Romney Marsh Sheep.

Manawatu Herald, 1 June 1897, Page 2

Romney Marsh Sheep.

Mr W. S. Allen, of Annandftie, Piako, bos written to Mr 3r»dey in reference to bis reoenfc remarks about Romney Marsh sheep. Intor alia he says: "Yon are k qpita right in saying that the true Romneys hare almost oeased to *xiit. This it not only the oase in New Zealand, but it is also in -England. I was at the Canterbury Show in 1894, and the Royal last year, and at the latter show especially it is very curious to see how rapidly the characteristics of the old Romney Marsh, are disap« pearing. The sheep which are now known as Romneys, both here and in England, have of course, some of the old breed in them ; but in 99 cases out of 100 they are anything but pure bred sheep, being in point of fact 'improved Romneys.' I noticed Mr Matthews's remark?, but it is a great mistake to suppose that because a sheep ig imported' from tha Romney Martin district he is therefore a purebred Romney. In point of fact I very mnoh doubt if a pure bred old-fashioned Romnby Marsh sheep ever finds its way ts New Zealand now. I have at present a ram who is near to the old Romney type J as it is possible to get ooe,.but at a show a judge would -certainly not look at kifQ, and would' pass him over in favour of an "improved" Romney. In fact, few judges know what a real Romney is."- Advocate.