THE SOUTHDOWN FLOCK BOOK, 1892

Published by the Southdown Sheep Breeders' Association (There were no photographs in the Book)

VOLUME 1

Rams - - - - - - 1 to 349
Ewes - - - - - - 1 to 38

PRESIDENT
Mr. Edwin Ellis

VICE-PRESIDENTS
His Grace the Duke of Northumberland
The Right Hon. Earl Bathurst
Sir Thomas Barrett-Lennard, Bart.
Mr. Laurence Cave
Mr. H.F. Locke-King
Mr. A. de Murietta
Mr. W. Trotter

SECRETARIES
Mr. Newton Clayton, Hon. Secretary
Mr. W.W. Chapman, Secretary

There were thirty-one members. The Entrance Fee was £1. 1. 0d., and the Annual Subscription £1. 1. 0d. (this would be £81.82 in 2007 using the retail price index).

THE SOUTHDOWN SHEEP
by Newton Clayton and W.W. Chapman

"Small in size, but great in value", is still characteristic of the true Southdown, and it would be a sad event in the history of this oldest and purest of breeds if size should become preferred to quality, and mere weight of mutton to character and good wool.

The antiquity of the Southdown is unquestioned, and there are to-day flocks of Southdown sheep cropping the short pasture of the Sussex downs, whose traditions are lost in the centuries. The fame of its mutton would appear to be almost as ancient; we read that the "Merry Monarch" "loved Southdown mutton", and in 1798 the Emperor of Russia bought, at a cost of 300 guineas, two rams from Mr. Ellman, of Glynde, to improve the flavour and quality of the northern mutton. (300 guineas in 1798 would be worth £24,791.67 in 2007 using the retail price index).

Originally the Southdown was light in the forequarters, narrow chested, thin necked, and rather long in the leg; but it was hardy, and would thrive on pasture that would starve many other breeds of sheep.

Messrs. Ellman, of Glynde, and at a later period Mr. Jonas Webb, seem to have done for the Southdown what Bakewell did for the Leicester, and by judicious selection to have produced a sheep symmetrical in form, of hardy constitution, with good wool and character, and the best of mutton.

In a good Southdown we look for a head wide and level between the ears, with no sign of slug or dark poll; eyes large, bright and prominent; ears of medium size, covered with short wool; face full, not too long from eyes to nose, and of one even mouse colour, not approaching black nor speckled with white, under jaw, light; neck wide at base, strong and good; shoulders, well put in, the top level with the back; chest, wide and deep, "thick through the heart"; fore flanks fully developed; ribs wide sprung and "well ribbed up"; back level, with wide and flat loin, the whole covered with firm flesh; flanks, deep and full; rump, wide, long and well turned; tail, large, and set on almost level with the chine; thighs, full, well let down, with deep wide twist, ensuring a good leg of mutton; legs, a mouse colour, and "outside the body", the whole of which should be covered with a fine, close and even fleece down to hocks and knees, and right up to the cheeks, with full foretop, but there should be no wool under the eyes or across the bridge of the nose. The skin should be of a delicate and bright pink, the carriage gentlemanly, and the walk that of a thoroughbred.

A breed of sheep that will put on a pound of mutton at a less cost and of greater value than any other, but be the most profitable; therefore, the Southdown is the real rent-paying sheep. It will keep in good condition on bare pasture, and on generous diet will mature as quickly as any breed.

Its value for "crossing" is acknowledged. It occupies the same position amongst sheep as the Shorthorn does in cattle, and it has been freely laid under contribution to produce the "improved" Hampshire and Oxford Downs, Shropshires, &c.

The many excellencies of the Southdown - the hardy constitution, the adaptability to almost any climate, the habit of thriving on bare pasture, the generous return for good feeding, the comparative immunity from foot rot and less liability to "fly" (from the density of its fleece), the general aptitude to improve other breeds by "crossing", the beauty of character, the fine quality of mutton and the excellence of its wool, only require to become known to be thoroughly appreciated by home and foreign flock owners.

SOUTHDOWN FLOCKS

N.B. With the exception of Flocks 1 and 2, which are sold, every sheep in Flock Book is ear-marked with the Association's stamp, followed by its Flock number.

FLOCK NO. 1

Messrs. DE MURIETTA, Wadhurst Park, Wadhurst, Sussex

Southdowns have been kept at Wadhurst Park from the time the estate was purchased, about 25 years ago; but in 1887 it was determined to make this, if possible, one of the best flocks of the kingdom for purity of blood, character, and wool, and, in order to be prepared for the future registration of the Southdown Sheep, it was decided to keep a careful register of each and every sheep in the flock. In this year (1887) 125 Ewes were purchased at C.J. Carew Gibson's Sandgate sale, and 15 Ewes at Mr. Gorringe's annual sale, Kingston-on-Sea.

