U2 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



the live stock just as much as to bring in the changes in customs and habits. 

 He felt satisfied that the raising of hinibs for market was a profitable part of 

 the business wliicli liad not been pursued to any extent in this State, and wliich 

 could not be pursued profitably with tlie Merino, but which was one of the 

 requirements of the breeding of the long wools. To raise lambs for market he 

 was satisfied that there was a good deal of money in the business, but the 

 trouble arises from the fact that there is not enougli of them raised in one 

 locality to furnish car loads to the drovers. They were wanted in car-load lots or 

 they could not be disposed of. To be a legitimate breeder of thoroughbred 

 stock was something we can't all be. For that business men need capital, 

 fixtures, general capacity and experience, wliicli were oat of tlie reach of an 

 ordinary farmer who has his farm in his own hands. The long wools are scat- 

 tered over the State in only a few hands, and hence arises the difficulty in 

 obtaining car lots, and also in procuring the best blood with which to maintain 

 the quality of their flocks. The ordinary farmer has not tlie time or skill nor 

 the judgment requisite to furnish the well improved animals which are neces- 

 sary to develop the flock and keep up its early growth. He considered the 

 history of the Merino sheep developed the fact that a great change had been 

 worked in them during the past forty years. He was able now to raise a very 

 palatable Merino mutton, and this was formerly impossible to find. He has 

 had a large experience with the Southdowns, and was of opinion that they 

 could be made profitable if there were enough of them bred in one place to 

 furnish car-loads. He could not furnish them in such quantities, and there- 

 fore had to depend on the locsil markets. His opinion was that the long wools 

 and middle wools should be bred in large numbers in particular localities and 

 counties adapted for them. 



Mr. C. M. Fellows, of Manchester, read a brief history of the Merino sheep. 



Mr. K. D. M. Edwards, from the committee on the constitution and by-laws, 

 made the following report, which was accepted and adopted: 



Your committee to which was referred the subject of a revision of the constitution 

 and by-laws, beg leave to report that they have had the same under consideration, 

 and do hereby recommend for your consideration the following amendments and 

 additions: 



1st. Amend article three to read as follows: The ofUcers of this association shall 

 consist of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, who shall each 

 be elected by ballot at 10 o'clock A. M. of the second day of the annual convention, 

 and who shall hold their offices respectively until their successors are elected and 

 have signified their acceptance of the offlce. There shall be an Executive Board, 

 consisting often members, who shall hold their offices for two years, shall be elected 

 each year at the annual meeting, which board with the officers of the association 

 shall conduct all its affairs, and transact all business for said association; and they 

 shall have power to fill all vacancies which may occur. 



2d. Amend article four so as to read as follows: "The annual meeting of the asso- 

 ciation shall be held on the second Monday of December, at 7 o'clock p. m." 



3d, Add to article five: "The place of holding the annual meeting shall be decided 

 by the association at each annual meeting." 



4th. Amend the first by-law by omitting all after the word "duties" in that para- 

 graph. 



R. D. M. EDWARDS, 

 J. H. THOMPSON, 

 W. E. KENNEDY. 



Mr. Caruss moved that the constitution and by-laws of this association be 

 printed in the Michigan Farmer, Detroit Post and Tribune, and Free Press. 



Mr. Caruss moved that the subject of washing sheep previous to shearing be 

 taken up and discussed. 



