The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-10-13

excellent lambs OF this breed. Mr.. L. S.
Cooper exhibited probably the best of the
Southdowns They were the celebrated
Merton breed, bred by Lord Walsingham,
the most famous Southdown breeder in
England, and imported personally by Mr..
Cooper. Among them was splendid
ram, which received the first prize at
Barsly, England, this year.
The Oxford Doa0ns' were well repre-
sented in the Exhibition in quality, and
indeed they were the best sheep on the
grounds. These sheep were formerly re-
garded as a cross-breed, and it was not
until 1857 that they were given a dis
tinctive name by convention of breed
ers. Their size and fleece partake more
of the long wool. They were originally
produced by crossing a Hampshire or
Southdown eve, with a Cotswold RAM
and then putting the crosses together;
the former was most commonly used, as
it gave increased size. By close atten-
ton and selections, sheep has been pro-
duced of distinct characteristics, hardy
constitution, large frame, good fleece, APP
tltude to fatten, and superior as mutton
This breed was thus established in Ok
fordshire, about twenty-five years ago
The Oxford Down has dark color, the
head well covered with wool, with top
knot on the forehead, a good fleece of
wool, a well formed barrel, short, dark
legs, with good, firm flesh. They are said
to stand close stocking and confinement.
Mr.. T. S. Cooper was the only exhibitor
of this breed; his collection was the ad-
miration of every Judge of sheep, and
were conceded to be the finest on exhibit
ton. They were of fine size, admirable
proportions, with fine wooded bodies The
famous imported ram, Freeland, heads the
collection. AT the Centennial he gained
the grand Sweep Stake prize as the best
ram of any age in the middle wool class,
weighing more than any sheep at the Elk
hibition, viz, 425 pounds. At present
he is said to weigh only 800 pounds,
though apparently in fine order and
health, and is certainly splendid animal
The LincoJaS," not very much bred
in this country, originated in Lincoln
shire, England, made good show and
attracted considerable attention. They
are said to be noted for the fneness and
weight of fleece, and for hardness and
vigor. They are considerably like the
Cotswold, and it is contended will shear
as much, and as good quality wool. They
have dotted or notified ear. They had
two exhibitors, Mr.. Wade, and Mr.. Mar
tin, of Pennsylvania. The former had a
fine ram, four years old, weighing $50
pounds, and an eve weighing $40 pounds
In Mr. Martins collection were ten ewes
imported from England These sheer
have wool Of extraordinary length and
texture.
The "aSbropShires" and "HanapShires
were also on exhibition. The former call
ed also Shropshire Downs" or "Shrops, u
are said to be unsurpassed for mutton,
to be very hardy, thriving well on ordin-
airy pastures, yielding about the same
amount of wool as Cotswold, but some
what softer; they are nearly as large as
the Cotswold. They originated from an
old breed in England, black or brown,
and sometimes spotted face, horned sheep.
These were crossed with Cotswold, Lei
cester, and Southdown; the horns have
been bred out, but they retain their col
ored faces and legs. The Hampshires
differ but little from the Shropshires, the
shading of the former being little dark
er. Mr.. Homewood, of Delaware, was
the only exhibitor of these breeds; their
appearance was very prepossessing.
The ShOao Of a0ooJ was not extensive.
Leicester, COtswold, Lincoln, Southdown,
Merino, Australian unwashed combine
woods, Oregon woods, and perhaps some
others, were exhibited by some seven OF
eight exhibitors. One Merino fleece from
West Virginia, weighed II pounds.
Of eoOOlen machinery, were shown a
tentering and drying machine, improved
pick and pick loom, improved loom har.
ness, two centrifugal hydraulic extractors
etc. Some dye woods and dye extracts
were exhibited.
The Scotch Collie (shepherd) dogs, OIL
which there were ten or twelve, attracted
considerable interest. The trials we saw
of their herding sheep were not very sue.
cessful, probably on account of the CROWD
and unusual circumstances by which the
dogs were surrounded. T. P.
NOTE-Tn orr Lost If should hove boor