British Breeds of Sheep 63 



necks and square bodies, by reason, it is supposed, 

 of their hilly and short pasture, whose wool is much 

 valued in foreign nations." 



Home of the breed. — The Cotswold hills include 

 an elevated area of about 279,800 acres, the general 

 height of which, omitting the highest points, has been 

 estimated to be from 500 to 600 feet above the sea 

 level. This range of oolite hills has been described 

 as running northeast to southwest and occupying 

 the eastern division of Gloucestershire. The soil of 

 the district, according to the same authority, seems 

 peculiar in that it is so free and open as to be natu- 

 rally well drained, and though varying much in 

 quality still retaining the same outward character, 

 being calcareous and marly. The Cotswold country 

 seems to be intermediate between lowlands and 

 mountains, and contrary to the habit of most long- 

 wooled sheep, as noted by Professor Wrightson, it 

 has made its home on land approaching most nearly 

 to bleak uplands. 



Improvement of the Cotswold. — The Cotswold at 

 an early day was noted chiefly for its large size, 

 rugged constitution, and the fineness and weight of 

 its fleece. It was wanting in early maturity and in 

 carcass from a butcher's standpoint. There is no 

 doubt but that the Leicester was used as a cross upon 

 the original Cotswold to secure an improvement in 

 these features. Writing in 1850, an authority states 

 that the Cotswold sheep of that day was the improved 



