SECRETARY'S REPORT, 151 



swine for pork, about two-thirds reply that it can be grown at 

 a profit, and nearly one-third say it cannot, or not at present 

 prices of produce. As these diverse opinions seem to be ex- 

 pressed with confidence, it would be interesting to ascertain, if 

 possible, whether, and how far they are the result of careful 

 expei'iment,,or of guessing, or whether, if a cross-exaininatioa 

 could be had, views more nearly corresponding might not be 

 elicited. The latter supposition is favored by some of the re- 

 plies, as "no, not as a business," "a few swine can be grown 

 on the farm to advantage," "a pig to two cows pays well," &G' 



Sheep. 



These have been long grown, to greater or less extent, in 

 this State, and at various times improved breeds have been 

 introduced, but it does not af)pear from the replies received 

 that very great interest is taken, at the present time, in rear- 

 ing them, or that they occupy so prominent a position in our 

 general farm economy as might be expected from our facilities 

 to rear them profitably. 



Like neat cattle, we cannot combine in one breed, all desir- 

 able qualities, and the policy of the grower is to Select such as 

 pay best in his own locality, or in the nearest market. If 

 choice mutton be desired, size, early maturity, delicate flavor 

 of meat and a disposition to fatten easily, are to be sought 

 rather than quality of wool. In times past the production of 

 wool has engaged the attention of many of our farmers, but the 

 fluctuation in its price has been so great as to have a very 

 discouraging tendency. 



The growth of choice mutton has received less attention, 

 and^such as may be deemed of really fine quality is rarely seen in 

 our market. It is believed that mutton sheep, in connection 

 with an extended culture of roots, mii;ht profitably receive far 

 greater attention than they have hitherto done. 



FROM EUSEBIUS WESTOX, SKOWHEGAX. 



" Very considerable attention has been devoted to improving stock 

 of sheep, neat cattle and horses, with good success. Fifty years ago 

 oxen at their growth were not over six feet, now many are seven by 

 the third year, and soma arrive at eight. The Durhams and Here- 



