DOMESTIC BREEDS OF SHEEP. 6 
Whether the breeder expects to specialize upon some particular 
line of sheep farming should likewise be instrumental in making a 
decision. If winter lambs are to be produced a breed must be secured 
that will breed at the right season of the year, and not all will do this. 
The Dorset, Merino, and Tunis have given the best satisfaction thus 
far. 
The popularity of a breed will often have its effect in influencing 
one's decision. Some breeds have been developed under conditions 
that are more general, or else they have a wider range of adaptability 
than others. The popularity of several breeds in this country is due to 
this fact. No better illustrations of these can be mentioned than the 
Merinos and Shropshires that are found from Maine to California. 
Some of the minor breeds need men who will place them before the 
public, as there can be no doubt as to the effect of a wide-awake breed 
association in advancing a breed. 
It is well before making a selection to consider carefully the most 
popular breed in your community. There is usually some good reason 
for it being popular, but occasionally because of fashion a breed will 
enjoy a "boom" that it does not rightly deserve. In some States at 
the present time there are colonies of breeders handling certain breeds, 
and buyers are attracted there because there are excellent oppor- 
tunities for selection in the neighborhood. There are also advantages 
connected with buying stock near home. The keen competition 
offered by some of the classes in the show ring has been a lure that has 
caused some men to take up a certain breed. Others have been con- 
tent to win more often in the smaller classes where the winnings are 
easier. 
Some breeds are regarded as needing more care than others; at any 
rate they become more unsightly if denied this attention. However, 
no flock will thrive upon mismanagement. Good appearance is 
always desirable, and sometimes it is of prime importance. The use 
of sheep for keeping the lawns of parks and country places in trim 
has been in effect in this country for years and here attractiveness 
is indispensable. The Southdown has proven very popular for this 
purpose. 
The cost of foundation stock will undoubtedly have considerable 
influence with some people in making a selection. However, too 
much importance should not be attached to this. Often breeding 
stock of some breed unadapted to your locality can be bought very 
reasonably, but if the flock was established there would be little 
demand for its products and the venture would be likely to meet with 
failure. 
The characteristics of the breeds as regards the color of the face and 
legs and whether or not they are horned have been regarded as of 
considerable weight, but it is doubtful whether these are as important 
as is sometimes inferred. 
