DOMESTIC BKEEDS OF SHEEP. 23 
and ewes from 180 to 275 pounds. The fleece is heavy, but it derives 
most of its weight from its length, as it is somewhat open in character, 
due to Cotswold blood. Superior Oxford flocks should shear 12 
pounds of wool, on an average, of quarter and low quarter blood comb- 
ing wool, though Oxford fleeces occasionally grade as braid Wool. 
The breed does not mature so early as some of the smaller ones, but 
they are at least average in this respect. Their fecundity is also 
about the average. 
Objections to inferior Oxford Downs are open fleeces, dark spots on 
the skin, and occasional black fiber. 
The English Oxford Down Breeders' Association was established 
in August^ 1888. The American Oxford Down Record Association 
drew up its articles of incorporation at Cincinnati, Ohio, in January, 
1882, after having met at least once during the previous year. The 
number of sheep recorded by this society up to January 1, 1914, is 
67,280. The office of the secretary is now at Hamilton, Ohio. The 
following is the scale of points of the American Oxford Down Record 
Association : 
BREED TYPE FOR ANIMALS. 
Points. 
Form of a good general appearance, made by a well-balanced conformation, 
free from coarseness in any part, and showing good style both at rest and 
in motion 15 
Head of moderate length and width between the ears and between the eyes, 
and well covered with wool over poll and down to the eyes. Color of face 
an even dark gray or brown, either with or without gray spot on tip of nose . 6 
When fully matured and in good condition, rams should weigh 250 to 350 
pounds; ewes, 180 to 275 pounds 5 
Ears medium size, not too thick and of an even brown or dark gray color 2 
Legs short, strong in bone, flat and of even dark gray or brown color, placed 
squarely under the body and well apart 2 
30 
CONSTITUTION. 
Large around the heart and wide and full in the chest 10 
The movement must be bold and vigorous 5 
Eyes bold, prominent, and bright , 4 
Skin bright pink in color 3 
Neck strong and muscular in rams and well set on in both sexes 3 
25 
MUTTON FORM AND QUALITY. 
Wide and straight on top of shoulders, back, loin, and rump, from base of neck 
to tail 15 
Full shoulders and thighs, well meated both inside and outside 5 
Flanks well filled and strong so as to make the lower lines of the body as 
straight as possible, and the side lines straight or rather full 4 
The whole carcass evenly covered with good, well -marbled meat 6 
30 
WOOL. 
Fleece of moderate length, close and of even quality, covering the whole 
carcass well, and free from black patches upon the body, neck, or head 15 
Total 100 
