302 
On Cross Breeding. 
We have no reason to suppose that after a few gene- 
rations the Hampshire breeders continued to use the Sussex 
rams : as soon as the horns were gone, to which, perhaps, the 
Berkshire Notts contributed, and the face had become black, they 
employed their own cross-bred rams with the cross-bred ewes. 
If, then, we were asked what original blood predominated in the 
Hampshire sheep, we should unquestionably say the Sussex ; but 
if the further question were put. Is the present breed derived 
from the Sussex and the original Hampshire alone ? we should 
express a doubt as to such a conclusion, as there is good 
reason to consider that some improved Cotswold blood has 
been infused. Some thirty years since a Hampshire farmer 
still living (Mr. John Twynam) used the improved Cotswold 
ram with his Hampshire ewes, and the first cross exhibited a 
remarkable proof of the preponderating effect of the male. The 
produce, in size, general appearance, and wool, partook far more 
of the ram than of the ewe, and it was thought that a most valu- 
able breed had been obtained, which, with the increased size, 
and weight of fleece, and disposition to fatten of the Cots- 
wold, would combine the hardiness and folding capabilities of 
the Hampshire. It was found, however, no easy task to per- 
petuate such a breed after the first cross — the defects of the one 
parent or the other would appear and reappear in the second and 
third generation, and it was only by careful weeding that any- 
thing like uniformity could be attained. Mr. E. G. Young, of 
Broadchalk, Wilts, a close observer as well as an excellent 
farmer, informs the writer that he, as well as his brother, pur- 
chased Mr. Twynam's rams for several years, and has, he con- 
ceives, derived advantage from the cross. Mr. Rawlence 
observes, that the points he has arrived at have been to produce 
an animal yielding at an early age the largest possible amount of 
mutton and wool, which he considers the sine qua non of sheep 
breeding ; and he adds, it is difficult to estimate the enormous 
increased production which has within the last few vears been 
obtained by keeping this object steadily in view. Whilst he 
highly appreciates the high-bred Southdown, he is convinced 
that the present system of farming demands a larger description 
of sheep, and one which will produce a heavy weight of wool at 
an earlier age, and he is not quite sure whether a cross with 
Cotswold would not produce a more profitable animal. The 
absurd fashion of drafting good sheep, if they have not black 
faces and ears, tends to retard the improvement of the carcase. 
After some few years a change of farm and other causes led 
to a discontinuance of the experiment, yet many of the cross- 
bred rams were sold and let to sheep-breeders both in Hamp- 
