The Shetland Breed
February 2001
Shetland sheep 1790
from the Maidstone Gazette (Kent) 1790: Extract of a letter from Edinburgh, Oct 2
"Some shetland sheep of the fine wooled or kindly sort, which were sent from those islands to the Highland Society in Scotland, arrived lately at Leith; and upon being examined by several Members of the Society, have surpassed their most sanguine expectations. These sheep seem to be of a species different in several respects from any now to be seen in the southern parts of the kingdom. The wool is of a pure glossy white, very soft, close, and silky, and is formed into short curls of ringlets, giving a beautiful appearance to the animal. They are firm bodied, white-faced sheep and though rather of a small size, yet are much larger than is generally supposed, and the fleece of more equal fineness over the whole body than is usual, and perfectly free from any mixture of hair. It is hoped that every exertion will be made to extend this breed to all parts of the kingdom, where they are likely to thrive, since their wool is perhaps the completest article of the kind in the universe, uniting in one and the same substance the strength and softness of silk, the durability of cotton, the elasticity of wool, and the warmth of the richest fur."
I would dare say that this is the description of the 1927 Flock Book Shetland sheep, yes????
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