THE CHEVIOT'S 12LB FLEECE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 76, 30 March 1928, Page 15

THE CHEVIOT'S 12LB FLEECE.

The Cheviot sheep, a hardy mountain breed, had its origin in the South of Scotland. It is an active, gay, and handsome sheep, says Cooper's brochure on British breeds. When fattened, the Cheviot ram may (says the "Live Stock Journal") weigh 2001b. Its gait is quick, eye% bright, and it is somewhat active in its movements. As befits a hill sheep, the neck is strong without being too broad; the breast wide and expanded, with the legs well apart; the ribs well arched, and continue well towards the bones of the hind legs, the bade wide and nicely covered with flesh; the hind quarters full, erect, and well shaped. The Cheviot ram produces a fleece weighing from 101b to 121b of wool of a regular fineness, the growth close, and quality uniform. The wool joins the skin in the region of the ears and cheeks in the form of a thick roll. The body and the breast are well covered. The same description applies to the ewes, which, however, do not exceed 1501b in weight. For the production of wool and mutton there are few, if any, sheep to compare with the Cheviot, and its strong, robust constitution makes it eminently one of the best export propositions.