QUALITIES OF PURE BRITISH BREEDS. 267 



with low grade sheep has been attended with much success, 

 which, however, considering its marked superiority, is by 

 no means a cause of wonder. Wherever the pasture is not 

 over-abundant, this breed is likely to take precedence over 

 all others for hiutton. 



The third pure breed is tjbe Cheviot, which, are inferior to 

 the South Down in fattening powers and early maturity, but 

 greatly superior in hardihood and endurance of cold. Their 

 excellence as nurses is pre-eminent, and consequently in 

 instances where it was desirable to push forward lambs for 

 market, the cross with the Leicester has been resorted to 

 with complete success. In the northern parts of this State, 

 as well as through the New England States, the Cheviot is 

 admirably adapted to the climate, and ordinary modes of 

 management. 



The next breeds of the long-wooled varieties which will be 

 very briefly noticed, are the Lincoln and Cotswold. These, 

 however, have lost some of their original characteristics by 

 extensive crossing with the Leicester ram, and by it have been 

 made as greatly superior to their ancestors, as the modern 

 Leicester is over the old breed. In many respects the Lin- 

 coln and Cotswold are better suited for American breeders 

 than the Leicester, being hardier, carrying heavier fleeces, 

 and withal, are better nurses ; and, as observed of the Lei- 

 cester, where ample provision can be made for quick fatten- 

 ingr a-nd placed in localities which aflford facilities for easy 

 access to a good mutton market, they are worthy of much 

 consideration with those who cultivate sheep for the carcase. 



The above brief summary of the qualities of the prominent 

 English breeds, which is but a recapitulation of what the reader 

 has remarked in their history, is for the purpose, in part, of 

 calling the attention of American breeders to their great and 

 undisputed merits. It will at once be conceded, that they are 

 not as profitable as the fine-wooled breeds, if placed in situa- 

 tions unadapted to them, and such localities have already been 

 pointed out. But it is scarcely necessary to say, that it would 

 be unwise for all to turn their attention to raising fine wool, 

 and wholly neglect the production of an article which is be- 

 ginning to be so highly appreciated, and paid for accordingly, 

 in our city markets. Fine mutton must always be in requi- 

 sition as well as fine wool ; and with a considerate choice of 

 breeds which produce the former, and of such as are partic 

 ulariy adapted to the products of the farm, the growing of 



