Border Leicester ram, FAVORITE, winner first prize at Highland and 

 Agricultural Society, Dumfries, Scotland, 18!r>. Bred by and property 

 of Andrew Smith, Longniddry, Hadington, Scotland. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE LEICESTER SHEEP. 



THIS BREED which was one of the first to be established originated in 

 Leicestershire, England. The first improver, Robert Bakewell, 1726-1795, 

 sought chiefly to increase the early maturity of this breed and lessen the size 

 of the bone and increase the weight of flesh. The characteristics secured at 

 that early time are maintained in the modern representative. The face is 

 bare and pure white, body square, fore quarters especially full with hind 

 quarters peculiarly rounded on top. There are usually many evidences of 

 quality as seen in the fine bone and the further fact that the fiber of the 

 fleece is usually remarkably fine considering its length. The marked aptitude 

 of the representatives of this breed to fatten results in remarkable backs 

 but frequently the same aptitude produces a soft and uneven covering. The 

 Border Leicester, originating from an infusion of Cheviot blood, is generally 

 stronger in bone and more vigorous than the English type. The wool of the 

 fleece is lustrous, five or six inches long and very soft though frequently too 

 open and sometimes absent on the belly. 



