140 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



and to gain a pound and a half each week, the gain in weight in 

 four months would be about 25 pounds, which at 6 cents per pound 

 would be $1.50 or less than $10 per ton for the hay consumed; 

 but if the same sheep could be bought in fall for 3 cents per pound 

 and sold in spring for 6 cents, the gain would amount to $3.90 or 

 upwards of $20 per ton for the hay — the manui-e being the same 

 in either case. 



For fattening it is well to purchase animals as large and thrifty 

 and in as good condition as can be done at fair prices ; and to feed 

 liberally so as to secure as rapid increase as can be done without 

 waste of food. 



The fattening of sheep by the aid of oil cake or grain purchased 

 for the purpose, may often be made a cheaper and altogether pref- 

 erable mode of obtaining manure than by the purchase of ai'tificial 

 fertilizers, as guano, superphosphate of lime, &c. It is hoped that 

 the plan may have a fair and extended trial. 



Horses. It is gratifying to know that in the matter oi rearing 

 horses there is an increasing and more enlightened interest mani- 

 festing itself in the introduction of valuable stock for propagation, 

 and not only is this true of sires but of dams also. 



As has been already remarked in regard to neat stock, we have 

 horses enough already among us, so far as numbers go, and among 

 them by no means an inconsiderable proportion of valuable ani- 

 mals ; yet so long as it costs no more to rear one which will read- 

 ily command a round price, than one whicli would be dear at any 

 sum, however small, it is unquestionably the better policy to 

 endeavor to bring up the whole stock of the State to a much higher 

 standard. 



Our suggestion as to the means by which this is to be eilbcted, 

 is this : — In the first place lot far more care be taken in respect of 

 breeding mares. Let none be bred from which are too old, or of 

 feeble constitution, or the subjects of hereditary disease. No 

 greater mistake can be made than to suppose that a mare fit for 

 nothing else, is worthy to be bred from. If lit for this, she is good 

 for much else — gentle, courageous, of good action, durable and 

 good looking ; outward form is perhaps of less value than in the 

 male, but serious defect in this greatly lessens her value. She 

 should be roomy, that is the pelvis should be such that she can 

 well develop aud easily carry and deliver the foal. 



Youatt says, " it may, perhaps, be justly affirmed that there is 



