240 ON THE COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES OF GRAZING 



gut, which are used for barometers. Be that as it mav, it is 

 evident that the sheep have an instinct that gives them warning 

 of the chancres of the weather, and when that instinct has 

 been bestowed upon the poor animal for self preservation, it 

 would be cruel and barbarous in man to put barriers in the way . 

 of its escape from danger. Those who have charge of sheep must 

 make up their minds to allow them to have access to the most 

 sheltered part of their lands in severe weather. Seasons come 

 round in cycles, and we seem to have entered on a series of 

 severe winters ; and if that be so, the time is not suitable for try- 

 ing experiments or modern improvements, that might imj^eril the 

 safety of the very valuable stock reared and kept on our hills. 



Let us now suppose that the traveller arrives at Oban, and 

 enjoys himself as other visitors are in the habit of doing. Before 

 leaving the place he ought to treat himself to a trip to Staffa 

 and lona. He will see all that attracts other visitors to these 

 places, and besides that he will have a day's sail round the 

 Island of Mull. That large island is wholly stocked with sheep 

 and cattle, both of excellent description, and the intelligent and 

 careful owners do not attempt to keep them separate, except at 

 the proper seasons of the year. 



The facts and circumstances above detailed seem to lead to the 

 following conclusions : — 



First. — It would not be good management to keep cattle and- 

 sheep entirely separate. 



Second. — It would be an advantage to allow sheep during the 

 winter and spring to pasture on the low ground usually 

 occupied by cattle. 



Third. — Sheep ought to • be kept to the hill in summer and 

 autumn. 



Fourth. — A limited number of young cattle may be summered 

 on the hill with advantag^e. 



If these conclusions be correct, the advantage or gain is on 

 the side of mixed grazing of sheep and cattle, with the limita- 

 tions and precautions pointed out in the preceding pages. 



Appendix. 



Hand feeding and artificial food for sheep are often recom- 

 mended, but among our Highland hills and remote glens 

 there are many obstacles in the way. In hill farms all 

 the hay that can be saved and the little crop that can be 

 raised, are required, and often more than required, for cattle 

 and horses. It must also be considered that sheep receiving- 

 extra feeding are made less hardy and less fit to be the 

 occupants of high hills. Any stock to be reared there with 

 advantage must be kept as hardy and healthy as possible. 



