38 ON THE AGRICULTURE OF THE 



Tlie numbers have increased very mucli in Mid-Lothian in ten 

 years, 59,503 more being returned in 1875 than in 1866. West 

 Lothian has receded in ten years, but has gained ground since 

 1870, when only 15,664 were returned. The greatest increase in 

 Edinburgh w^as in the year 1867, but the figures have since 

 been steadily becoming larger. The formation of the Lothian 

 Eam Society, a few years ago, gave an impetus to breeding, which 

 has had a salutary effect, not only in tlie numbers reared, but in 

 the quality of the stock as well Several breeds are to be found 

 in the counties. Of course the blackfaces chiefly occupy the 

 hills ; there are likewise large flocks of Cheviots ; while half and 

 three-parts bred sheep occupy the low grounds. In Mid-Lothian 

 a few Cotswolds and Shropshires are reared, as well as several 

 notable flocks of Border Leicesters. Foremost among the owners 

 of blackfaced in this county are Mr Archibald, Overshiels ; Mr 

 Aitken, Listonshiels ; Mr Murray, Eastside ; Mr Meh'ose, West- 

 loch, and Mr Gray, Harper-rigg. The Cheviot breeders are Mrs 

 Moffat, Kinleith ; Mr Stevenson, Mount-Lothian ; Mr Penman, 

 Bonally, and Mr Plenderleith, Moorfoot The Border Leicester 

 breeders are the Duke of Buccleuch ; Earl of Morton ; Mr Mel- 

 vin, Bennington ; Mr Eord, Hardengreen ; and Mr Ainslie, 

 Hillend. 



Blackfaces. — Although the Cheviot breed is preferred in some 

 parts, there is still a lingering attachment to the old blackfaced 

 type in others. This hardy breed has for ages occupied the hills 

 of Scotland, and great improvement in its appearance has in late 

 years been effected. The race is extremely hardy, and consequently 

 of great value upon exposed hills and mountain sheep walks. 

 With slight variations, the lambing season occurs from the 

 middle of April to the 20th of May. Twin lambs are exceptional, 

 and as the ewes are excellent milkers, the progeny soon become 

 strong and vigorous. A certain proportion of the gimmers 

 fill up the place of the ewes which are drafted off at five 

 or six years old and sold to English farmers, who take a 

 crop of half-bred lambs from them, and then sell off fat. The 

 wether lambs are mainly sold in the Lanark and Sanquhar 

 markets, at prices ranging all the way from 12s. to 24s. per 

 head, to non-breeders, who keep them till three years of age, 

 and then dispose of them to the southern markets to fatten on 

 turnips. Mr Archibald has one of the finest flocks of blackfaces 

 to be seen in the country. The lambs are dropped on the hill 

 farms of Overshiels and ATidcrosswood, where they are weaned 

 early in August. The tups are then put upon a good pasture 

 until the autumn, when they are fed on turnips and hay until 

 March. Those intended for sale are forced forward with cake 

 and beans until the time for disposal. The ewes and gimmers 

 are fed on grass and turnips. Clipping takes place about the 