In 1888 100 Ewes were purchased from the famous flock of Col. Sir Nigel Kingscote, and at the dispersal sale of Mr. H. Penfold's flock at Selsey 31 of the best of the Ewes were obtained. In 1889 15 Ewes came from the sale of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, and at Mr. H. Webb's first sale 65 of the best of the Ewes were purchased. At his final sale in 1890, 20 Ewes were obtained, and in this and the following year, 1891, Ewes were purchased from the flocks of Sir William Throckmorton, Mr. F. Barchard, and Mr. Stewart Hodgson.

The Sires used since 1887 are as follows:-
In 1887 two Rams from Mr. C.G. Carew Gibson, and one hired from Mr. Hugh Gorringe for the season.
In 1888 two Rams hired of Mr. Henry Webb, No. 24, purchased at Mr. Penfold's sale, and No. 7 hired from Goodwood.
In 1889 Mr. Penfold's No. 24; Mr. Webb's No. 39 of 1889, "Gloucester" (sire of "Cambridgeshire"); No. 7 of 1888; and a Ram Lamb, No. 10, from Mr. Heasman's sale at Arundel.
In 1890 Mr. Penfold's No. 24, Mr. Webb's No. 39 of 1889, and also No. 44 of 1890; Mr. Heasman's RamLamb No. 10, a "Throckmorton" Ram, and several home-bred ones.
In 1891 Mr. Penfold's No. 24, Mr. Webb's No. 39 of 1889, Sir N.W. Throckmorton's No. 1 of 1891 sale, two of Ellis' Rams, several home-bred Rams; and 20 Ewes were specially selected and sent for service to Mr. Ellis' celebrated Ram, "Baronet".

At the dispersion of the flock (every sheep being sold) in 1892 - a year in which Southdowns generally realised very low prices - the averages were:-

N.B. This flock was sold on August 25th, 1892

FLOCK NO. 2

W. TROTTER, Esq., Sydenhurst, Chiddingford, Surrey

The Sydenhurst Flock was founded several years ago, with a number of carefully selected Ewes, among which were twenty choice Shearlings and a Ram from Sir N.W. Throckmorton's old-established flock at Buckland. Purchases of Ewes were also made from the Earl of Bathurst at Cirencester, from Mr. Edwin Ellis's prize-winning flock, and Mr. Hugh Penfold of Selsey, Chichester; the Buckland Ram was followed by Sheep from Mr. J. Stewart Hodgson, Mr. W. Toop of Aldingbourne, and Mr. Henry Webb.

Ewes 158; Shearling Ewes 65; Rams and Ram Lambs 42.

N.B. This flock was sold on August 3rd, 1892

FLOCK NO. 3

PAGHAM HARBOUR CO., Selsey, Chichester. Address: Newton Clayton, Selsey, Chichester.

This flock was established by the purchase, in 1879, of 70 draft Ewes from the old-established flock of Mr. Hugh Penfold (No. 4 in Flock Book). In 1880 160 Ewes were bought at the sale of Thomas Saxby, who had bred largely from Messrs. Ellman. On three subsequent occasions Ewes were obtained from Penfold - three lots of draft Ewes, 120 in all, were added from the old Goodwood flock, and selected Ewes have also been procured from the flocks of Carew Gibson, Heasman, Hobgen, &c.

Recognizing the excellent character and wool of the old Selsey flock, Penfold's best Rams have been chiefly used every year, all his choicest strains having been brought into requisition, but for several years rams have also been used bred by Mr. Henry Webb, also three sons of "General Favourite", which were worked three years.

The farms being situate on a promontory jutting into the English Channel, without shelter, particular attention has always been given - not only to true Southdown character but also to hardiness of constitution and density of fleece. Many prizes have been taken for Sheep at the "Royal" and other shows, but wool has only been once exhibited, gaining 1st Prize at the "Jubilee Royal" show, Windsor, 1889.

Ewes 1070; Rams 40.

FLOCK NO. 4

HUGH PENFOLD, Selsey, Chichester

This flock has been established over a century, and has ever been celebrated for its Southdown character and for the excellence of its wool. The sheep for the past 30 years have been very successful in the showyard.

