To treat of the several kinds now mentioned, would lead us into a field of greater extent than circumstances will permit; our illustration, therefore, shall be restrict ed to the Southdown, Old and New Leicester, Cheviot, and Heath breeds; these being, in fact, the kinds chiefly reared and fed ; though even of these there are many varieties, according to the mixture of blood communi cated by crossing with different tops.
On the Southdown Sheep.
This breed have gray faces and legs, fine bones, and long small necks ; are low before, and light in the fore quarter. Their flesh is fine in the grain, and of an ex cellent flavour. The defect of this kind arises from their standing higher behind than before, whereby the hind quarters are heaviest ; which defect might cer tainly be remedied by the use of fine woolled tops, suit ably proportioned. At this time the Southdown sheep are getting into fashion, bring a quick-feeding breed; the wethers are capable of being disposed of at an early age, being seldom kept longer than two years, and of ten sold fat when only eighteen months old. From trials made in Norfolk, they are reported to stand the fatigues of folding equally well with the old breed of that coon which. as already said, is going out of repute.
The Lincolnshire sheep, for distinction's sake called the Old Leicesters, because the Dishley, or improved breed selected from them, are generally denominated New Leicesters, have white faces, long, thin, and weak carcasses. and no horns; they have thick rough white legs, large hones, thick pelts, and long wool, measuring from ten to eight( en inches, and weighing from eight to fourteen pounds per fleece. This kind are naturally dull feeders ; and, even when fat, the carcass is coarse grained, and of inferior value. The great quantity of wool clipped from this breed has, however, kept it lon ger in reputation than otherwise might have been ex pected ; though it is only in such a county as Lincoln, where innumerable grass fields of the richest quality are every where to be found, that sheep of this kind can be fattened. After this character, it will appear sur prising that Mr Bakewell resorted to this very county ler selecting the tops and ewes from which his impro ved breech were raised. Strange as this may appear, it is not the less true on that account ; for the Lincolnshire breeders, being led astray by long wool and big bones, suffered themselves to be deprived of their most valua ble sheep before they were sufficiently sensible of their value. The prejudices which long prevailed against the
new breed being now, however, greatly removed, the ancient stock is last wearing out, whilst its place is sup plied by quicker-feeding animals, to the great advan tage of the owners, and to the benefit of the public. Lincolnshire is naturally a most valuable grazing dis trict ; therefore, in every point of view, it is a matter of serious consideration, that the natural advantages which it offers should not be misapplied by improper management.
On the Xtat, Leicester Sheep.
This valuable breed claims our particular attention, being the easiest fed, and brought sooner to perfection than any other in the island. It was originally selected by Mr Bakcwell, from the best of the old Lincolnshire stocks ; and, being crossed and recrossed, till something like perfection as to shape, size, and disposition for feeding cleverly, was attained, a new breed was thus formed, capable of giving the greatest return to the feeder and breeder, and consequently of the greatest benefit to the public.
The new Leicester, or Dishley breed, are spread so extensively over the whole island, and their properties are so well known, that it is almost superfluous to say one word on their merits, or to insist on the benefit which the public would derive, were this breed brought into general use in all the lower districts, where tur nips can be raised for their winter and spring consump tion, and good grass for their summer pasture. We are almost certain, that no breed whatever will make a greater return to the farmer for the meat that is con sumed; and this we consider to be the true criterion which ought to influence the actual cultivator. If this breed, at two years of age, is equal in value to ohter breeds at three years of age, the keep being alike, there can be no doubt respecting its superior advantages. On these matters hardly any doubt can be entertained, as they have been repeatedly ascertained by the experi ments of practitioners. We do not mean to say, that the mutton will be equally delicious to the palate of the epicure as that of the slower feeding breeds, which is altogether a different question : all that is meant is, that a given quantity of grass will make a greater re turn to the occupier when depastured with the new Lei cester sheep, than with any other of the varieties which we are acquainted. This is the true criterion for the farmer, the taste of the consumer being with him only an object of secondary consideration.