382 THE SHETLAND OR KINDLY SHEEP. 



pungent; and, on that account, it is, by many pci*- 

 sons, much esteemed. 



THE SHETLAND OR KINDLY SHEEP. 



In the Shetland Islands there is a breed of Sheep 

 distinguishable from all others by their small size, 

 their peculiarly fine and soft wool, and remarkably 

 short and small tails. They are hornless, and vary 

 considerably in colour. The usual weight of these 

 animals, after they have attained their full growth, 

 is from thirty to forty pounds. The whole present 

 stock of the islands is estimated at about seven 

 thousand. 



Few animals are more hardy than these; and, in 

 winter, when the ground is covered with snow, 

 sometimes for months together, they have little 

 else to subsist upon but sea weeds. They watch 

 the falling of the tide, and as soon as the rocks, 

 covered with marine plants, begin to be exposed, 

 the Sheep, in large flocks, descend to the shores; 

 where they continue to feed till the return of the 

 tide compels them to seek their former haunts. 



With respect to their wool, it is of a texture so 

 soft and cottony, that it is adapted to the finest 

 manufactures; and, in some instances, has been 

 found to rival even the Spanish wool. According 

 to an account inserted in the Bath Society's papers, 



stockings 



