Oct. 2, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 823 



Shearing. — During shearing, if possible, do not keep sheep long without 

 feed, as if cold or wet supervenes many may die. 



Dijiping for Ticks, etc. — Do not attempt to dip in very cold weather or if 

 it is likely to rain. Many sheep have been lost after dipping in heavy rains, 

 though it was summer time. Putting them tlnoiigh when overheated is also 

 l)iul. In the early morning with the promise of a tine day ahearl is the best 

 time, so that they can get warmed up and feed before night. 



Bheep in mixed farmhuj opf rations are very valuable and keep uj) the 

 fertility of soils in a cheap way. 



They are a valuable source of incoaie both from the sale of tlie wool and 

 excess of sheep. They provide meat for home use as well as land)s for market. 

 They eat olf weeds, tread in stubble, and manure the cultivation land ; also 

 eat off rank growths, when advisable, to the great benefit of themselves. 



As before stated the merino is not the small farmer's sheep but the large 

 grazier's. The merino is a wool sheep and the very best. The mutton sheep 

 is the crossbred, with a dash of the merino for wool improvement — this is the 

 farmers' sheep. True crossbreds try fences more severely than merinos. 

 But why have bad open fences ? Good ones are a heavy first cost, but they 

 last a great many years and return good interest all the time and save worry 

 and annoyance to the owner and his neighbours. 



It must be impressed on breed<-rs that quality in lamb and mutton must 

 be paid attention to, to obtain best prices. 



The question of the meat export trade is of great importance to this State, 

 and one that is capable of attaining vast dimensions, if what is required is 

 produced and impx'oved methods are carried out. 



Advantages and Disadvantages of Crosses. 



Lincoln- Merino Cros.'i. — The Lincoln has proved an excellent sheep for 

 crossing with the merino. The wool on the crossbred is excellent ; its 

 weight, length of staple and lustre giving it great value. It is unlikely 

 that any crossbred will surpass it. The mutton, somewhat coarse and 

 tallowy in the Lincoln, is improved in the cross with the merino. The 

 shape of carcase when slaughtered is not all that can be desired, though 

 generally weighty. They are not exempt from fluke or foot-rot. 



English Leicester- Merino Cross. — Tlie pui-e bred English Leicester is one 

 of the oldest breeds, and has been used with great effect in the improvement 

 of several other breeds. The cross with the merino is nuich fancied. They 

 require abundance of succulent feed. Rough pastures would not suit them. 

 They possess a shapely carcase, with mutton of very good colour, with a 

 fleece of fair w^eight and fine lustrous wool. They are not exempt from fluke 

 nor foot-rot. Their small fine heads are an advantage when crossing with 

 merino ewes, and there are few deaths in consequence duiiiig parturition. 



Border Leicester- Merino Cross. — The pure Border Leicester is a bigger and 

 heavier sheep as a rule tlian the English Leicester — more leggy with a 

 lighter middle piece, which indicates that the proportion of offsxl to dressed 

 carca.se will be light. Tliey have a good carriage, are active and hardy, being 



