Ability and Care of the Shepherds. 231 



weaker animals with total destruction ; this, 

 however, was prevented by the activity of the 

 shepherds, for before they had reached the 

 turnpike, at the distance of little more than a 

 mile, the inferior flock was again perfectly 

 collected 



The line of drift is principally by the Ath- 

 lone road, and, considering the numbers 

 which pass, the losses sustained are trifling ; 

 and these arise chiefly from their being kid- 

 napped in towns, or driven over by carriages. 

 The shepherds are entitled to great praise for 

 their alacrity, care, and vigilance. If a sheep 

 separate from any of the flocks, it is imme- 

 diately caught and brought back in an instant. 

 Independently of an opportunity being afforded 

 to us of seeing and examining every flock dis- 

 tinctly, the appearance of the whole so beau- 

 tifully disposed was a grand spectacle. 



The Irish sheep, though possessing more 

 spirit and action than the Leicester, much re- 

 semble that breed ; the form of the Irish is 

 supposed to have been much improved by 

 crossing with the best rams of the Leicester : the 

 flavor of their mutton is good, and they attain 

 a great size. There were several lots of 

 wethers sold for above four guineas each. 



