Hepurt on the Sheep Exhibited at Windsor. 
685 
the simple statement, without either qualification or argument, 
that " the Cotswold sheep which have taken the name from 
having originated there are not the Cotswold sheep of the 
present day." There is a tradition — which, strange to say, finds 
an authoritative place in historical text-books — that the famous 
Merinos of Spain took their origin from certain " Cotteswolde 
sheep" sent by Edward IV. to the King of Arragon in 1464. 
The statement was first made by Stowe, who records the inci- 
dent, but he was, no doubt, unaware that Spain was at that time 
already in possession of the best wool, and manufactured the 
finest woollen fabrics, in Europe. 
The Cotswold breeders came, like all others of that day, 
under the influence of Bakewell, whether they used any sheep 
of his breed or no. It is certain that, early in the century, the 
sheep were greatly improved, and they are now remarkable for 
weight, symmetry, and wool. The Cotswold ram, as one saw 
him at Windsor, is of all south-country sheep most deserving 
the epithet " grand." His rakish-looking " lovelock," well- 
carried head, long, broad back, well-sprung ribs, and long curly 
coat give him a very attractive aspect. Mr. John Coleman re- 
marks that " there can be no doubt that the establishment of the 
Royal and Local Agricultural Societies did much for this breed, 
formerly so little known." At the first Meeting of the Society 
the Cotswolds made a good show, although they could only 
enter in the " Long-wools other than Leicesters " section. At 
the fiftieth Meeting they also came out well with sixty entries, 
the prizes going to Messrs. George Bagnall, Robert Garne, 
Russell Swanwick, and Thomas Brown. The Judges give 
utterance to public opinion in their report that the shearlings 
" were the best lot shown for many years." 
LlNCOLNS. 
The old breed of the Fens, like that of the Kentish marshes, 
was adapted to its environment. There was in Bakewell's time 
a keen rivalry between the Lincoln and the Leicester breeders. 
For this reason the improved Leicester was at first stringently 
excluded from Lincolnshire. But its obvious merits overcame 
prejudiced opposition, and the old Lincolns were crossed to a 
considerable extent with new Leicester blood. The breed still 
retained, however, its larger frame and heavier fleece. Arthur 
Young, in his " Survey " of Lincolnshire, reported that the new 
Leicesters were driving out the Lincolns from the poorer lands 
and improving them by crossing. " The true Lincoln is a 
larger sheep and with a longer wool, and therefore demands 
VOL. XXV.— S. S. Y Y 
