Page:Awful phenomena of nature -- snow storms, third of March and twenty-third April, 1827.pdf/5

 farmer has lost seventy score of sheep out of 75. Our Sanquhar correspondent, who possesses the best means of information, says—The loss of sheep stock is not so great as might have been expected. Out of stocks of 2000, many farmers have not a ewe amissing: a few have lost from 4 to 12, and though others are short from 3 to 4 score, the woolly wanderers may yet cast up. As the snow began to fell in day-light, the shepherds were early put on their guard, and in this way saved many a valuable hirsel. The drift on Thursday was so violent that it was mid-day before the inhabitants of Sanquhar could venture to cross the threshold, even where they were in want of the necessaries of life. Of some houses only the chimney tops were visible. The coach from Dumfries to Glasgow, stuck fast on Saturday week near Auchenbeek. The guard had to sit inside all night guarding the luggage, and the passengers, eight in number, were quartered in Mr Templeton’s. As yet we have no accounts from the high grounds, but it is supposed that little mischief would be done to the sheep by the second storm, as the hollows were previously filled with snow. The roads are cut in all directions, and it is expected the communication will he open on Monday.

Another correspondent whose letter is dated from Newton-Stewart, on Friday last, says, "At this moment, 7 P. M., we hear nothing of yesterday’s mails from Dumfries, Portpatrick, or Wigtown. I am sorry to hear repeated accounts of the loss of sheep on our muirland farms. In