SHEEP—UNITED STATES, NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA. 15 
to that which gives the high values to Australian sheep. The ex- 
treme Australian prices are paid by breeders of stud sheep and are 
rendered possible by the patronage of a large number of owners of 
large commercial flocks who know that $500 or $1,000 invested in an 
exceptional ram is more than returned in the fleece values of the great 
number of sheep tracing descent to such a ram in a few years. Not 
only this, but improved breeding qualities of the ewes, aside from 
their wool yield, are highly appraised, because the owner 1s reason- 
ably certain to continue in the business, market his product in a way 
to secure its maximum value, and control enough money for invest- 
ments in connection with his business. 
The type and character of sheep in many of the prominent stud 
flocks is so well known and the confidence in the breeders is such that 
a large proportion of the sales of rams for flock use and some sales of 
stud rams are made without examination by the buyer. Some time 
before the ram-selling season breeders of rams class their offerings 
according to quality. Rams worth $20, $30, or $40 are drafted into 
corresponding lots. Higher-priced rams are sold singly or upon 
examination at home or at public sales. Buyers of the classed flock 
rams state what price they wish to pay, and the number required is 
drawn from the lot of the price named. In some studs an outside 
expert is employed to class the rams to be sold. Such a classer may 
also divide the breeding ewes into uniform lots, for which the owner 
selects suitable rams. 
MUTTON BREEDS. 
The use and popularity of the mutton breeds in Australia is on 
the increase, owing to increasing demands of the meat trade and of 
farmers who buy sheep to fatten for the market. The president of 
the New South Wales Sheep Breeders’ Association stated last year 
that in 10 or 15 years more than half the sheep of that State will be 
crossbreds. The term “ crossbreds,” as used in Australia, includes 
all sheep other than Merinos or those carrying a preponderance of 
Merino blood. 
On account of the greater length and weight of wool and greater 
body weights when grown out, the long wools are used most for 
crossing by those who expect to keep the crossbred lambs until shorn. 
The Lincoln, Border Leicester, English Leicester, and Romney 
Marsh are all in demand. The Cotswold is little known. The down 
breeds are favored most by those who market their lambs before they 
are a year old, and of these breeds only the Shropshires and South- 
downs can be said to be widely known. 
The Corriedale is gaining ground in Australia. An organization 
of breeders of Corriedales was effected at Sydney in 1914, and pro- 
visions made for founding a flock book. Sixty-seven stud and flock 
