"...Herefordshire or Ryeland sheep have white legs and faces and no horns. The wool grows close to the eyes. They are a small breed suited to every market weighing from 12 lbs. to 16 lbs. a-quarter. The carcass is tolerably well-formed and the wool fine and short each fleece weighing from 1½ lb. to 2½ lbs. rarely however exceeding 2 lbs. They were called Ryeland sheep from a district in the southern part of Herefordshire being thought capable of growing nothing but rye. Though their figure is good the back is not so level nor the ribs so well rounded as in the improved breeds. They fatten easily however and arrive soon at maturity though reckoned inferior in these respects to the Cheviot variety..."