. Types and breeds of farm animals. Livestock. THE SHROPSHIRE 559 practice, however, the Shropshire has proved to be a superior feeder and produces a choice grade of mutton, though not likely to take on fat with quite the smoothness and evenness of the Southdown. Crossbred or grade Shropshires are to-day one of the most common types of mutton sheep found on the market. Shropshire rams used on native ewes furnish lambs of a much-desired class; they fatten easily, are not too large, and are profitable killers. In the Mississippi Valley states Shropshire grades are the common sheep outside of Mer
. Types and breeds of farm animals. Livestock. THE SHROPSHIRE 559 practice, however, the Shropshire has proved to be a superior feeder and produces a choice grade of mutton, though not likely to take on fat with quite the smoothness and evenness of the Southdown. Crossbred or grade Shropshires are to-day one of the most common types of mutton sheep found on the market. Shropshire rams used on native ewes furnish lambs of a much-desired class; they fatten easily, are not too large, and are profitable killers. In the Mississippi Valley states Shropshire grades are the common sheep outside of Merino communities. A Shropshire ram-Merino ewe cross is also a very beneficial one from a mutton point of view. Used on the long-wool grade ewes a smaller, better mutton sheep results, with a more profitable fleece. In 1894 Alexander Bruce, chief live-stock inspec- tor for New South Wales,wrote: "Forthe production of prime fat lambs there is no better ram (if there be as good) than the Shropshire, and the result is equally favorable where that ram is put to crossbred ; From a fleece point of view the Shropshire crossbred or grade produces a class of wool much in favor and for which, other things being equal, there is a great demand at the higher market price. Reporting on the use of Shropshire rams on Merino ewes, Craig states of the first cross that "the fleece is exceptional in the degree to which it meets the demand of the market for a medium combing wool. The fiber is coarser and longer than the pure Merino, but these qualities in connection with its firmness and strength make the fleece worth more in the ; The Shropshire as a grazing sheep ranks but fair. It is espe- cially adapted to regions where the pastures are superior, but it Digitized by Microsoft®. Fig. 258. Front view ot the Shropshire ram Brough- tons 2532 in field condition. Owned by the Ohio State University. From photograph by the author. Please note that these images are extract
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