44 



" The reverse is now tlie fact. Great and permanent improvements in 

 agriculture are the results of the enlightened views, judicious and perse- 

 vering efforts of public-spirited, patriotic men. 



"So long ago as A. D. 41, a Farmer in Spain, Columella, introduced to 

 his farm some fine African rams, and a few of the Tarentine sheep, and 

 laid the foundation of the present improved breed of Spanish sheep. The 

 Farmers of Wisconsin must do the same. Sheep husbandry demands a 

 large share of the farmer's attention. The New Leicester, or Dishley 

 breed, are the successful crossings by Robert Bakewell, of Dishley, Eng- 

 land. The Spanish Merinos are the best, for profit, for though the form 

 «)f the pure Merinos is bad — being small — and the return in mutton 

 deficient, both in quantity and value ; their excellence consists in the un- 

 exampled fineness and the peculiar felting property of their wool. From 

 the closeness of their coat, and the luxuriance of the yolk, they do no t 

 sufiFer much, if any, more than other breeds from the extremes of cold and 

 wet. 



"The filament of the .wool has scarcely pushed itself through the pores 

 of the skin, than it has to penetrate another and singular substance, 

 which, from its adhesiveness and color, is called the yolk. It abounds 

 about the breast and shoulders, the very parts that produce the best and 

 ^ost abundant wool ; and in proportion as it extends, in any degree, over 

 other parts, the wool is there improved. When there is a deficiency of 

 yolk, the fibre of the wool is dry and harsh and Aveak, and the whole 

 fleece becomes thin and hairy. When it abounds, the wool is soft, oily, 

 and strong. The yolk gives richness and pliability, as vrell as nourish- 

 ment, to the wool. Bad management, or poor keeping, by arresting the 

 secretion of the yolk, or changing its properties, will, in a very great 

 degree, impair the pliability of the wooly fibre. 



"We know of nothing which Avill give as good return to the Wisconsin 

 farmer as sheep husbandry. By a judicious cross of the Merino with our 

 own sheep, selecting the most vigorous, a breed of fine-wooled sheep 

 will be produced, which will combine both qualities for wool and mutton. 

 The sheep improve the farm. Roots can be easily raised for their nour- 

 ishment. Wool is easy of transportation, and a cash article, and fat mut- 

 ton is, or ought to be, everywhere esteemed a luxury. Sheep require air 

 and exercise in the coldest weather, but they must be sheltered from the 

 storms and cold. This prevents disease during summer. Agricultural 

 Societies will exert a great influence in sheep husbandry. 



