As their
feeding costs so little, the sheep are not killed till five years
old, when their flesh, juices, and flavour are in perfection; but
their fleeces are much damaged by the tar, with which they are
smeared to preserve them from the rot in winter, during which
they run wild night and day, and thousands are lost under huge
wreaths of snow -- 'Tis pity the farmers cannot contrive some means
to shelter this useful animal from the inclemencies of a rigorous
climate, especially from the perpetual rains, which are more
prejudicial than the greatest extremity of cold weather.
On the little river Nid, is situated the castle of Drumlanrig,
one of the noblest seats in Great-Britain, belonging to the duke
of Queensberry; one of those few noblemen whose goodness of heart
does honour to human-nature -- I shall not pretend to enter into a
description of this palace, which is really an instance of the
sublime in magnificence, as well as in situation, and puts one in
mind of the beautiful city of Palmyra, rising like a vision in
the midst of the wilderness. His grace keeps open house, and
lives with great splendour -- He did us the honour to receive us
with great courtesy, and detain'd us all night, together with
above twenty other guests, with all their servants and horses to
a very considerable number -- The dutchess was equally gracious,
and took our ladies under her immediate protection.
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