348 



A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



other lambs, but the hind parts of the Tunis are somewhat 

 heavier than corresponding parts of other breeds. The Tunis 

 makes an excellent feeder, and lambs of this breed have met 

 with much favor from stock buyers and the fattened lambs 

 have sold for high prices on the market. The fleece is of 

 excellent quality, of three-eighths grade, averaging about 3 

 inches long, and frequently containing red or brown fibers. 

 But few of these sheep are to be seen, and fairs rarely make 

 classes for them in the premium lists. 



The Leicester sheep (pronounced Lester) originated in 

 central England in the county of that name. Here Robert 

 Bakewell, one of the most 

 famous live-stock breeders in 

 English history, developed and 

 improved the native stock 

 into the New Leicester. This 

 was really the first improved 

 breed of sheep known in Eng- 

 land, and for a great many 

 years it was extremely popu- 

 lar. Some of these sheep 

 were brought to America, it is 

 said, before the War of the 

 Revolution. In 1800, New Leicester sheep were known 

 about Philadelphia. In the early part of the nineteenth 

 century, many were imported and sold for high prices. 

 This is a large breed, and belongs to the long, or coarse, 

 wool class. The entire head and ears are covered with 

 white hair, the wool not growing beyond the back of the 

 head. The ears are large but thin, and are usually carried 

 in an erect position. The nostrils are black, the nose is 

 somewhat prominent, and the eye bold and attractive. 

 The Leicester has a full, wide breast; broad, flat back; 

 wide rump; and fair leg of mutton. The body form is 

 broad rather than deep, and sometimes these sheep 



Figure 149. Border Leicester ram. 

 Photograph by the author. 



