Page:Awful phenomena of nature -- snow storms, third of March and twenty-third April, 1827.pdf/7

 accidents to record. This day-week, fifty-three sheep were found buried and smoored on the comparatively well-sheltered farm of Holestain. The poor animals had been dead for hours, and their carcases were sold at 4s. a-head. Nearer home, at Tinwald, Torthorwald, and Kirkmahoe, several sheep perished, though by far the greater number were rescued alive. At the former place, a whole flock were engulphed in one huge wreath, but the tups, from their superior strength and agility, boxed their way into open day, and then stood bleating at the side of the wreath, as if in commiseration of those who were still in the grave they had just escaped from. The shepherds understood and obeyed the signal, and by dint of hard labour saved the remainder of their master’s flock. In the course of their search they actually dug out one or more smoored hares!

The 23rd of April 1827, well deserves a place among memorable days. The storm which then occurred was general over Scotland. Its appearance and effects in Dumfries-shire have been thus described.

the mild genial weather we experienced in the beginning and middle of last week, and the heavy showers which fell on Friday, who could have supposed that we would be visited by another storm of snow? Yet so it is, and we grieve to state that yesterday was truly a judgement-like day. At an early hour in the morning the hills were all white—the cottages and farm-steadings hooded with snow. From