46 SHEEP I BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



has been effected by crossing with the Leicester, but it is 

 only fair to existing breeders to say that for the last fifty years 

 no such cross has been employed. The carcase weight has 

 been considerably increased, and in place of the 14 Ib. or 16 

 Ib. per quarter already mentioned as representing the weight 

 of wethers, we now find lambs of ten months old arriving at 

 1 8 Ibs. per quarter, and shearlings of sixteen months old 

 scaling 20 Ib. and 22 Ib. per quarter. The wool also, if it 

 has lost in fineness, has gained in weight, and a well known 

 flock (the Brook, Colwall) have averaged 8 Ib., and made 

 iod. per Ib. unwashed. These are startling changes when 

 contrasted with earlier descriptions of the capabilities of the 

 breed. 



And yet the Ryeland sheep preserves something of its 

 original qualities. It fattens with great rapidity, and is thus 

 well adapted for breeding fat lambs. It is still a white-faced, 

 hornless, short and close-woolled race, distinct from any other 

 breed. It may be compared to the Shropshire without the 

 black face and legs, and it is probable that Ryeland blood 

 exists in the veins of that now famous breed. There is also 

 still a certain resemblance to the Merino in the character of 

 the wool. Mr. Frank Shepherd, who is well known in con- 

 nection with the breed, and whose father was one of the few 

 who, through evil and good report, stuck to the Ryeland 

 when he was at a discount, writes as follows : 



" The Ryeland, as you are doubtless aware, is one of the 

 oldest of British breeds of sheep, and some fifty years ago 

 was the leading breed in this district (Malvern). A desire for 

 new breeds springing up, it was allowed almost to become 

 extinct, but by a few good old judges refusing to part with 

 their stock for other blood the breed has been saved its exis- 

 tence. I have said * a few good judges ' ; I believe I might 

 confine it to one man, for had it not been for my late father 

 I feel positively certain that the Ryeland in reality to-day 

 would be unknown. 



" To my mind it is one of the best all-round breeds we have, 



