Gents Mag 1890 part 1 p.531

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	introduction, lists
	list, 4th qtr 19th century
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	Gentleman's Magazine 1890 part 1 p.531 this time they rapidly improve in condition; with the new grass their strength returns; they are ever and ceaselessly nibbling. And now the shepherds are very busy with their flocks. The ewes are drafted out and quietly driven to the lowlands. These are distrtibuted among the fields of the hill farmers, and for a time have better fare. An anxious time is approaching; but here the lambing season comes fully two months later than in the lower and cultivated valleys. Daily attention is paid to the ewes, and about mid-April the lambs begin to make their appearance. The Black-faced and Herdwicks are hardy; there is no folding, no extra feeding, and they come through the critical time in a manner that would astonish the southern farmer. The mortality is exceedingly small; the lambs are strong and quickly on their legs. As soon as the lambing season is over, and the little strangers are strong enough to bear the journey, the whole flock is driven back to the fells. Each year the farmer breeds two varieties of lambs. The Black-faced and Herdwick ewes produce both, one of which is half-breed the other pure. The pure portion is to keep the blood of the farm; the half-breeds, which are heavier and larger lambs, are intended for sale. At this time the barren ewes are also drafted from the flock, they too being fatted for the market. As the warm days of May pass to those of early June, the shepherds commence to "gather" their flocks for the washing. In this they are aided by collies - small wiry creatures, almost inconceivably intelligent. They in nowise resemble the sheep-dogs of the show-bench, but are mostly built on the lines of the hill fox. They can be hounded for miles - as far as they can see the action of the shepherd directing them. In fact they are quite knowing enough to work without his direction; and I have seen them scaling a crag and carefully bringing a flock of sheep from the rocks and gullies where not a single thing was apparent to the eye. "Devil's Dust," "Wily," and "Fleet" were three of the most intelligent brutes that ever ran. I have spent weeks among the mists with the lovable trio. When a head-strong Herdwick gets upon the shelving rocks of the crags, the dogs never force. They crouch, using the utmost patience, and rather guide the sheep than drive it. That these dogs become fascinated in their work there can be no question. It is clear, too, that the work is difficult, and always more or less painful; for after a hard day's running upon the fells their feet are dreadfully cut up by the sharp stones, which in summer blister the hand if laid upon them. These beds of flat tinkling stones give out their not unmusical notes as the men, sheep, and their canine guardians, rush over them. It is usual on the hill farms, where a great number of sheep are kept,
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