224 The various Breeds of Sheep in Great Britain. 
were then considered as possessing many valuable properties, at 
the same time they possessed many defects. These defects Bake- 
well sought by a judicious crossing with other breeds to remedy, 
while at the same time he retained the good points of the original 
breed. Up to this period the great object of breeders seems to 
have been confined to the production of animals of the largest 
size possible, and carrying the heaviest fleece. The old Leices- 
ters are described as large, heavy, coarse-grained animals, the meat 
having but little flavour, and no delicacy — the carcase was long 
and thin, flat-sided, with large bones, on thick rough legs. The 
fleece was heavy and long, and of coarse quality. The sheep 
were slow feeders, and when sent to market at two and three years 
old, Aveighed about 100 to 120 lbs. each. Such were the cha- 
racteristics of the stock upon which Bakewell commenced his 
improved system of breeding. Recognising the relation which 
exists between the form of an animal and its physical tendencies, 
he sought to cross his sheep with such breeds as he considered 
would be most likely to ensure those points in the animal frame 
which were defective in the old breed, and thus to induce an 
aptitude to lay on the largest possible amount both of flesh and 
fat in the shortest space of time, and at the least expenditure of 
food. The fleece too was not forgotten, as that would necessarily 
sliare in the general improvement of the animal. Of course time 
was required to develope the progressive improvements of his 
system, and also to overcome the prejudices of his day, and 
obtain for his improved breed that recognition which has since 
been so willingly accorded to it. Satisfied himself at an early 
period of his career that the principles he was carrying out were 
correct, and would finally be crowned with success, he commenced 
the practice of letting out his rams for the use of other breeders. 
This plan was not very encouraging at first : indeed it was not 
until after the lapse of some twenty years that it was appreciated 
in the manner it deserved. In 1760 we find his rams being let 
at 175. 6rf. each. This was increased in the following years to 
one, two, and three guineas ; but it was not until 1780 that he 
began to receive a remunerating price for them. That year they 
reached ten guineas, the price rapidly advancing each year with 
the increasing reputation of his breed. In 1784 the price had 
risen to 100 guineas for his best rams. In 1786 one of his rams 
brought him in 300 guineas ; and in 1789 he received 1200 
guineas for three rams ; 2000 guineas for seven others ; and he 
received no less a sum than 3000 guineas from the Dishley 
Society, then just instituted, for the use of the remainder of his 
stock. It is worthy of remark that, for the use of one of his 
rams named " Two-pounder," he received 400 guineas each from 
two breeders, at the same time reserving to himself the right to 
