66 SHEEP FARMING IN AMERICA 



of the most prepotent breeds. Crossed with almost 

 any breed, the Cheviot characters stand out con- 

 spicuously; quite often sheep three-fourths Cheviot 

 can hardly be distinguished from a pure-bred speci- 

 men. Cheviots, like all mountain breeds, are very 

 alert and inclined to be a bit wild if not often han- 

 dled. They should thrive admirably in the moun- 

 tain pastures of West Virginia, Pennsylvania and 

 New York. Bear in mind that the peculiar province 

 of the Cheviot is to .make fat mutton from good 

 grass alone, though they respond well to feeding. 



BLACK-FACES. 



The writer feels that it would cause disappoint- 

 ment among his readers if he did not make some 

 mention of this wonderful little Scotch Black-faced 

 highland sheep. In their own land nothing can take 

 their place. They have the instincts of true wild 

 animals. They love the high peaks and heathery 

 slopes, and, scenting storms, are led by that same 

 instinct to seek the shelter of the glens. These 

 sheep belong with the lands. They pass with the 

 farm from one tenant to the other, when farms 

 change hands. Their love of home is so great that 

 when removed miles away they will often return 

 straight across country to their old haunts, swim- 

 ming rivers if need be to accomplish their desire. 



The Black-faced sheep are small, moderately well 

 formed, with coarse, long wool. They make good 

 mutton, which commands in British markets a good 

 price, being thought to have a gamey character. They 



