MOUNTAIN SHEEP. 135 



the company withdraw to the barn, where the 

 creels are ranged round against the hay-mows, 

 and strong ale and trays of tobacco circle 

 among the guests. A long table runs down 

 the middle ; the Parson presiding at one end, 

 the 'Squire at the other. Glasses are filled, 

 smoke-wreaths begin to ascend, and the ballads 

 of the dalesfolk are sung. On such occasions 

 the Parson drank, sang, and smoked in as 

 orthodox fashion as the rest. This is said in 

 nowise disrespectfully. The Parson was one 

 of us, tilled his glebe, and had a sheep-run 

 on the fells. These constituted parts of his 

 " living." 



At the shearing, the lambs are separated 

 from their dams, and receive the impress of 

 their master's initials as well as smits and 

 ear-splits. The half-breeds for the produc- 

 tion of mutton are weaned from their ewes, 

 and are not allowed to return to the fells. 

 They are kept until autumn, sold at the great 

 northern sheep fairs, and are then sent to be 

 fatted on southern grass lands. Here they 

 feed quickly and make excellent mutton. Only 

 the pure-breed lambs — Black-face or Herdwick 

 — the future heaf-going sheep of the home farm, 



