BREEDS REQUIRED FOR BRITAIN. 



87 



gists of primitive rocks, covered by peaty soil and heath, 

 on which these indefatigable gleaners, the black-faced 

 sheep, alone can gain a subsistence. The upland is 

 formed by the transition series of rocks, covered with 

 grass ; and to it the Cheviots appear indigenous. 

 The plain is formed by alluvial deposits, covered with 

 rich pasture, and capable of supporting races of large 

 sheep, as the Leicesters. 



^ Sheep are the only kind of live-stock which ought 

 be kept in mountainous districts, especially when 

 green crop cannot be cultivated. Sheep-farming must 

 necessarily prevail in the Highlands, where there are 

 few tracts suited for the pasturage of black cattle : The 

 value of its adaptation to the natural circumstances of 

 that district is proved by the rapid progress which it 

 made, and the profits which resulted to the individuals 

 with whom it originated. Places which formerly were 

 not of the slightest utility, now yielded heavy rents. 

 The spots among the mountains, susceptible of cultiva- 

 tion, were found to be advantageously kept in grass, to 

 serve as pasture for the flock during the rigour of win- 

 ter, and it was well ascertained that more than double 

 rent might be paid by stocking with sheep in preference 

 to cattle. 



The Dishley sheep are excellent specimens cf what 

 may be done with the form of an animal, when the en- 

 deavours of the breeder are seconded by a pasture 

 suitable for the intended breed. They are admirably 

 adapted, as every breed ought to be, to the soil and 

 situation where they were called into existence ; and 

 their crosses are now spread over most' part of the coun- 

 try ; principally the corn districts, as they are supposed 



