The i^arious Breeds of Sheep in Great Britain. 245 
Havinjj; made these jjeneral remarks, a short account may be 
given of the commercial estimate of the separate breeds which 
have been referred to in tlie first division of the subject. In 
quotins^- prices, it must be understood that they are given at their 
market value in the manufacturing districts on the 1st of April, 
1855. 
Lincoln. — This may be considered the standard of the coarse 
deep-grown wools for combing purposes, and the wool possesses 
a bright silky appearance of staple, which renders it peculiarly 
well adapted for " lustre " goods, in imitation of alpacas and 
mohair fabrics, and has thus enhanced its value of late years. 
The present value of Lincolnshire wethers is about \2hd. 
per lb. ; of hogs, \?>d. per lb. 
Leicester. — This old and much-valued breed for combing pur- 
poses is rather finer in hair tlian Lincolnshire wool, but does not 
possess generally so soft and silky a staple, and hence it is not at 
present so valuable where those qualities are requisite. 
The present value of Leicester wethers is 12d. per lb. ; hogs, 
U^d. to IM. per lb. 
Cotswold. — A deep-grown breed; the wool similar in quality to 
Leicester, of a deep and rather harsh character, not suitable for 
lustre goods. 
The present value of wethers is 12c?. per lb. ; hogs, 12^d. to 
13c?. per lb. 
Romney Marsh. — Soft rich wool, finer in quality than the 
Leicester. It has been much exported to France, and seems well 
adapted to the use of the French manufactures. In Kent the 
lambs are generally shorn, therefore there are very few hogs. 
The present value of the Kent fleeces is about 13r/. per lb. 
Devons — South Hams. — A deep stapled breed of wool, grown 
in the country from which it derives its name. It is the custom 
of the farmers in Devon not to wash the sheep before shearing 
them, and the wool being thus in the yolk or grease, is not 
so marketable as other kinds, which are washed ; it is, therefore, 
usually subjected to the process of combing before being sent to 
market, and comes in the form of " tops," A double advan- 
tage is accomplished by this ; the wool is sent in a marketable 
form, and the noils and short wool, separated in the process of 
sorting and combing, are sold to the Devonshire manufacturers, 
who use them. If the wool were washed and shorn in the same 
way as in other districts, it would be readily saleable. Price 
iibout 9r7. per lb. in the grease. 
Bamhorour/k. — Of the Leicester character, from the coast dis- 
trict of North Northumberland. A rich good combing wool, of 
tolerably fine quality ; very much resembles the Leicester, though 
with more lustre. 
