THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 213 



These figures show a great irregularity in the prices of wool, 

 the result of the fluctuations being a very considerable decline 

 during the past ten years. It will be observed, however, that 

 in consequence of the cotton famine and American war in 

 1864, the prices of both classes of wool rose materially in value, 

 and continued high till the end of 1867. Another ascendency 

 took place in 1872, as a result of the Franco-Prussian war in 

 1870-71, but since then the variations have been less marked. 

 The prices of Cheviot wool have been falling more rapidly than 

 those of blackfaced sheep, which is shown to have been at as 

 low an ebb as 7d. in some former years, but not within living 

 memory has the price of Cheviot wool been so low as it now is 

 (1883)."^ In reference to this subject, Mr Aitken, Listonshiels, 

 says — " Owing to foreign competition, wool has been selling very 

 cheaply of late, being nearly as low as it was fifty years ago, 

 the ditt&rence being from Id. to 2d. per lb. for wool of the best 

 quality. Highland wool in some cases only brings 5d. per lb., 

 while in 1864 the current price was as high as Is. 3d. — more 

 than double the present selling rate." 



Though for many centuries the prevailing breed in the 

 mountainous parts of the south of Scotland, the blackfaced 

 sheep were not introduced into the north until a comparatively 

 recent date. The Cheviot breed was largely scattered over the 

 northern counties before this hardy species had passed the 

 Gram})ians. For at least a century, however, blackfaced sheep 

 have been in possession of northern farmers, and within the 

 past twenty or thirty years they have greatly increased. 

 Cheviots still liold a place in the counties of Caithness, Suther- 

 land, Iioss, and Inverness; but fur many years they have been 

 losing ground, and tlio Highland breed on the ascendency, both 

 north and south. The leading promoters of the breed in tlie 

 north are Mr Kobcrtson, Acliilty, who has a large sheep run 

 attaclied to his arable farm ; Mr Gordon, P>almuchy ; and Mr 

 .Tames Gordon, Udale. These gentlemen are careful in their 

 selection of tups, and raise equally as good tup himbs as those 



