History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

186 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. [1664-1665.
A Shepherd Em- Sheep ral.sing in Northampton began a few
ployed. years after its settlement, and had increased
to such an extent in 1664, that a Shepherd
was employed by the town, and no sheep were allowed on
the commons without a "constant keeper," under "penaltye
of fower pence pr Sheepe evarie tyme soe Taken with
out a keeper." Near the close of the century large tracts
of land in different sections of the town were set apart for
J sheep pastures. John Webb was among the first in this
town, who purchased these animals. He bought, in 1662,
a flock of "30 sheep, ewes and lambs," of John Pynchon,
for £ 20. David Wilton was engaged with Mr. Pynchon in
a "sheep venture," in Rhode Island, a few years before
Wilton removed to Northampton. The outcome of this
enterprise is not known, though the fact that Pynchon
had them for sale indicates that the business had been
successful on his part.
Excused from High- 111 February, 1665, the town voted to reway
and Ferry Heve Certain of its citizens from ferry and
highway rates, seemingly without any adequate
reason. Judging from the record, the men had only
to ask to have their taxes abated, and the request was
readily granted. While they did not desire any roads or
ferries for themselves, these men seem to have been per-
fectly willing to use those made for the public. The account
of this transaction cannot be better stated than in
the language of the record itself : —
" 13'i> of the 12 mo. 1664 [February, 1665]. At a legall Towne meeting
John Webb Senic desired to bee freed from the TowTie charge
about the ferry hous & ferrie rate and highwaies, becawse hee desired noe
highwaies to bee made for him nor ferridg, but when hee goes over hee will
pay his owne ferridg. John Earele is to haue y same privelidge."
Lands Forfeited Early ill the year it was declared that "all
and the Forfeit home lotts and othcr landes that haue not
Attended the condition of the grante is
iudged and determined to bee forfitt." In April, George
Sumner's home lot was taken away from him on these
grounds, while "John Alliii, Zachary ffeild, Nathanael