COTSWOLD SHEEP. 299^ 



In time finer sorts were necessary, possibly because, owing to 

 improved management, long wool became longer and stronger ; 

 then, as arable cultivation improved, and the down land was 

 broken up, the sheep would be kept in closer compass, and by 

 degrees their outline improved and feeding properties increased. 

 We think it probable that a Leicester cross has been introduced^ 

 and to this may be attributed, to some extent, the great aptitude 

 for feeding which characterises the breed. As a pure breed 

 Leicesters could not stand the severity of the winter ; but at the 

 time of Bakewell's marvellous success they were introduced 

 upon the Cotswold hills, and though they speedily disappeared 

 as a pure breed, they may have done good by increasing the 

 tendency to feed, without materially altering the type of the 

 sheep. Be this as it may — and it is a point that does not- 

 admit of proof — we find the Cotswold sheep of the present day 

 remarkable for symmetry, early maturity, and weight. There 

 can be no doubt that the establishment of the Royal and local 

 agricultural societies did much for this breed, formerly bo little 

 known. It has never been the fate of the Cotswolds to be 

 supported by great patrons. The farmers, however, on the hills 

 were a wealthy and highly intelligent class, and do not lack 

 enterprise. For many years, principally as a result of showing, 

 the demand had greatly increased, and the best breeders made 

 high averages. Indeed, the leading breeders experience such a 

 lively demand for their sheep that showing is no longer 

 necessary ; and as it is a costly business, and results in more 

 or less injury to the stock that are fed up, they have done 

 wisely to withdraw from the arena, although the public lose the 

 opportunity of seeing some of the finest specimens. We can 

 well remember in years gone by, when Mr. W. Lane, of Broad- 

 field, near Northleach, travelled up in the van with his sheep, 

 and generally managed to win with the ewes. Messrs. Games, 

 were also great in the showyard. The late J. King Tombs, who- 

 bred largely from the Lanes and Games, took many prizes up to 

 the time of his death. Eecently the executors of Mr. Thomas- 

 Gillett, of Oxfordshire, have shown big sheep, at one time many 

 prizes went into Norfolk, where the Cotswolds have proved very 

 successful in the hands of Mr. Brown, of Marham, and formerly 

 of Mr. H. Avlmer. Messrs. Gillett and Mr. Swanwick of the 



