No. 63.J 157 



duce a quantity and quality of wool which render them the most pro- 

 fitable for the purposes of the wool grower. The writer of this has 

 set on foot the following experiment. He has taken one cross of 

 South Down on the Merino, and then bred back towards the latter. 

 His object has been to attempt to engraft something of the South 

 Down form, feeding and nursing properties and hardiness, on the Me- 

 rino stock, without sacrificing the weight and fineness of wool of the 

 latter. He does not pledge himself that the experiment will succeed. 

 He will only say that thus far his expectations have been realized. 

 Time will develop the rest. 



The Saxons, on the introduction of that variety, were early en- 

 grafted on the Merino flocks which had previously been introduced 

 into the county; and I know of no instance where those who took 

 that step do not now deeply deplore it. The increased fineness of 

 the wool does not offset against the diminution in its quantity, and 

 the impaired constitution or hardiness of the animal. 



There are few of the old stock of pure Merinos left in the county. 

 At the present moment they are undoubtedly the favorite breed, and 

 the wish seems to be universal among our flock holders, to go back 

 to this variety. 



Swine. — Berkshires, China or Grass breed, some large English hogs 

 called Hampshires, a good variety not claiming any distinctive appel- 

 lation, (being the improved native hog,) and finally the " Landpike," 

 are all founcl in our county. The Berkshires are preferred by many, 

 and by the writer of this among the number; but a majority object 

 to them on account of their small size, Berkshires crossed with 

 large native sows, are a popular sub-variety. 



I regret to state that the fine imported Neapolitan sow, presented 

 to the State Agricultural Society by James G, King, Esq. and which 

 by a vote of the Board, was placed in my hands to test the compa- 

 rative value of the breed, perished before reaching my residence, in 

 consequence, probably, of injuries received on ship board. 



Cultivation. — In the valleys, a hoed crop is usually the first in the 

 rotation. With some, this is succeeded with barley, and then winter 

 wheat With grass seeds. Others substitute spring wheat, peas, or oats 

 for barley for the second crop in the rotation. There are not want- 

 ing those who take crop after crop of the same kind from the land, 

 as oats for example, without paying the least regard to rotation. 



On our hills, potatoes, spring wheat, oats and buckwheat are the 

 principal crops ; on the colder and thinner soils, the two last named 

 are the staple commodities. On the hill lands of Scott, which are 

 of medium quality, the culture of flax has recently been introduced 

 with decided success, and has formed a profitable source of invest- 

 ment to those engaged in it. Probably one thousand acres of it was 

 cultivated during the past season. 



Roots are cultivated for the winter food of neat stock, horses, sheep, 

 &c., more than formerly. Neat stock, and sheep especially, are kept 

 in much finer and healthier condition by receiving a portion of roots 

 for their food, than when confined to hay alone, and it is thought 

 with no increase of expense. Roots are peculiarly conducive to 



