SHEEP. 261 



dollars, a large part of which is for woollen and silk goods. 

 Let our American fanners think of this, and wake up to their 

 host interests, before the steam pressure runs too high. 



Charles Brigham, Chairman. 



WORCESTER NORTH. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



Your committee on sheep, on entering upon their duties, find 

 in all, twenty entered for their inspection ; consisting of a flock 

 of twelve, and the remainder of single or cosset sheep, all of 

 good quality although few in number. From the smallness of 

 the number and from observation, we feel that farmers in this 

 vicinity entertain the idea that keeping of sheep is but a minor 

 consideration as regards profit, some entertaining the idea that 

 keeping sheep in the same pasture, will "in time destroy the 

 vitality of the pasture. Such is not the opinion of your com- 

 mittee. 



We think very many of our farmers would find it for their 

 advantage to keep a small flock of sheep ; but in order to have 

 it so, sheep like other stock, should be well cared for. First, a 

 suitable pasture should be selected, situated upon high, warm 

 land, well fenced, containing running water for them during 

 the summer season. In winter they should be provided with 

 a warm, dry fold, to which is attached a yard, which may be 

 occupied at their will, giving them free access to pure water, 

 which, in our opinion, sheep, as well as other stock, require. 

 The manger should be so constructed that the fodder may con- 

 veniently be fed to them, and so as to prevent its being trodden 

 under their feet. Fine clover hay, well-cured, we consider the 

 best feed for them. Sheep with young lambs, for a few days 

 at first, require careful attention. In regard to the different 

 breeds of sheep, the committee are not prepared to say which 

 breed, if kept pure, would be best for our community. 



The committee in examining the small flock entered, could 

 discern traces of the Merino, South Down, Leicester, Irish 

 Smut and Native, and are of opinion that a cross in these 

 breeds, so as to produce wool of good length and medium fine- 

 ness, is better for ordinary uses than that of the finest quality ; 

 and that sheep producing this quality of wool are more hardy 



