372 



THE FARMER AT HOME. 



which she carried some two miles in advance of the sheep, and thus 

 she continued to do. alternately carrying her own young ones, and 

 taking charge of the flock, till she reached home. The manner of her 

 acting on this occasion was gathered by the shepherd from various per- 

 sons who observed her on the road. On reaching home and delivering 

 her charge, it was found that the two pups were dead. In this ex- 

 tremity, the instinct of the poor brute was yet more remarkable ; for, 

 going immediately to a rabbit's nest, she took two young rabbits, which 

 she deposited on some straw in the barn, where she continued to 

 suckle and watch over them. 



SHETLAND BULL. 



SHETLAND CATTLE. The Shetland Islands present a won- 

 derful scene of rugged, black, and barren rocks. No tree or shrub 

 relieves these dreary spectacles, and only gray rocks appear rising 

 from the marshes, and pools, and shores, bounded by the wildest 

 precipices. There are few or no artificial grasses, or green crops, or 

 enclosures protecting these crops, and grasses could not be brought to 

 perfection in these islands ; there is nothing but moss, heath, and sea- 

 weed ; yet, there is a breed of cattle of the same origin with the West 

 Highlander, which has been distinguished among stock amateurs. 

 These cattle from the severity of the climate and the scarcity of food 

 are diminutive in size. They are gaunt and ill-shaped, so far as their 

 shape can be ascertained through the long, thick hair with which 

 they are covered, and which forms an impenetrable defence against 

 the snow and the sleet. They are rarely more than four feet high at 



