MODERN FARRIER. 435 



vering their heads, faces, and legs, and grew down 

 to their feet ; in form they resembled hill sheep ; 

 their shoulders low and sharp ; sides fiat ; back ra- 

 ther arched ; loins thin. It has been suggested, 

 that this mugged appearance may have been the 

 result of a Spanish cross. This sort of sheep has 

 extended to Yorkshire ; and traces of them are still 

 visible, although they have long since given place 

 to sheep of the long-wooUed kinds. They are now 

 chiefly met with in the northern counties. 



42. The Welsh Sheep. 



These, which are the most general breed in the 

 hill districts, are small horned, and all over of a 

 white colour. They are neat compact sheep. — 

 There is likewise a polled short-wooled sort of 

 sheep in these parts of the country, which are es- 

 teemed by some. The genuine Welsh mutton, 

 from its smallness and delicate flavour, is commonly 

 well known, highly esteemed, and sold at a high 

 price. 



43. The Irish Breed. 



This is a breed of sheep which is described in this 

 way by Culley. These sheep are supported by very 

 long, thick, crooked, grey legs ; their heads long and 

 ugly, with large flagging ears, grey faces, and eyes 

 sunk ; necks long, and set on below the shoulders ; 

 breasts narrow and short, hollow before and behind 

 the shoulders ; flat-sided, with high narrow, herring 

 backs ; hind-quarters drooping, and tail set low. In 

 short, they are almost in every respect contrary to 

 v/hat he apprehends a well-formed sheep should be. 



44. Argyleshire Breeders. 



In Argyleshire, the principal circumstances at- 

 tended to by the most intelligent sheep-farmers are 

 these ; to stock lightly, which will mend the size of 



