SOUTHDOWN SHEEP.

Otago Witness, Issue 1296, 30 September 1876, Page 18

SOUTHDOWN SHEEP.

On the 7th September, one of the most important sales of Southdown sheep which has occurred in England, will take place at Landport, Lewes, Sussex. The stock to be sold is historical, and dates back to its purity of origin to 1761. The flock,; which will be sold without reserve, consists of 800 ewes, of various ages, 500 lambs, and 44 rams. This flock was originally founded, so to speak, .by Mr R. Ellman, in 1701, at Glynde, Sussex. In 1780, he died, and left his farm to his son John. . From that time down to the present date, the greatest care has been exercised over the flock, and it has been 1 studiously guarded, so that no impure mixture should contaminate it. From it have been scattered throughout Europe representative Southdowns, which have won the highest admiration. The English' v Annals of Agriculture" speaks of this flock in the highest terms. Crowned; heads have purchased choice selections from it at immense prices. In 1846, the flock was removed to its present quarters.. Kept always in the same family, in has been the pride of each generation to' keep it up to the high standard it ever occu-; pied. Mr R. H. Ellman, its' present' lineal owner, being about tb retire from' farming,- has decided to • sell the entire, flock at auction, without reserve. Breeders of this country, where the reputation of! this stock -is so well known, will not be slow in arranging to attend this sale. We hope that a number of the best selections' will be purchased by Americans, so that this royal blood, descended in distinct, unbroken lines, from the seventeenth century, can be introduced here. Make a note of the day of sale, and arrange to be on hand with a letter of credit ample enough to buy just what should become Americanized. — New Yorlt Spirit of the Times. ' ■ •