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Romney Marsh Sheep. 
The system of the Romney Marsh grazier with regard to his 
lambs is disadvantageous to early development. It is a loss to 
himself and generally unprofitable. 
It is not practicable to winter the lambs upon any large scale 
in Romney Marsh. They are usually placed in August or September 
in the uplands of Kent and other adjoining counties at keep until 
the spring. The general manner of this wintering is wasteful. 
Thousands of lambs are sent away, often full of flesh and condition, 
to simply subsist on such feed as the keepers may find them. Heavy 
losses are frequently sustained owing to mismanagement and un- 
suitable feed. The result of a bad wintering naturally hinders the 
growth, and is visible in all further stages of the animal. 
The lambing down of the ewes on the Marsh usually begins 
in April. Shearing commences in J une, and it is the practice to 
shear the lambs. 
It should be mentioned that sheep kept entirely upon the up- 
lands of the county of Kent, and principally upon artificial food, 
are of a larger size, coarser, and with more bone. They are generally 
called “ Kents,” as distinguished from the Romney Marsh breed. 
While originating from the Marsh sheep, it is possible that a strain 
of the Lincoln has at some period been introduced into their 
breeding. 
It is difficult for the writer, himself a breeder, to describe the 
shape and form which best represent the Romney Marsh breed, 
for each breeder would seem to have his own ideal. 
Old Dr. Price, who wrote a most interesting book upon sheep- 
grazing in Romney Marsh in 1809, gives twelve points of a good 
sheep. Among these are a good head, a short neck, a deep and 
wide breast, a good leg, and width over the shoulders. Perhaps the 
last named is the most important quality to obtain. Given this, 
and a straight back, all other desirable points usually follow. 
Sheep of this breed are held in much esteem by the butcher, and 
neat weights commonly make as high a price per stone as the highest 
quality Downs. 
The mutton is usually the best obtainable from May to October, 
and during that period the markets in Kent and Sussex, and also 
the London market, are very largely supplied with it. 
One of the most important matters of study is the quantity and 
quality of the wool. It may be described as of heavy weight, with 
a long, full, and decided staple. Very great improvement in the 
direction of a good and even fleece has been made in recent years 
by careful selection, the object kept in view being to increase the 
wool of best quality and to lessen the amount of the breech and 
coarser parts. 
The result both as to quality and weight of wool from Romney 
Marsh sheep kept in New Zealand, and in other countries, under 
more satisfactory climatic conditions than here, has, to the knowledge 
of the writer, been most satisfactory and profitable. 
■ <ae As an example of sheep grazed in the usual way in Romney 
Marsh he may instance, in one separately kept growth of wool from 
