ClipArt ETC
An illustration of a cross bred sheep. The sheep is a combination of a cotswold and a leicester.

A cross bred sheep

An illustration of a cross bred sheep. The sheep is a combination of a cotswold and a leicester.

An illustration of a cross bred sheep. The sheep is a combination of a cotswold and a leicester.

A cross bred sheep

An illustration of a cross bred sheep. The sheep is a combination of a cotswold and a leicester.

"The Leicesters are the most important sheep to the country. They are more widely diffused in the kingdom than any of their congeners. Although, from the altered taste of the community, their mutton is less esteemed than formerly, they still constitute the staple breed of the midland counties of England. Leicester rams are also more in demand then ever for crossing with other breeds." — Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

Leicester Ewe

"The Leicesters are the most important sheep to the country. They are more widely diffused in the kingdom…

"The Leicesters are the most important sheep to the country. They are more widely diffused in the kingdom than any of their congeners. Although, from the altered taste of the community, their mutton is less esteemed than formerly, they still constitute the staple breed of the midland counties of England. Leicester rams are also more in demand then ever for crossing with other breeds." — Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

Leicester Ram

"The Leicesters are the most important sheep to the country. They are more widely diffused in the kingdom…

"A distinct long woolled breed. They have been much modified by a large infusion of Leicester blood; but as their distinctive qualities fit them well for a bleak and humid habitat, there is now an aversion to risk these by further crossing." — Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

Romney Marsh Breed

"A distinct long woolled breed. They have been much modified by a large infusion of Leicester blood;…