EXMOOB SHEEP. 375 



farmers have crossed them with the Leicester. A larger sheep 

 has been secured, but at the expense of stamina and numbers. 

 These * knots,* as they are styled, are generally without horns. 

 Ewes of the sort have been partially adopted by some of the 

 Cornwall farmers ; and Mr. Anstey uses the tups as well." 



The Exmoor breed has the reputation of being better adapted 

 to the requirements of its native district than any other moun- 

 tain variety. Blackfaces, Cheviots, and Welsh sheep have all in 

 turn been tried, it is said, and found wanting, and the experi- 

 menters, after giving them a fair trial, have been glad to return 

 to the old sort. The only exception appears to be Mr. F. A. 

 Knight, the owner of Exmoor Forest, who has adopted Cheviots, 

 and is believed to be well satisfied that they are more profitable 

 in both wool and flesh than the native breed. But around 

 Simondsbath reclamation from the heather has been effected to 

 a far greater extent than at any other spot on the same high 

 level in the western hill country, turnip and rape crops being in 

 consequence more plentiful than elsewhere. 



We may repeat the statement made by H. H. Dixon in 1866 

 respecting well-bred Exmoors, that, " under very high pressure 

 they have done wonders of late years." The improvement 

 effected, moreover, has been brought about by a careful and 

 judicious selection of rams, comprehensive weeding of ewes, and 

 skilful matchings ; or, in other words, by breeding on the in- 

 and-in system. Whatever may be thought of the Exmoor, 

 sufficient merit is exemplified under cultivation to invest the 

 sheep with high claims for perpetuity of existence. The im- 

 provement of the breed has recently progressed quite as fast as 

 the reclamation of the hill commons; and if sufficient quality 

 and capability to put on flesh rapidly can be imparted to this 

 hardy and prolific stock, for the future requirements of agricul- 

 turists on this elevated tract of country, we may hope that it 

 will be one of the few mountain species that the hand of 

 civilisation will spare. 



