2 



Management of Sheep. 



makes a better return, for the quantity and quality of food con- 

 sumed, than any other animal; — to the nation, as supplying a 

 staple article of food, and giving employment to thousands of 

 artisans by the conversion of the wool into manufactures. In 

 fact, the production and general management of sheep claims to 

 be treated as the foundation of good and profitable husbandry. 



The production of first-rate sheep is a ''science blended with 

 practice ;" consequently a proper knowledge of nature's laws (the 

 effect of climate and situation upon the character and disposition of 

 the animals) has led to important improvements in their form, 

 quality of flesh, and general management. As the present "im- 

 proved breeds " are.the production of man's skill and enterprise by 

 propagation from their original state, were the breeders once to 

 relax their exertions, leaving the animals to nature's course, so 

 soon would the various flocks degenerate. 



The Leicesters, or what were originally termed the Dishley 

 flock, date their origin from the career of the celebrated Robert 

 Bakewell, of Dishley, in the county of Leicester, whose great 

 abilities, about the year 1755, dictated the cultivation of a style 

 of sheep previously unknown, and b}^ which he subsequently be- 

 came so distinguished. The precise plans he adopted in procur- 

 ing the parent stock are yet a matter of conjecture, he having 

 maintained great secresy upon the subject : but it is evident, and 

 indeed distinctly known, that by a careful selection of improved 

 animals through repeated generations, he raised a standard ap- 

 proaching to excellence, as well in regard to symmetry and light- 

 ness of offals as to propensity to fatten. Mr. Bakewell's sheep 

 became the admiration of surrounding breeders, and were eagerly 

 sought after ; but fully to carry out his designs he suggested a 

 plan which was adopted, viz. — the formation of a Society com- 

 posed of a certain number of the principal breeders, who adopted 

 the '' New Leicesters" as an improved breed emanating from the 

 Dishley flock : hence arose the permanent establishment of this 

 valuable breed of animals, which supplied an immense proportion 

 of meat for our increasing population, as well as a beautiful fleece 

 for the middle descriptions of our woollen manufactures. These 

 have been handed down from year to year by the great ability of 

 Bakewell's followers, many of whom have spent an anxious life in 

 their propagation. It is, however, remarkable that, although so 

 many breeders have given their strict attention to the subject, and 

 have had the same conclusions in view, scarcely two have adopted 

 the same course. 



Each, in fact, has had his peculiar idea of putting the male 

 and female together, to produce the style of animals which he 

 considered to possess the best essentials for producing the greatest 

 weight of wool and mutton per acre for the amount of food 



