338 A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



There are two types of Rambouillet sheep, the B and C. 

 The B type is marked with folds on neck, breast, front and 

 rear flanks, and hind quarters, while the C type has a smooth 

 body, with possibly one or two folds at the neck and breast. 

 The C type represents what the more progressive Ram- 

 bouillet breeders have had in mind in producing a dual- 

 purpose sheep. The fleece of 12 months' growth should be 

 about 3 inches long, and compact over the body, with but 

 little yolk or dirt on the outside and grade as fine, fine- 

 medium, or Delaine. Well-bred Rambouillet flocks shear 

 about 10 or 12 pounds of wool per head. These sheep have 

 grown in popularity in recent years, for they mature early, 

 are hardy, and seem well suited to most parts of the United 

 States where sheep husbandry thrives. On the western 

 range and on the Pacific slope are found most of the very 

 best and largest flocks in Amei-ica. There are also numer- 

 ous choice flocks in Ohio and other central western states. 

 Rambouillet sheep have been bred to a considerable extent 

 in northern Germany, and large numbers are now kept in 

 South America, especially in Argentina. 



The Southdovsrn is one of the oldest breeds of sheep. Its 

 native home is on the Southdown hills in Sussex county in 

 southeast England. These hills are of white chalk, and are 

 covered with soil on which grass and the small grains do very 

 well. About 1780 a man named ,lohn EUman, who lived 

 in Sussex, began to improve the native sheep and kept at 

 this work for over 50 years. Through his efl^orts the South- 

 down developed into the best mutton sheep known, having 

 splendid vigor, fattening easily, maturing rapidly, and pro- 

 ducing a carcass with but little waste at slaughter. While 

 the fleece was not heavy, its quality was fine. Following 

 Mr. Ellman came Jonas Webb, who lived about 60 miles 

 north of London, on the estate of Babraham, near the city 

 of Cambridge. He was also one of the great English breed- 

 ers. His Southdowns had more size and were a still better 



