46 Experiments on the Comparative Fattening Qualities 
with the Leicesters woukl be of less interest and utility than 
that of some other animals more closely comparable both by 
affinity and contrast witli the latter breed. The well known and 
extensively adopted cross between the Leicester ram and the 
Sussex Down ewe was therefore selected for the next experi- 
ment. And, as both the ewes and tvethers of the cross-breed are 
from the first fed for the butcher, it was thought that it might 
be useful to experiment separately upon each of them. An equal 
number then of pu7-e Leicesters., of the cross-bred wethers, and of 
the cross-bred ewes, formed the subjects of the experiment now to 
be recorded. 
After the full explanation which has been given in our former 
Reports, it is scarcely necessary again to remind the reader that 
the comparison sought to be instituted in this series of experi- 
ments with different breeds of sheep is limited to that of the 
adaptation of the respective breeds to a system of rapid fattening, 
upon a liberal suppli/ of food ; and, that it does not directly 
embrace the examination into their aptitude to different localities, 
and to widely different methods of feeding. 
The general characters of the new Leicester sheep are too 
generally known, and too well described elsewhere, to render any 
lengthened account suitable to our present purpose. Its remark- 
able aptitude to develop flesh and carcass fat, and to come to 
early maturity, are the qualities by which, in a word, it may be 
said to be characterized, when compared with most of the breeds 
currently adopted under the comparatively modern system of 
high feeding. And it is by combining these qualities of the 
Leicester sheep with the better fleece, the greater hardiness, the 
greater fecundity, and the better nursing qualities of tlie Sussex 
Down, that the cross between the Leicester ram and the Sussex 
ewe has been found to be one of the most successful of the breeds 
or crosses which it has been sought to adapt to the system of 
liberal feeding which now characterizes the sheep farming of a 
large proportion of the best cultivated districts of the country. 
The experiments about to be recorded were made in the winter 
and spring of 1852-3. 
Fifty Leicester wether lambs were kindly selected by Mr. 
Cresswell, of Ravenstone, near Ashby-de-la-Zouch, in October, 
1852. At that time, owing to the abundance of keep, store 
sheep were exceedingly dear. And, it was even with some 
difficulty that 50 good and pure lambs suited to the purpose, 
could be obtained at anything like a reasonable price. Nor 
could it be done at all, except from several different flocks. 
The 50 Leicester wether lambs at length selected arrived at 
Rothamsted, on October 24, 1852. The cost was 35s. per head 
