94 THE SHEEP AND ITS COUSINS 



in some degree been eliminated by selection. They 

 have also larger bodies than the black-faced High- 

 land, which has given rise to the practice among 

 breeders of distinguishing the two breeds as "long" 

 and "short" sheep. The fleece, which extends 

 forwards on the neck to the ears, forming a kind 

 of frill round the throat, and on the legs reaches 

 to the knees and hocks, consists of wool of a 

 medium type, being neither fine nor coarse, and 

 attaining an average length of about four inches. 

 Long and somewhat hairy wool on the hind surface 

 of the thighs is an objectionable feature. The 

 weight of the quarter of mutton in fat wethers 

 ranges from about i6 to i8 lbs., but in ewes is 

 only from 12 to 14 lbs. Although lacking the 

 flavour of that of the black-faced Highland breed, 

 and less delicate than that of Southdowns and 

 Welsh sheep, the mutton is of good quality. Rams 

 weigh about 200 lbs., and ewes from 150 to 160 lbs. 



The fleece formerly weighed only about ^^ lbs., 

 but much heavier weights are now produced. In 

 old days the wool was largely employed in cloth- 

 making, but so early as Low's time it had become 

 to a great extent supplanted by merino-wool ; and 

 it is now, after being prepared by combing, instead 

 of carding, used only in the manufacture of the 

 coarser woollens. 



Except during heavy falls of snow, when they 

 are supplied with hay or artificial food, Cheviots 



