MOUNTAIN SHEEP. 141 



" strays " may always be found on distant 

 " heafs," and the hill shepherds meet annually 

 and reclaim them. The meeting is held at the 

 end of autumn, and for some weeks previous a 

 sharp eye is kept for intruders. On a certain 

 day these are driven to the rude stone folds 

 on Kirkstone, and every shepherd takes back 

 his own. He is greatly aided in identifica- 

 tion by the institution mentioned — the " Smit 

 Book." Now that the Commons are enclosed, 

 this book is rarely used ; and the decay of the 

 Shepherds' Meeting is to be referred to the same 

 cause. 



Going back to the time of its importance, 

 the day was always interesting. Sheep, shep- 

 herds, dogs, and dalesfolk together made up 

 a scene of picturesque animation. After the 

 more serious business of the day, there was 

 much northern merry-making. Wrestling, 

 racing, leaping, and fox-hunting on foot were 

 among the chief diversions. Two neighbouring 

 'Squires sent each a pack of hounds, and then 

 entertained the hunters at dinner upon their 

 return from the mountains. 



A mountain hare sometimes makes a good 

 run; and, when foxes are scarce, offers a capital 



