THE FARMER'S MANUAL. 113 



His principal aim is to gain the best, whether sheep 

 or cow, which will weigh the most in the most valua- 

 ble joints ; and at the same time that he gains the 

 shape which is of the greatest value in the smallest 

 compass, he finds by experience that he gains a 

 breed much hardier and easier fed than others. In 

 his breed of cattle, his maxim is, the smaller the 

 bones the truer will be the make of the beast ; the 

 quicker it will fatten, and the weight will have a lar- 

 ger proportion of valuable meat." 



The shape, which should be the criterion of an ox, 

 bull, sheep, or cow, is that of a hogshead, or barrel, 

 truly circular, with small, and as short legs as possi- 

 ble ; upon this plain principle, that the value lies in 

 the body, and not in the legs. All breeds whose 

 backs rise in a ridge, arc bad. 



By proper management, Mr. Bakewell brings up 

 his cattle in amazing gentleness ; his bulls stand still 

 in the field to be handled ; they are driven from field 

 to field with a small switch. His cattle are always 

 fat, and this he insists is owing to their breed. 



The small quantity, and inferior quality of food, 

 that will keep a beast perfectly well made, in good 

 order, is surprising. Such an animal will grow fat 

 in a pasture which would starve one with great 

 bones and ill made. 



Mr. Bakewell is equally curious in the breed of his 

 sheep. The bodies of his rams and ewes are as true 

 barrels as can be seen ; round broad backs, and the 

 legs not more than six inches long. An unusual 

 proof of their kindly fattening, is their feeling quite 

 fat between the fore-legs, upon the ribs, where the 

 common kind never carry any fat. 



He finds that hardly any land is too bad for a good 

 breed of cattle, and hardly any good enough to make 

 a bad breed profitable. 



With regard to the rot in sheep, Mr. Bakewell 

 thinks it is solely owing to their feeding on lands 

 which have been flooded : hence it appears, that sheep 



