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KXXIV INTRODUCTION. 
nutive fize of the cows. . But however fome weftern geri- 
tlemen and breeding farmers may withhold their affent front 
the advantages hereby held out, (and fome fuch exceptions 
are to be expected) one principle mut be contended for, in 
the concurrent language of ‘experience and fkill in this 
Society, That no offspring, if it can be avoided, fhould be raifed 
ta maturity but from the fineft-boned, cleane/t-headed, and befi- 
fefbed of every ftock, both male and female. By a clofe adhe- 
rence to this rule, the improvement that might be made, 
even among his own ftock, by almoft any breeder, in a few 
years would become ftriking, important, and influential. A 
clofe adherence to this principle of choice at home,-and in 
occafional purchafes at publick markets, will foon convince 
any man of common fenfe, how unneceffary it is for com- 
mon farmers to give the enormous prices we have fometimes 
heard of, for chances of improvement in horned cattle! 
SHEEP. 
Of this animal little remains to be faid, in addition to the 
remarks which have been already made in former pages of 
the Society’s publications. That no particular defcription 
of fheep is likely to be pronounced by the general voice as 
beft for all fituations, is clear; and the fact is confirmed by 
progreffive experience, and the foundeft reafon. ‘That the 
Leicefterfhire, or what are called by the theep-breeders of 
that county the new Leice/terfhire, fort, is growing in eftima- 
tion for inclfures is certain. And it muft be noted with 
pleafure, that among the improvements of thefe breeders 
that of wool is faid'to be increafing. If by any happy crofs- 
ing and care they can carry this object confiderably further, 
without lofing any valuable peculiarity of carcafe for expe- 
ditious fatting and general confumption, they will render a 
further very material fervice to their country. Whoever 
looks 
