436 



SHEEP 



as originating from a cross of Leicester rams on Cheviot ewes, 

 the result of the cross finally assuming a pure form of a variety 

 of the Leicester. In 1767 the Culleys moved into northern 

 Northumberland county, England, to Fenton, near Wooler, 

 among the Cheviot Hills in the border country between England 

 and Scotland. In this region they developed the Border Leices- 

 ter, which became very popular. In 1806 they retired and their 

 flock was dispersed, being purchased by various breeders. There 

 are to-day flocks in the border region directly descended from 

 Culley rams. The Mertoun flock of Lord Polwarth, said to 

 have been established in 1802, has long been and is to-day 

 perhaps the most famous in Britain. 



The characteristics of the Border Leicester sheep in compari- 

 son with the Bakewell Leicester are interestingly shown by 

 Professor Wrightson as follows : 



The differences between the Leicester and Border Leicester are to be 

 chiefly seen in the head, which in the Border Leicester is white and 

 boldly carried, the nose slightly aquiline, the muzzle full, the nostrils 

 wide, and the ears erect. The head is clean and free from wool, as is 

 pretty well shown by the fact that they suffer from flies settling on their 

 polls in summer. The English Leicester, unless trimmed and shaved for 

 show, usually carries a tuft of wool on his head, which protects it from 

 flies, and he is also wooled in the shanks. The English Leicester has a 

 bluish-white face, whereas the Border Leicester's face is clear white. In 

 carcass the Border Leicester is the larger and longer, and the belly is not 

 quite so full in outline, being carried rather more lightly. 



It may also be added that the flesh at the nose is black, that black 

 spots frequently occur in the white hair on head and ear, and that 

 this is a heavier, more leggy type than the Bakewell Leicester. 



Border Leicester rams crossed on Cheviot ewes make a cross 

 which has long met with much favor in the British market. In 

 the hill country the half-breds and three-quarter-breds feed 

 extremely well on rather scant fare oftentimes, and produce a 

 strictly choice mutton. Each year in the hill country between 

 Scotland and England large numbers of cross-bred sheep of this 

 stock find their way into the best British trade. 



The Society of Border Leicester Sheep Breeders has an organ- 

 ization in Britain, but in America the Border type is registered 

 in the American Leicester flock book. 



