SHEEP 163 



are always kept, and pedigrees of the best sheep can be traced back 

 for many generations. 



From the preceding descriptions, extending over the past century, 

 it will be noted that the Herdwicks, at any rate during the early years 

 of that period, were not altogether pure — the most that can be said 

 of their origin is that there was a white or " rimy " faced, hornless, 

 short-wooled breed of sheep on the mountains of Cumberland and 

 Westmorland from a very early date, which took their name from 

 a mode of agriculture peculiar to the district — the farms upon which 

 they pastured being called " herdwicks," i.e., sheep and lands were 

 let together. The certificate of the Commissioners of Henry VHI., 

 1537, included in the revenues of Furness Abbey an item for " Herd- 

 wyks and shepecots," l^g 13s. 4d. The following extract from the will 

 of Robt. Rawlinson, of Grizedale Hall, appears to confirm this assump- 

 tion, the will is dated 1681, though it was commenced in 1676. " Also 

 it is my mind and Will, and I doe give and devise All that Herdwick 

 called Lawson Parke lying and being in fioumess ffells in the County 

 of Lancaster (except three hundred of the timber trees) unto William 

 Dodgson my coozen." 



The custom of letting sheep with the farms is of very early date, 

 and the following written advertisement, dated 1741, formed also 

 the lease, and was signed by both parties : 



Robert Phillipson Esquire Gentleman, of the Ashes in the Parish of Staveley. 

 To let for the term of 6 years. All his estate at Over End and under the Tongue 

 in Kentmere in the County of Westmorland. Now in the Possession of John 

 Godman as Farmer thereof, with the several appurtenances thereunto belonging 

 (Except two Springs of Wood part of the said Estate) Together with 80 Heaff 

 Bred and Heafie Going sheep, and 710 Loads* of Manure. The Tenant to enter 

 for Husbandry on the Second day of February next, for Eatage of Lands and 

 Grounds on the 15th of April following, and on the Houses on the ffirst day of 

 May 1742. The Tenant to pay his rent at two Equal payments (to wit) Martin- 

 mas and Lady Day, in every year, During the said Term. To Husband and 

 Manage the premises according to the Rule and Custome of good Husbandry 

 used within that neighbourhood. The Tenant to Keep in Good and sufficient 

 Repair, All the Houses, Gates, Hedges and Fences during the Said Term, And 

 DeUver them up at the expiration thereof in the Uke repair, which they shall 

 be at his Entrance thereon. The Tenant to deUver to the Landlord 710 Loads 

 of Manure, at the expiration of his Farm. And to give sufl&cient security for the 



* Panniers. 



