From a thing like a gallows in a corner huge bags were suspended which were slowly filling.

A cauldron of pitch bubbled over a fire, and the smoke rose blue in the hot hill air.

Every minute a bashful animal was led to be branded with a great E on the left shoulder and then with awkward stumbling let loose to join her naked fellow-sufferers.

Dogs slept in the sun and wagged their tails in the rear of the paddock.

Small children sat on gates and lent willing feet to drive the flocks.