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HIGHLAND SHEEP. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 



Introduction of Sheep into the Highlands — Aversion of High- 

 landers to Sheep ; disliked by Deer also — Prophecy — Activity 

 of black-faced Sheep ; instincts of — Mountain Sheep in enclo- 

 sures — The Plaid ; uses of; various ways of wearing ; manu- 

 factures of; invisible colours — Shepherds — Burning of 

 Heather — Natural enemies of Sheep — Shepherds' Dogs — 

 Origin of Dogs. 



Until within the last few years the Highlanders 

 had a strong prejudice against the introduction of 

 sheep on their mountains. Their dislike to this 

 useful animal was founded on several causes. In 

 the first place the Celt dislikes any innovation or 

 change in his old customs ; in the next he had a 

 dread of clearances, i. e., of small holdings being 

 done away with, and merged in large farms ; and 

 he feared also that the black cattle, the former staple 

 produce of the Scotch mountains, would be again 

 forced to give way before these intruders ; and I 

 firmly believe that one of his greatest objections 

 to the sheep was that the red deer have a strong 



VOL. II. M 



