A cautious start at yesterday's annual sale of Texel sheep for the

Scottish Texel Sheep Breeders Club at Lanark in due course warmed up to

the extent that, while most breeders were aware of an over-supply

situation, disappointment was eventually limited.

Highlight of the sale were two bids of 3000gns. The first came for the

champion ram lamb from Carolyn Hastings, Courthill, Dumfries, which sold

to Roy Hudson, The Glebe, Nottingham. At the same price Stephen

Harrison, Bankhead of Tinwald, Dumfries, bought one from T. and R.

Laird, Cambwell, Biggar. Messrs Laird also sold at 1200gns to Robert

Pigg, Gaitshill, Carlisle.

At 2200gns John Mackie, Milton of Noth, Huntly, sold to Gilbert Bain,

Wester Coxton, Elgin.

General opinion among Texel breeders yesterday was that the time had

come for a realistic appraisal of the numbers of rams presented. One

noted breeder suggested that ''every member of the society should be

given a box of rubber rings for Christmas.'' However, club secretary

Brian Ross stated: ''Week in, week out, Texel cross lambs are topping

the market here in Lanark and all over the country.

Shearling rams sold to 600gns for one from J. W. Gibb, Rusha, West

Calder, while females sold to a top of 1000gns for a gimmer from James

Currie and Son, Carlinside, Lanark. Overall, 291 ram lambs averaged

#250.89, down #1.26; 34 ewe lambs averaged #146, up #26; 90 gimmers

averaged #231, up #35; and 62 shearling rams averaged #228, down #24.