286 THE SHEEP OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



In thus briefly noticing tlie earlier history of the Leicesters, 

 we must not omit the name of Sir Tatton Sykes, who, though 

 he never showed, got together a most valuable flock, going in 

 for quality. What his blood could do in the showyard has been 

 exemplified by the late Mr. Borton, of Malton, and the late 

 Lord Berners. He commeaced operations by the purchase of 

 ten ewes from Holmepierrepoint. He liked small, thrifty sheep, 

 believing them best adapted for his wold country. The 

 Sledmere sheep were not allowed any artificial food, con- 

 sequently he did not make great prices, and probably his blood 

 has been more valued since his death. At the present day the 

 Leicester sheep are not in such repute as a pure breed, and even 

 at Holmepierrepoint the Shropshires have succeeded them. Mr. 

 Sanday, jun., sold off several years since, believing that the 

 dark faces were more paying sheep. 



It is to the influence of the Leicester in the improvement of 

 other breeds that Bake well's work has been most felt. Let us 

 glance for a moment at their introduction into Scotland, which 

 commenced at an early period. Several pure breeds were 

 established about the Border, and these supplied rams for 

 crossing. Cheviots and black faces have been in many cases 

 improved into highly valuable sheep. Witness the Kelso sales 

 of Border Leicester rams, and their influence in producing the 

 " Barmshires," a cross from Cheviot, which are peculiar to the 

 border counties of Roxburghshire, Berwickshire, and North- 

 umberland. The cast ewes are sold in the autumn to dealers for 

 Yorkshire, where recently they have made from bOs. to 80s. a head. 

 They vary according as the influence of Leicester or Cheviot 

 predominate ; are hardy, with size, and aptitude to feed. They 

 are frequently tupped once and sold off fat with their produce 

 during the next summer. We have used upon them a Shrop- 

 shire ram with success, always getting a heavy fall of lambs, 

 from 60 to 80 per cent, of doubles. The Kelso public sales of 

 rams are now quite a feature in sheep history ; about 2300 rams 

 are sold annually in the four sale rings, purchasers coming from 

 far and near. Lord Polworth stands at the head of the list, his 

 sheep always making a high average, come when they may. 

 The order of sale is regulated by lot, and it is a great matter to 

 be in the morning. 



