238 FARM ANIMALS 
the breed, liberal feeding and rigid selection being re- 
sponsible. 
These French breeders were able to develop a fleece of fully 
double the weight of the original Spanish stock. The sheep are 
taller, of heavier limb and more rangy than the American Merino. 
The ewes weigh up to nearly 200 pounds, the rams a quarter more. 
They are less wrinkled, the carcass is better and the wool is longer 
than the American Merinos. They more nearly correspond to the 
Delaines than any other sheep. These sheep are hardy, the meat 
is excellent and they hold a firm place as grazers and for cross- 
ing on western range stock. 
3. The Dorset breed—An English breed of growing 
popularity is the Horned Dorset. Its heavy horns and 
its coarse and horny head suggest still much to do in 
way of improvement. The fine, short wool and the ex- 
traordinary fecundity of the ewes, which may give birth 
twice a year, and at a time when the breeder most de- 
sires them, give this breed a position and a place of great 
advantage. These sheep are much sought after in the 
production of “hothouse” lambs. The ewes are excep- 
tionally good milkers. They are hardy, excellent rustlers, 
mature early and give a carcass of high favor. The rams 
weigh 200 to 220 pounds, the ewes 160 to 175 pounds. 
The fleeces range from six to eight pounds in weight. 
4. Southdown.—This sheep is the generally accepted 
type of the mutton and short wool sheep of England. The 
HorneD Dorset Ram HorneD Dorset Ewe 
