56 Sheep-Farming 



lustrous. It is likely the finest-fibered wool of any of 

 the long-wooled breeds. The fleece is inclined to 

 peel from the belly, leaving this part bare, which not 

 only detracts from the appearance of the sheep, but 

 also lessens the returns in wool. 



Value for feeding purposes. — For grazing purposes, 

 the Leicester cannot be said to equal most other 

 breeds, but for fattening when there is little foraging 

 to do, they can hardly be surpassed. They are quick 

 and hearty feeders ; being quiet in temperament, they 

 take on flesh rapidly. 



Breeding qualities. — The strength of the Leicester 

 in fattening attributes appears to weaken their 

 breeding qualities. Being inclined to take on flesh 

 very readily interferes with the qualities of the breed- 

 ing flock, for reliability in breeding, prolificacy, and 

 good nursing qualities are not usually associated 

 with a marked tendency to fatten. 



Adaptability. — As a breed, the Leicester is adapted 

 for the conditions of the lowlands where the feed 

 is abundant, requiring very little foraging to get it. 

 The Leicester ram has been a prime favorite for cross- 

 ing on ewes of other breeding for the purpose of rearing 

 early fat lambs. In the formation of other breeds, the 

 Leicester and the Southdown have played kindred 

 parts, as there is hardly a breed of long-wooled sheep 

 but have had at some time in their history an infusion 

 of Leicester blood, while the same may be said of the 

 Southdown and its relation to the dark-faced breeds. 



