296 THE DOMESTIC SHEEP. 



we have, producing mutton and wool of the finest quality, 

 with great constitution, invaluable for crossing purposes. 

 It is a common saying in Hereford market that 'no sheep will 

 get fat lambs like a Ryeland ram.' The Ryeland of to-day 

 is a much heavier sheep than was the case thirty or forty 

 years ago and arrives earlier at maturity compact in form, 

 straight back, sides and underline, on short, well-set, white 

 legs, a white face, thick scrag, and head well covered with 

 wool. No better wool is grown on any sheep. As a hardy, 

 farmer's rent-paying sheep, I have no hesitation in giving 

 the preference to the Ryeland." Such is a brief outline 

 of the history and characteristics of a breed of sheep des- 

 tined to hold a conspicuous place in the world's future sheep 

 farming. 



Among the minor English breeds, which have in recent 

 years been honored with a class at the Royal and other 

 shows, is 



THE LONK, 



of which the following mention is made by Mr. Dixon in the 

 Royal Agricultural Society's Journal: "The hill ranges of 

 Yorkshire and Lancashire are believed to be the earliest home 

 of the Lonks. We find them extending north from Clitheroe, 

 over the forest of Bowland towards Lancaster, east of Colne 

 and Skipton as far as Keighley and Ben Rhydding, and 

 south along the 'back-bone of England' by Pendle Hill, Burn- 

 ley, Todmorden and Bacup, almost to Blackstone Edge. The 

 Penistone breed, a shorter and thicker description of Lonk. 

 there hold the hills. Derbyshire also has Lonks on most of 

 its hills and peaks, and its flockmasters often go over to 

 report progress at the Craven Show." Youatt undoubtedly 

 refers to the Lonks in the following note: "In the West Rid- 

 ing of Yorkshire and on the border of Lancashire, a breed of 

 short-wooled sheep has existed from time immemorial. They 

 are horned, with mottled faces and legs; some of them, how- 

 ever, are white-faced. It has been crossed more toward the 

 south of the Riding with the Cheviot and Leicester, both of 

 which have improved it. Towards the north it has been 

 oftener crossed with the Heath sheep, and then the legs and 

 faces are black, gray or spotted." Prof. Wrightson 

 says of the breed: "The Lonks are a distinct breed, and are 

 most valued on low-lying, damp and mossy land. They are 



