Comparative Fattening Qualities of SJieep, Alb 



attained a "high degree of perfection. Indeed, it may almost be 

 said that they have the character of possessing such a combination 

 of useful qualities as is scarcely to be found in any other breed 

 of sheep, uniting, as they do, quality of mutton with quality of 

 wool, a good constitution, and the capability of travelling long 

 distances for their food, and maintaining their condition where 

 many other breeds would starve. 



A little further west another description of sheep prevails, and 

 is distinguished as the Hampshire Down. Although this breed 

 partakes of many of the characters of the Sussex Down — and 

 both may probably have sprung from one common origin — yet, it 

 nevertheless possesses some clearly distinctive qualities. Thus 

 the delicate head, small legs, and symmetrical proportions of the 

 well-bred Sussex sheep are not to be found in the Hampshire ; 

 but in the place of these we find a larger frame and heavier weight 

 both of carcass and of wool, though with slightly diminished 

 quality in each; and the animal, which owing to its increased 

 size sells for a higher price when fat, is said to possess more of 

 the tendency to early maturity than the Sussex sheep. 



A difference of ten or twelve shillings per head on the fat 

 animal is indeed at first sight evidence of a very tangible kind in 

 favour of the Hampshire sheep ; but the question of the cost of 

 producing this increased value is in fact a somewhat complicated 

 one. An accurate solution of it is, however, absolutely essential 

 before we can fairly decide upon the comparative profitableness 

 of different breeds, varying thus in weight and price. To this 

 end it is obviously necessary to determine the quantity of food 

 consumed in each case to produce a given amount of increase, and 

 the money value of such increase ; and it is as a contribution to 

 this important subject that the account of the experiments already 

 made with the Sussex and Hampshire Downs is now presented 

 to the reader ; that he may be able to form his own conclusions 

 respecting them, the results will be given in full detail. 



For the purposes of the experiment fifty Hampshire wether 

 lambs were carefully selected at Overton fair in July, 1850, by a 

 friend to whom the object in view had been communicated, and 

 the animals arrived at Rothamsted early in August. 



The selection of fifty Sussex lambs was at first kindly under- 

 taken by Mr. Thomas EUman, who intended to procure them at 

 Lewes fair in September ; but having been erroneously informed 

 that some had been already purchased, he did not do so, and 

 eventually fifty Sussex wether lambs were selected from the flock 

 of Mr. H. Sadler, of Mid Lavant. These were forwarded to 

 London by railway, and they reached the farm from thence on 

 the 23rd of October. 



Up to this time the Hampshires had been fed upon pasture 

 merely. Both lots were now provided with a portion of white tur- 