Since the foundation of the flock Rams have been selected with the greatest care, and with special regard to purity, character, and wool, from the celebrated flocks of Messrs. Ellman, Henry Webb, Duke of Richmond, H.P. Hart, John Walters, Lord Walsingham, Hugh Gorringe, and other breeders.

Ewes 250; Shearling Ewes 80; Rams and Ram Lambs 32.

FLOCK NO. 6

FRANCIS NEALE HOBGEN, Manor Farm, Appledram, Chichester

This flock was started in 1833 by a draft of 200 Ewes from the flock of the Duke of Richmond, and Rams bred by the late William Oliver, John Pinnix, and Hugh H. Penfold were used, the flock being then the property of Mr. Charles Hobgen, the present owner's uncle, who gave up business 13 years ago, when the entire flock came into the hands of the present owner, who first introduced blood from the flocks of Messrs. John Humphry and Carew Gibson, and since then from other pure bred flocks. In 1889 Rams were used of Messrs. Carew Gibson's blood, Edwin Ellis, Hugh Gorringe, and Hugh Penfold. In 1890 Rams were used from the flocks of the Pagham Harbour Company, Hugh Penfold, and E. Ellis, and in 1891 Rams used were from the flocks of E. Hobgen, Lord Alington, Mr. Lucas, Mr. A.T. Newman, and Mr. W.A. Hammond.

Ewes 350; Shearling Ewes 114; Rams 21

FLOCK NO. 7

SIR THOMAS BARRETT-LENNARD, Bart., Woodingdean, Brighton.

This flock was founded in 1890 by Ewes bought of Mr. Brown and Ewes have been since purchased from Messrs. Ellis, Lucas, and Henry Webb, and Rams from Messrs. Henry Webb, Gorringe, Ellis, Lucas, and Colman.

Ewes 205; Shearling Ewes 105; Rams 10

FLOCK NO. 8

SIR THOMAS BARRETT-LENNARD, Bart., Belhus, Romford, Essex

This flock was founded in 1857 by the present owner's grandfather, who had used Webb's Rams for some years, and the present owner introduced into the flock from time to time Ewes from the flocks of Mr. Rigden, Sir W. Throckmorton, Earl of Bathurst, and others. At the late Mr. Jonas Webb's great sale as much as 35 guineas per head was given for 5 Ewes, and lately Ewes have been purchased from the flocks of Messrs. Ellis and Lucas.

Rams from the flocks of Messrs. Rigden, Hart, Jonas Webb (at whose sale 140 guineas was paid for a Ram), Ellis, and Henry Webb. (140 guineas in 1890 - the date of Jonas Webb's final sale - would be worth £11,595.64 in 2007 using the retail price index)

In 1865 the Gold Medal presented by the late Emperor of France at Poissy, near Paris, was won by Sheep from this flock, and numerous prizes have been won at Essex and Suffolk County shows.

Ewes 44; Shearling Ewes 6

FLOCK NO. 11

H. F. LOCKE-KING, Brooklands, Weybridge

This flock, in 1891, consisted entirely of Ewes purchased from the Marquis of Bristol, at the Ickworth sale, in July, 1891. There are records of Southdowns at Ickworth as far back as 1807, and throughout its existence care was taken to obtain none but the best and purest blood. For some ten years after 1849, Sheep were purchased from Mr. John Ellman, of Glynde, and afterwards from the flocks of Mr. Rigden and Lord Walsingham. Sheep were also obtained from the flocks of Mr. Humphrey, of Ashington, and of Mr. Penfold, and Rams purchased at the Babraham sales in 1861 and 1862. For the Ickworth flock, from 1872, Rams were hired by Lord Bristol from Mr. Henry Webb, of Streetly Hall, and Rams and Ewes were also purchased at his sales.

One of these rams, No. 27 in the 1889 sale, was bought at the Ickworth sale, and was used in the Weybridge flock in the past season. The other sires for the season of 1891 were a son of Mr. Webb's, No. 24 in 1889, purchased at Mr. Stewart Hodgson's sale, and a son of Favourite, purchased at the Chichester Ram sale from the flock of Mr. Heasman.

Ewes 171; Shearling Ewes 38; Rams 4.

FLOCK NO. 12

EDWIN ELLIS, Summersbury, Shalford, Guildford.

The Summersbury Stock was established in 1879 by the purchase of carefully selected Ewes from the flock of Messrs. Botting, where the old Rigden blood had been freely used, and which had also been replenished by some of Colman's best Rams.

