Ferrying Cattle

Vast nombers of cattle were supplied from the Isle of Skye; they passed from that island to the mainland by the Ferry of Caol-rea; they are made to swim across this rapid current: for this purpose the drovers purchase ropes, which are cut at the length of three feet, having a noose at one end; this noose is put around the under-jaw of every cow, taking care to leave the tongue free, that the animal may be able to keep the salt water from going down its throat ; they are then led into the water until they are afloat, which puts an end to their resistance. One cow is then tied to the tail of another,
and a man in the stern of the boat having hold of the foremost, the boat is rowed over.

From this constant practice the ferrymen are so dexterous that very few beasts are lost.

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