]24r . OF LIVE STOCK. 



as the Leicester, the South Down, and even the Merino, 

 to be met with in Scotland ; but, in genera], the sheep in 

 that part of the kingdom are more distinguished for hardi- 

 ness, than for fineness of fleece, or early maturity. They 

 are improving, however, in both these respects., and the 

 Cheviot breed in particular has nearly become, both for 

 form and fleece, a perfect stock for a mountainous district. 

 Where the flocks are numerous, (from 5000 to 10,000 of- 

 ten belonging to one farmer), it is impossible to pay mi- 

 nute attention to such multitudes, that they can possibly 

 unite all the properties necessary for a perfect stock, name- 

 ly, 1. Form ; 2. Fleece; 3. Flesh ; 4. Fat, and 5. Flavour: 

 but I am persuaded, that the Cheviot breed, will soon pos- 

 sess the most essential of these important requisites. 



Mr Robertson of Ladykirk states it as his opinion, that 

 at a distance from manure, in a tolerable climate, and with 

 sound land, nothing will pay the farmer better, than plenty 

 of good grass, occupied by good Leicester sheep>* and by 

 good West Highland cattle, or by well-bred short-horned 

 oxen and heifers. 



It is recommended as a useful plan, instead of permitting 

 sheep to range over an extensive pasture, or even a large 

 inclosure, to confine them to a seven days' shift. This li- 

 mited range of exercise, it is said, fits them sooner for the 

 butcher ; and when the sheep are at all of a wild or active 

 disposition, it is calculated that one-third more stock may 

 be kept by this expedient. 



A correspondent observes, that the thriving of sheep, as 

 well as of oxen, depends much upon the quality of the pas- 

 tures. The herbage produced by some soils, will raise an 



Mr Robertson has brought his Leicester to great perfection. I sa\v 

 a three-shear ram which weighed 5 lib. per quarter, and a two-shear^ 

 50lb., fourteen pounds to the stone, and sixteen ounces to the pound. 



