46 BRITISH SHEEP AND SHEPHERDING. 



and the Exmoor breeds, and the quality of the meat of the results 

 of the crosses improves, or remains excellent, although the flesh 

 thickens. 



A century or so ago the Cheviot made a great invasion into 

 Scotland, and still holds much ground ; but on the poorer and 

 more heathy hills the black-faced breed is found more suitable. 

 Sufficient regard was not always paid to the class of pasture on 

 which the breed originated, and in such cases there was some 

 degree of disappointment, and the black-face has, in many instances, 

 regained its old haunts. On the better land it does well. In 

 England it spread considerably from a century or so ago, and 

 influenced permanently several breeds, but the coming of the 

 Down breeds drove it back until it was comparatively little used 

 in the southern half of the country. In recent years it has made 

 a strong new invasion, and it is fast spreading in districts where 

 farmers are not quite satisfied with the local breeds, and have 

 to adapt themselves to market demands. It is a splendid race 

 for crossing purposes, and, having taken a share in the recasting 

 of so many breeds which stand well to-day, there is every likelihood 

 that it will be called upon frequently in the near future to remould 

 breeds to meet modern and future developments. The early dash 

 of Lincoln or Leicester blood already mentioned doubtless helps 

 the modern sheep to adapt itself so readily to so many and varied 

 conditions, though it also probably accounts for its not being 

 so popular on exposed, poor, heathy, hilly, or mountain land. 

 Its breeding indicates good pasturage as being more desirable 

 than heath. 



The Cheviot crosses well with all Down breeds, and there seems 

 to be a great future for it as smaller joints of highest quality meat 

 increase in demand. At present the price of mutton is so high 

 that size is being more appreciated than it was when mutton 

 was difficult to sell ; but as the world's supply gains ground, 

 which may possibly take some time to do, there is little doubt, 

 in view of the cold storage competition, that small meat will be 

 in great demand. The increase in the number of Cheviots kept 

 in the South of England is indicative of this. 



The Cheviot lambs rather late in its native district, beginning 

 about April 16. The lambing generally takes place on the hills, 

 only those needing assistance being brought into the fields. The 

 sheep are generally sold to feeders to be fattened on turnips. 

 Wedders, sold off turnips at about ten to twelve months, weigh 

 from 50 Ib. to 60 Ib. The hoggs cut about 5 Ib. of wool. A shep- 

 ^erd looks after 600 to 700 sheep on the hills, having extra help 

 at lambing. The sheep get no hand feeding except during a 

 storm, when from J Ib. to 1 Ib. hay is given daily whilst the snow 

 lies. A few flockmasters give a little artificial food in spring, 



