356 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



breed. Ellis, who published his " Shepherd's Guide " 

 in 1749, is the first to mention them as an established 

 breed in the fens of Lincoln. He says that they were 

 " the longest legged and largest carcassed sheep of all 

 others; and although their legs and bellies were for the 

 most part void of wool, yet they carried more wool on 

 them than any sheep whatsoever." The modern Lincoln 

 is said to be the product of a Leicester cross on the old 

 Lincoln. It is a fine representative of the long-wool 

 sheep, and yields a very heavy fleece of combing wool. 



Lincolns were first brought to New England about the 

 close of the eighteenth century. In 1825 an importation 

 was made to Massachusetts by A. A. Lawrence. In 1834 

 they reached Ohio. An importation was made to New 

 York in 1836 by L. D. Clift. Since that time importa- 

 tions have been made to both Canada and the United 

 States. The breed has not been popular in this country. 



433. Families. Mention should be made of two 

 notable flocks. One of the leading flocks in England is 

 that of Henry Budding, Riby Grove, Great Grimsby, Lin- 

 colnshire. It is a very large flock and has been bred care- 

 fully for about one hundred and fifty years. Rams from 

 this flock have sold for $5000 each. In 1907, forty-eight 

 rams averaged $450. Another flock which has a notable 

 record is that of J. E. Caswell, Laughton, Folkingham. 



434. Description. For many years, the fleece has 

 been made a leading feature of the Lincoln breed. The 

 wool is long, somewhat lustrous and of a strong and sound 

 combing quality. For length of fiber and strength of 

 staple, no other breed but the Cotswold can rival the Lin- 

 coln. The color is white. The head is large, and without 

 horns. The sheep gives the impression of massiveness. 

 It is gentle, a good feeder, matures early, and has fair 



