330 Farming of Leicestersldre. 



The pure-bred Leicester is by the common farmer no longer 

 looked on as a profitable sheep, and their value now depends on 

 their utility lor upholding the Leicester element, or improving 

 other breeds by crossing. The excellent practice of Lord Berners 

 (see page 312) well exemplifies this. 



As time rolls on and the breed gets scarce its value may 

 increase, but the palmy days can hardly return when 500 guineas 

 were repeatedly given for a ram's hire for one year. 



Ram breeding for sale and hire is yet to a certain extent 

 followed, Mr. Cresswell of Ravenstone, Mr. S, Spencer of 

 Snarestone, Mr. Bury of Stoke Goldington, 6cc. &c., being 

 among the most distinguished breeders. 



The first-named gentleman has of late years been a successful 

 exhibitor at the Royal Agricultural Society's and other shows. 

 The foundation of his flock was laid in 1790 by the hire of a 

 lam for the season from John Stone of Barrow on Soar, his price 

 being 300 guineas. This was followed up by another hire from 

 T. Stone of Quorn, at 250 guineas, and from Mr. Stubbins at 300 

 guineas. 



The flock since then has at various times been refreshed with 

 outside blood, but the same strain, the Burgess, has been perti- 

 naciously stuck to. 



At the present time Mr. Cresswell's flock show no signs of 

 degeneracy, and for pure-bred Leicesters they are of great size, 

 with which they combine quality and a good fleece of wool. 

 At Plymouth, last year, the first prize was awarded to a shearling 

 of his, the sheep being afterwards let for the season, price 50 

 guineas. 



Horses. — At the time of Pitt's Survey, Leicestershire was 

 famed for its breed of black horses, but they, as the Longhorn 

 breed of cattle, are almost extinct, and in the course of a few 

 years will become matter for history. 



On the north-east and east many horses of a Lincolnshire 

 origin are met with, while the west cannot claim a distinctive 

 breed, or one possessing merit above mediocrity. 



The graziers on the east side purchase foals or yearlings, and 

 after grazing for a year, re-sell. 



Many of the dairy farmers on the west kept a mare or two for 

 breeding purposes, so that annually they have a colt or two to 

 sell, or it may be to keep on until in their prime, at 6 years old. 



The number of horses kept per 100 acres of arable, varies 

 from four on the light to six on some of the clay soils. 



The horses usually work about eight hours per day, and the 

 general practice is to work the time out with slight intermission. 

 This practice is perhaps necessary on the dairy farms, where 

 some of the teamsmen are required to assist night and morning 



