558 



Sheep in the Shetland Islands. 



[dec, 



that although a larger area was sown than last year, the quantity 

 for export will be' less. Locusts are reported from several dis- 

 tricts, and it is feared that they may do considerable damage to 

 the maize crop. 



Rtissia. — The Board are informed through the Foreign Office 

 that the official Commercial and Industrial Gazette of St. Peters- 

 burg, of November 20th, gives the Central Statistical Committee's 

 preliminary data as to the totals of the Russian winter grain 

 crops of the current year. In sixty-three Governments of 

 European Russia, the winter rye crop is estimated to amount to 

 315,860,000 cwt., while the winter wheat crop is expected to 

 reach 127,131,000 cwt. The sixty-three Governments include 

 the fifty Governments of European Russia proper, the ten 

 Governments of Poland, and three Governments of Caucasia. 



The sheep kept in the Shetland Islands include, in addition to 

 the native breed, the Cheviot, Black-face and Leicester, and 

 crosses between Shetland ewes and these 

 Sheep in the breeds. 



about 30 lb. ; it has a handsome head, prominent eyes, a thick, 

 short body, supported by clean, deer-like legs ; the tail is 

 short, about four inches in length and pointed. Being very 

 hardy, this sheep can gather a living where the larger breeds 

 cannot subsist. The colour varies very greatly from white to 

 black, including brown, grey and flecked, that is, black or dark 

 with white spots,' and the shades known locally as murrat and 

 sheila. 



The ewes are generally hornless, but the rams are often 

 horned. As mothers the ewes are particularly careful of their 

 lambs, and have usually an abundant supply of* milk. 



The fine wool of the Shetland sheep is a very valuable asset 

 to the owner, being always in demand at home for hand manu- 

 facture, and also for export to Scotland. The average weight of 

 a fleece is about 2 lb., it is not clipped but pulled off by hand, 

 and when taken at the proper time it peels off easily. 



This breed is used with great success for crossing purposes, 

 especially if a better pasture be provided, and their deep-milk- 



Shetland 

 Islands. 



The pure Shetland is a small sheep 

 having an average weight when fat of 



