SHEEP. 



289 



The most marked feature in their structure is the smallness of their heads and bones 

 generally, in proportion to the size and weight of the body. Their mutton is however 

 maintained in a due proportion of lean meat, and is not considered quite equal to the South 

 down and some other breeds. The fleece, on the average, weighs from six to eight pounds, 

 the uniformity in the lustre of the wool making it quite popular with the manufacturers of 

 alpacas, and other glossy-surfaced goods. It is not considered however quite as hardy as 

 some breeds, although found in the climatic extremes of Canada and the cotton growing 

 States. As a general rule the climate of the north is too severe for them, and a hardier race 

 will be found more profitable to farmers of that portion of the country. 



They are quite numerous in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, and some of the Middle 

 and Ohio Valley States, but are not as numerous and popular in this country generally as the 

 Cotswolds. The earliest record of this breed in the United States is a mention of them by 

 Curtis, in writing of the Bakewell ewes on the estate of &quot;Washington, from which were 

 derived the somewhat famous Arlington long-wooled sheep. 



BORDER LEICESTER RAM, 

 Owned by Lord Polworth, Berwickshire, Scotland. 



The Leicesters are reputed to be less prolific than some breeds, twins being of rare 

 occurrence in the flocks. 



Border Leicesters. This variety is considerably larger than the improved Leicester, 

 which is supposed to be due to the introduction of Lincoln or Teeswater blood. They are 

 similar in general characteristics to the Leicesters, the wool also being about the same value, 

 but are recognized as a pure and distinct breed at Agricultural Shows in England, where prizes 

 are offered. They are highly esteemed in the border counties, and south of Scotland. Mr. 

 Wilson, Member of Council, Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, thus describes 

 the breed: 



The most marked feature in their structure is the smallness of their heads and of 

 their bones generally, as contrasted with their weight of carcass. They are clean in the jaws, 

 with a full eye, thin ears, and placid countenance. Their backs are straight, broad, and flat; 



