CHAPTER XII. 



ROMNEY MARSH SHEEP. 



HE sheep peculiar to the Eomney Marsh District are 

 longwools. The land is generally fertile, being rich 

 alluvium, and the marshes carry a heavy stock of 

 sheep. The climate, owing to the absence of trees, 

 and to the bleak flat character of the country, open to the east, 

 is very severe in winter and spring ; none but hardy animals 

 could thrive ; and this is the principal feature that renders the 

 Eomney Marsh sheep so valuable, and which has hitherto 

 prevented the introduction of sorts that surpass them in fatten- 

 ing properties. The extremes of heat and cold exceed any other 

 part' of Kent, and of late years it has been considered that 

 shade in summer is quite as important as shelter in winter ; 

 consequently trees are being encouraged rather than destroyed, 

 as formerly. Indeed, so thoroughly are the sheep of different 

 districts adapted to their respective localities, that it is often 

 wiser to improve than supplant ; and this, if true in the general, 

 is peculiarly applicable to a country which presents such 

 remarkable features as the large tract known as Eomney 

 Marsh. Hence, although attempts have not been wanting to 

 introduce other sorts, these sheep maintain their position, and 

 are in as much favour now as they were when described by 

 Youatt — or rather by Mr. Price — some sixty years ago ; and, 

 although the feeding properties and the form are considerably 

 altered, those familiar with the breed will recognise it by the 

 following description : " The pure Eomney Marsh bred sheep 

 are distinguished by thickness and length of head, a broad 

 forehead, with a tuft of wool upon it, a long and thick neck and 



