154 



THE LEICESTER 



prolific ewe flock for poorer soils. These sheep are so much in 

 favor that classes are provided for them at the annual Highland 

 Show in Scotland. Either half-blood or pure Leicester rams mated 

 with the ewes produce lambs that are very popular on the British 

 markets (Fig. 103). 



Distribution. Leicester sheep have been sent to all of the im- 



Fio. 103. Border Leicester ewe. The Border Leicester carries its head higher than does 



the English Leicester. 



portant sheep countries. At the beginning of the nineteenth century 

 they were widely distributed in England, but breeders found it better 

 to modify the local breeds rather than to maintain Leicesters. In 

 many instances they did not take kindly to conditions and it was 

 found that their mutton was lacking quality. 



At the present time pure-bred flocks are not numerous in any 

 country. In North America they are perhaps more prominent in 

 Ontario, Canada, than elsewhere. 



In Bakewell's time, the Dishley Society was organized for the 

 purpose of assisting in establishing the new Leicester breed. It 

 adopted some almost iron-clad rules and was very influential for 



