HERDWICK SHEEP. 93 



desirable, but not essential, and undoubtedly add much to the 

 appearance, but otherwise are not much valued. When present 

 they should rise out well at the back of the head, be smooth, 

 and well curled. White hoofs are much preferred." This 

 careful description shows that in the Herdwick we have a 

 distinct breed, readily distinguished, full of character, and not 

 to be confused with any other. I quote one more sentence 

 from Mr. Bowstead which, like those already given, indicates 

 the real love of a Cumberland man for the breed of his dis- 

 trict, and a disposition to clothe them with a romantic interest. 

 "There are many yeomen in the dales of Cumberland and 

 Westmoreland whose flocks have been handed down from 

 father to son for generations without a blot or stain on their 

 pedigrees, and he would be a degenerate son who would 

 dare to try a cross." Bravo ! In such hands the traditions 

 of a breed may safely rest, and its qualities run small risk 

 of deterioration or alteration. 



At the Chester meeting of the " Royal " in 1893 many good 

 specimens of this breed were exhibited. The second prize 

 ram was nearly black in fleece. The swarthiness of the wool 

 did not seem to constitute an objection in the eyes of the 

 judges, and most of the rams carried dark wool on the 

 shoulders and mane. 



The Herdwicks possess properties which adapt them for 

 a mountain life. They are said to select as a resting place 

 those parts of the pasture in which they are not liable to 

 be overblown by snow and entombed in wreaths. Also to 

 scrape away the snow to a considerable depth with their feet 

 in order to find the short and scant grass beneath. 



The management of Herdwick sheep partakes of the 

 general simplicity of sheep farming in mountainous districts. 

 The animals are very independent, and able in a great 

 measure to take care of themselves. The monotony of their 

 lives (and of that of their shepherds) is broken by such lead- 

 ing events as lambing, castrating, washing, clipping, dipping, 

 and selling at the fairs at Cockermouth, Penrith, and Kendal, 



