THE BLACK-FACED HIGHLAND 653 



fleece, which is of the long-wool class, is very long and coarse, 

 attaining an extreme length of 20 to 22 inches, and with a year of 

 growth often sweeps the ground. It is commonly kempy and very 

 loosely covers the body. In temperament the breed is very wild- 

 and independent, quite unlike the heavier, lowland sheep. 



The size of Black-faced Highland sheep ranges from small to 

 medium. The rams in breeding condition weigh from 140 to 

 1 60 pounds and the ewes from 120 to 140. Weights of these 

 sheep are rarely taken in Scotland, excepting after slaughter, at 

 which time the weight is based on the quarters. In 1837 Youatt 

 stated that when fattened these sheep weighed from 16 to 20 

 pounds per quarter, while fifty years later good average weights 

 on the farm were given as 15 to 1 6 pounds per quarter. Scott 

 states that when taken from the hills in autumn and put on ordi- 

 nary fattening fare in the Lowlands, they easily attain a weight of 

 20 pounds per quarter. 



The quality of Black-faced mutton is very superior ; in fact, 

 nothing equals it on the British market for grain, disposition of 

 fat, small per cent of waste, and prime flavor. On this point Scott 

 says that "their meat has a peculiarly delicate flavor, which is 

 much prized at the tables of the rich. Around the mansions of the 

 nobility it is common to see a number of wedders [wethers] of this 

 breed, kept for the double purpose of ornament to the parks and 

 supplying meat for the household." 



Crossbred or grade Black-faced Highland sheep meet with 

 favor in Scotland, giving a heavier-fleshed type with the good 

 quality of mutton of the pure-bred. Robert Wallace states that 

 the produce of a Black-faced ewe by a Leicester ram is called a 

 " cross " or " mule " and by a Cheviot ram a " half long." The 

 latter name is given because a Black-faced is sometimes termed 

 the "short" sheep and a Cheviot the "long" sheep. As ewes 

 these sheep of mixed breed are good milkers. 



The Black-faced Highland sheep as a producer of wool does 

 not rank very high. The staple is very coarse, grading as a low 

 quarter-blood, and varies greatly in quality, according to whether 

 from shoulder or thigh, that on the hind quarter as a rule being 

 very coarse and hairy in character. The weight of fleece is light, 

 that on ewes ranging from 3! to 4^ pounds. In one of the noted 



