient. The ram will search out another, and 

 she should be treated likewise. The ram should not be per- 

 mitted to serve more than four in a single morning; if more are 

 ready, return them to him in the evening. All ewes that are 



