Sutherland Reclamation. 
453 
greater part of his loss was occasioned by the seaboard rocks, 
which extend for about 20 miles. He Avintered the hoggs there 
very successfully on pasture, reserving the turnips for tups and 
dinmonts. 
NtJMBER of Sheep at Balnakiel kept in October to be Wintered 
at Home. 
1873. 
1872. 
1871. 
Total .. .. 
2067 
597 
ISSi 
770 
2010 
549 
1777 
687 
1943 
476 
1682 
699 
5318 
5023 
4800 
NuiTBER of Sheep at Balnakiel sent away for Wintering. 
Hoggs 
Total of Sheep .. 
1026 
1011 
1011 
6344 
6034 
5811 
Number of Sheep lost in the Twelve Months previous to 
Shearing-Time. 
1873. 
1872. 
1871. 
Hoggs 
Total .. .. 
Loss per 1000 
67 
18 
107 
126 
60 
20 
83 
100 
60 
20 
86 
90 
318 
50 
263 
44 
256 
44 
The average loss for the three years is thus only 46 per 1000, 
a very good result; from Mr. Hadwin's table, the years 1871, 
1872, and 1873, are seen to have been favourable to sheep, 
but in his case the loss for those three years averages 62 per 
1000. From the answers of those who give general estimates 
instead of definite returns of losses, I will select that given by 
Mr. Purvis, who says, " The loss for the twelve months is never 
under 5 per cent, over all, more generally Ih per cent. ; in very 
bad seasons 10, 15, 20, and even up to one-third of the whole 
number. In 1859-60, 1 lost nearly 1200 sheep, and out of 1400 
ewes, had only 250 lambs ; 1876-77 was a bad year ; our general 
