324 THE SHEEP OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



years to bring the Marsh sheep to market. We believe the 

 Leicesters were first tried on their own merits, and could stand 

 neither the climate nor the close stocking so essential to profit. 

 A dash of the blood would, however, increase propensity to feed, 

 without seriously affecting the constitutional vigour which is so 

 marked and essential a feature of the marsh-bom sheep. On 

 the arable lands adjoining the marshes, where there would be 

 more shelter and artificial treatment, a more decided cross would 

 be found beneficial. The best treated sheep at the present day 

 are capable of reaching very creditable weights as shearlings ; 

 the heaviest pen at the Smithfield show of 1872, for example, 

 were 2601b. each (live weight). Greater aptitude to feed, more 

 symmetrical frames, and a diminution of bone and offal have 

 been gained by the alliance, whilst the characteristic features 

 remain intact. 



We have never knowingly tasted the mutton, but we believe 

 it stands far before any other long- wool breed for closeness of 

 texture and good flavour. 



An impression prevails that formerly the Romney Marsh 

 breed were larger, as they were undoubtedly coarser sheep ; it is 

 quite possible that the influence we have referred to, whilst 

 giving quality, also reduced the legginess of the breed without 

 diminishing the weight. Though much more symmetrical than 

 of old, with well-covered backs and with springy touch, the 

 want of scale is still apparent ; the sides are flat, and there is 

 not that depth of forequarter which is so marked a feature of 

 the Leicester. It is probable that the peculiarity of form is 

 connected with the hardy character which gives these sheep 

 such peculiar value. 



In his essays on " The Farming of Kent," Mr. Buckland 

 alludes to the pasture land of the Marsh as differing greatly in 

 quality and productiveness. He describes it under two heads — 

 breeding and fattening land ; the former keeping from two to 

 three ewes per acre during winter, and about twice that number 

 (that is, we conclude, the dams and their produce) in summer. 

 A fair average of the fattening land would be four to five sheep 

 per acre. Cattle are purchased to keep the grass under, but 

 occupy a very secondary place to the sheep, which are the chief 

 source of profit. 



