REPORT ON STOCK. 11 



taken, — South-downs, or as good grades as can be found or 

 made. Shropshire or Oxford-down rams, when they can be 

 had, crossed in, add size and wool, without detracting from 

 the splendid mutton qualities, aptitude to fatten, quiet dis- 

 position, and perfection of form for the butcher, with tendency 

 to twins, and great capacity for milk found in properly bred 

 South-downs. Many of our farmers like to take a cross of 

 Cotswold, Leicester, or Lincoln for size of carcass, and length 

 of staple in the fleece. This may do for a cross; but I doubt 

 the capacity of our pastures generally to carry so heavy 

 sheep as the Cotswolds, without deteriorating the sheep. 

 But let it be thoroughly tried. 



A class of large-graded Merinos, probably from the French, 

 is held in much esteem by some, as producing large lambs 

 with more fleece. It is also claimed that there is a decided 

 tendency in the Merino ewes to receive the ram some weeks 

 earlier than the other breeds having their origin in a north- 

 ern climate. If this characteristic of the Merino grades be 

 an established fact, it is a very desirable one for those who 

 wish their lambs dropped early in January, that they may be 

 ready for market by Easter, when they fetch from ten dollars 

 to fifteen dollars each. I hope to get the experience and 

 opinions of some of our farmers on this point before the 

 winter institutes are over. 



We cannot, however, expect to have this line of profitable 

 farm industry extended as it should be, until an anti-canine 

 millennium shall dawn on our Great and General Court, and 

 give them light and sense and independence enough to legis- 

 late for the protection of our harmless, necessary sheep, 

 against the bloodthirsty, carnivorous brother of the wolf. 



Each succeeding year seems to be harder for sheep-raising 

 than the previous one ; and we almost despair of relief as we 

 see in the indifferent legislator the grasping dog-owner and 

 pot-hunter, and an occasional selfish farmer, who, having lost 

 no sheep himself, desires a repeal of all dog laws, — a trinity 

 for the encouragement of mischief, and the suppression of 

 industry. 



There were exhibited some very excellent Cotswolds and 

 their grades, and a very good display of grade South-down 

 ewes, which had given their owners many lambs and much 

 profit. J noticed some handsome ewes graded from Mr. 



