176
« merit, ’ says the Reporter of the County , ‘ my information war,4 that no more than one calf is commonly reared from the milk4 of two cows, when they are in the natural possession of the4 tacksman of a farm, 3nd owner of the cattle : But in other ca-4 ses, parcels of cows are frequently let out to bovu-men, who get4 possession of the tacksman’s farm, and of his stock of cattle.4 Thesebow-men are confidential married servants, who trade with4 this species of their master’s property, upon stipulated condi-4 tions. They are generally bound to produce one calf, and one4 stone of butter, and two stones of cheese annually, for every4 milk-cow entrusted to their management; or one calf, and40s.4 or 50s., according to the quality of the cattle, as may be agreed4 on. All the surplus produce of the dairy is allowed for vie-4 tuals and wages.’—( Inverness-shire Report, p. 249.)
2. Sheep .—The number of these is estimated at 50,000. Theeld indigenous sheep are still very numerous; but the Linton, orBlack-faced breed, are the most prevalent. The Cheviot varietyare gaining ground, owing to the superior value of their wool.
3. Horses .—'These are much the same as in the other High-land counties: the small native race are reared, and worked bythe lower class of farmers, while proprietors, and substantial far-mers, purchase larger horses from the Lowland counties. Thenumber of the native breed has decreased since the introductioaof sheep.
Sixinc are not reared in great numbers. A regard to the preservation of woods, and the general prevalence of sheep, havegreatly diminished the number of goats, of which there are stillsupposed to be from 4 to 5000 in the county. Their skins aremanufactured into purses for Highland regiments, which hasraised their value a little.
VII. The North Highlands.
1. Cromartyshire.
2. Rossshire.
1. Cattle —Very little attention is paid to breeding, except itsthe south-western parts. The pure West Highland breed is con-sidered the most profitable stock for feeding. Some people havethe Fife breed j some the Morayshire, and others a mixed breed.
2. The Sheep are for the most part either of the small nativekind, or the Black-faced. A few of other breeds, and among therest Merinos , have been introduced. Of the last breed, some no-tice will be taken in a subsequent article of this Appendix .
S. The best Horses are imported; but, of late, horses of a gooddescription have been bred in the county.
None of the inferior species of live stock have obtained mud*attention in these counties.
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