CHEVIOT SHEEP.

Waikato Times, Volume III, Issue 168, 5 June 1873, Page 2

CHEVIOT SHEEP.

The Cheviots— a ran^e of hills in the border counties of* England snd Scotland— were the early- home of the Cheviot sheep, whence they derived their name, and to -which they •rere exclusively confined for many generations. They seem, to have been a nativo breed, although a legend still gains credence, especially among shepherds, that the first of them were imported into the country by the Spanish Armada,, having swam to land from some of the shipwrecked Teasels of that ill-fated expedition that were drifted on the Western Isles. They are generally described as small sheep, Tery light in bone and wool, with brownish heads and legs, and hardy constitution ; their scraggy frames bearing very liitle resemblance to the well-proportioned Cheviots of the present day. Nevertheless, from their adaptation to the, soil and climate, they appear to have spread over a,great part of the elevated lands in the south of Scotland Jong before an attempt was made to improve them. The earliest recorded attempt was about a hundred years ago, and was eminently successful. The merit of this is universally accorded to Mr Bobson, of Belford, although Chevoit breeders of the present day differ materially regarding the cross he made use of. "We have it from Mr Robson Scott— a grandson of Mr Eobson— that ho travelled over the greater part of England for the purpose of seeing various breeds of sheep in different districts, with the view of selecting rams to cross his flock of Cheviots. The sheep he considered most suitable were of a breed then existing m Lincolnshire, of which he purchased several rams to put to select ewes. The cross answering admirably,, greatly improving the flock in every respect, without materially lessening its hardy character. Mr Robson's flock thus proved the nucleus from which Cheviot breeders drew their supply of rams for many years. Hl3 mode of selling is said to have been somewhat unique. A ticket wa3 attached to each sheep with the price put onhim, so that customers could choose according to their taste and means. The impetus given to the breeding of Cheviots was immense; they rapidly found their w*y into other districts of Scotland and the north of England, supplanting the black-faced breed, which.like the aborigines of India and! America, may be said to|rjtire before the advancing wave of civilisation. Let it not bo supposed, however, that we disparage the black-faced breed of sheep. For hardihood and beauty they are unsurpassed, and still yield a profitable return in regions where Cheviots could not lire. Early in the present century the Cheviot sheep were largely introduced into the northern counties of Scotland, chiefly by farmers of large capital on the Borders. Numbers of small crofters were turned out of their holdings, which were changed into extensivo sheep walks. There can be no doubt that this movement,, although unpopular at tho time, was the moans of increasing production* and proved in every case of judicious management a most profitable one. In latter times, the condition of Cheviot flocks has been greatly ameliorated by draining, shelter, providing a plentiful supply of food for use in stormy weather, and other modem improvements. Mr Aitcheson, of Lynhope, may be said to have been tho pioneer both in the advocacy and practice of the system of cutting a considereblo quantity of hay, not only on the open grounds, wherever thedeeputss of the soil afforded an extra covering, but by having several enclosures on each farm where hay could be procured sufficient for it§ requirements, thusjiuaking them self-sustaining. These enclosures are also useful as a run for the weaker ewes in the lambing season. To use Mr Aitcheson's own forcible language, " Hay is tho sheet-anchor of the stock farmer." The practical management of a Cheviot flock is,, on tho whole, exceedingly simple. Generally speaking, they go at large during the whole soason ; individual sheep never take a very wide range. The area required for each varies from about two to four acres, according to quality. In some cases hoggs are kept separate from the ewes, which gives an. opportunity of supplying them with more generous treatment in stormy weather ; but frequently they are allowed shortly after weaning to graze together. This gives them, the advantage of a mother's care, ibr they generally recognise each other. In some cases they are allowed to go on< without being weaned at all ; but we think such a system must be injurious to the future progeny. Tliero is perhaps no finer animal of the sheap species than, tho Cheviot tup. Possessing the general conformation of the Border Leicester, he is altogether a more stylish sheep,, carrying his head higher, with greater fire in his eye and grace in his movement. Compared with tho Leicester, he is as a cavalier to an alderman. Besides reproducing theirown kind, the Cheviots aro valuable for crossing with the Border Lciccstcrs ; tho former giving hardihood, the latter greater tendency to fatten. By infusing the two breeds in different proportions, other breeding stocks aro raised, suited to medium soils and temperatures. Tho weight and fineness of the fleece depends on tho nature of the pasturage ; the texture being finer on dry, sweet herbage than on coarse grass; and bringing a highei price. It has a steadier demand than almost any other, being extensively employed in the manufacture of tweeds, now so commonly used in clothing. As to mutton, that of the Cheviot bheep may fairly be put down as one of theluxuries of life. For delicacy of flavor, we never tasted any mutton equal to that of ayeld joung ewe or grimmer of either breed that happened to get fat on its native pasture.—Mr J. Usher in The Field.

It has been found that in nearly every ciriliaed conntry* the tree tliat bears the most fruit for market is the aidt-treo-Aro blacksmiths who make a living by forging, or carpenters who do a little counter-fitting, any worse than men whoaoll iron and steel lor a living ? What is the difference between aeailorand a beer-drinker ? —One puts his sail up, and the other puts his ale down. fl A servant in the homo of a gentleman who was a great collector of old cluna had the m.sfortune to break a valuable vase. As he was in the act of poking up the pieces, a vis.tor uas shown into the drawing-room. "Oh, sir," cried the servant, "can you tell me what this is?" "That? Why old Dresden to be sure." "Oil, how fortunate, sir! " wa» tlie reply. I wa s rery much afraid it was new." lne Kbtoht Courteous.— Matilda (who does not like being Wallflower")—" You've no idea, Maud,, how utterly idiotic you people dancing look to those who sit down and watcli you!" M.iud-" I d.ire say not, love! I never tried ! — rnnrh. What h Hio ihlTerence betncon a forward minx and a shot rabbit .. J — Ouc's over bjld. uu-l the other's bowled oier.