54 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



9 



The Leicestershire Improved Breed. 



To thefe various and numerous tribes of this ufeful 

 animal, we mult add, that, by the perfevering induftry 

 and attention of Mr Bakewell, of Difhley, in Leicefter- 

 fhire, our breed of Sheep has been greatly improved ; 

 and he has been followed by many eminent breeders, 

 with nearly equal fuccefs. 



It feems to be generally agreedj that in Sheep, as well 

 as in all other animals, there is a certain fymmetry or 

 proportion of parts, which is belt adapted to the fize of 

 each particular animal : All thofe of each kind that ex- 

 ceed or fall fhort of this pitch, are more or lefs difpro- 

 portioned, according to the fize they attain ; and in the 

 degree they are advanced beyond this line of perfection, 

 we find them lefs a£tive, weaker, and always lefs able to 

 endure hardfhip. Thus, by felecling the handfomeft and 

 bell proportioned of their kinds, the judicious breeder has 

 gradually arrived at a degree of perfection in improving 

 this animal, unknown at any former period. 



