MODERN FARRIER. 4£S 



to cause the lower parts of the noses to be too thick 

 and large ; while in naturally good and improved 

 forms, the lower parts of the noses and mouths are 

 for the most part small. Nor is the prominent and 

 bold daring eye held in more estimation, as it is 

 thought not to shew a good disposition; but, on the 

 contrary, to display too much quickness and activity, 

 or wildness of nature in the animal. Opinions, 

 however, dijffei much on this point among sheep- 

 farmers; and a lively quick eye is almost always 

 considered as favourable to a good disposition. 



Rams naturally possess more boldness and courage 

 than either wedders gr ewes ; and they are very apt, 

 unless great care is taken, to acquire mischievous 

 habits of attacking persons or animals that may by 

 accident approach them. 



In some sheep districts the breeders are greatly in 

 favour of large rams, but in others those of a smaller 

 size are preferred ; the choice of the size of the rams 

 should, however, in every instance, be regulated by 

 the nature and abundance of the keep, or the quality 

 of the lands, as it is utterly impossible that the infe- 

 rior sorts of pastures can keep sheep-stock of the large 

 size, as, in those of the better kinds ; and it would 

 be highly disadvantageous in the best rich sorts to 

 have a small sized stock, when they could support a 

 large one in an equally perfect manner. Middle- 

 sized rams, are, upon the whole, the most suitable 

 and proper for lands in general, and for all the pur- 

 poses of the breeder. 



The practice of letting rams commenced about 

 seventy years ago by Mr. Bakewell, and the prices 

 have gradually been rising from sixteen shillings to 

 four hundred guineas! This breeder made, of his 

 whole stock of rams, three thousand guineas in one 

 year. The prices given by graziers, for the sole 

 purpose of getting grazing stock, seldom exceed ten 

 guineas, which is considered as an extraordinary 