In 1885, at the dispersal of Lord Walsingham's flock, the Rams Merton and Ripon were bought at 105 and 45 guineas respectively, as well as some of the choicest Ewes, at prices as high as twelve and fifteen guineas each.

Many of the most famous Sheep in England have sprung from these animals, viz: Royal Newcastle, the Jubilee Champion, Baronet, Royal Plymouth, and others.

Since that time Sheep from the Throckmorton, Penfold, Coleman, and Webb flocks have been introduced when a change of blood was required.

Numerous prizes have been taken during the past seven years, including highest honours, both at the breeding and fat-stock shows. On the Continent, at the International Show at Paris in 1889, three champion prizes were awarded, as also the Prix d'Honneur fro the best collection of Sheep of any variety.

The Sheep have been equally successful when shown at the American and Canadian Exhibitions.

Ewes 320; Shearling Ewes 155; Rams 23.

FLOCK NO. 15

EARL BATHURST, Cirencester

Agent's Address—Robt. Anderson, The Bartons, Cirencester.

The Cirencester Park flock was founded very early in the century, purchases being made from Mr. George Talbot, who for several years took the whole of the draft Ewes from Mr. John Ellman, of Glynde, and brought them to his estate in Gloucestershire. As early as 1820 and subsequently Rams and Ewes were procured from Mr. Ellman, the Duke of Richmond and other noted Sussex breeders. In 1844 the Babraham blood was introduced by a purchase from Mr. Jonas Webb. Of recent years Rams have been selected fromthe celebrated flocks of the Duke of Richmond, Sir William Throckmorton, Messrs. Rigden, J.J. Colman, C. Chapman, Henry Webb, William Toop and Edwin Ellis.

Ewes 554; Shearling Ewes 190; Rams 11.

FLOCK NO. 16

HERBERT PADWICK, Thorney Island, Emsworth

This flock, originally formed by Mr. David Padwick, has traditions inferior to none in the kingdom. Being formed in 1820 from the best Ewes which could be procured, it was an established flock in 1830 when it passed into the hands of Mr. Frederick Padwick, son of Mr. David Padwick, who at first used Rams from the flocks of the Brothers Ellman, the Duke of Richmond, and Messrs. Atwick Pinnix and H.P. Hart, and who added to it by purchases made at Mr. Robert Drewitt's sale (August, 1847), whose flock was at that time considered the finest in existence. Mr. Padwick, being a relative of that celebrated Southdown breeder, Mr. Henry Percival Hart, of Beddingham, near Lewes, from the year 1846 bred almost exclusively from his Rams—so much was this the case that if other Rams were occasionally used their produce was invariably drafted, and recourse was again had to the Beddingham flock. It will be remembered that Mr. Hart was from childhood an intimate friend and near neighbour of the Ellmans, who have been called the founders of the "Improved Southdown"—indeed, his farm lay immediately between those of Messrs. John and Thomas Ellman, and he thus possessed facilities for studying Southdown, shared, perhaps, by no other breeder. Early taking an interest in sheep-breeding, he obtained much information from the Ellmans, and also from their shepherd, to whom John Ellman attributed much of his success. Possessing, then, this knowledge and these advantages, Mr. Hart was enabled, on the dispersion of Mr. John Ellman's flock, to bring together into his own the best strains of "Ellman" blood, and, in a sense, to perpetuate the founder's flock.

The Thorney Island flock being so closely related to his own, Mr. Hart has naturally always taken a great interest in it, an interest which became intensified upon his ceasing for a time, after his sale in 1878, to be himself a flock-master. Since then he has given the present owner (Mr. Herbert Padwick) the assistance of his great experience and judgment in the selection of Rams to replenish the Thorney flock, an assistance which this opportunity enables the owner gratefully to acknowledge. The "Hart blood" is now so generally known and so highly valued, that it is unnecessary to do more than give the number of animals bought or hired from the Beddingham flock, and to mention that the use of Ram Lambs has been studiously avoided—a point upon which Mr. Hart has always laid the greatest stress. Hart Rams were used yearly from 1847 to 1878 (five were bought in 1847). During that period 40 were bought or hired, and also 220 Ewes; and as lately as 1889 a pure Hart Ram was in use. The number kept in the flock was 300 from 1820 to 1846, 350 to 1878. Since the latter year the flock has been gradually raised to 500 (its present number), the greatest increase taking place when 70 Ewes were added from the Goodwood flock.

Ewes 470; Ewe tegs 140; Rams 13.

SCHEDULE OF PRIZE WINNERS

at the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW, WARWICK, 1892