SHEEP. 95 



entertaining and useful, as illustrating the remarkable intelli- 

 gence and docility of the noblest domestic animal. Information 

 on the subject of educating the horse may be found in the 

 Massachusetts Report on Agriculture, for 18G0. 



On the whole, the horse-show at Northampton, October 5, 

 1866, was a decided success, and as creditable to the officers of 

 the society as it was delightful and profitable to the visitors. 

 Respectfully submitted. W. S. Clark, Reporter. 



SHEEP. 



MIDDLESEX. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



Wool is now hardly to be reckoned among the products of 

 Middlesex County. The small amount produced is fairly indi- 

 cated by the slim display of sheep at the fair. Only three were 

 exhibited, besides those shown by Mr. Chenery. It may be 

 about time for the farmers to look into this matter. A new 

 branch of manufactures has recently been introduced into this 

 country, creating a large home demand for combing wool. The 

 worsted stuffs, so largely made in Leeds and Bradford, England, 

 are now being successfully produced here in large variety, and 

 to a considerable extent. Strictly combing wool, suitable for 

 this new business, has not thus far been raised in this country, 

 except in very limited quantity. Canada has furnished us a 

 small amount, under the reciprocity treaty ; the balance has 

 been imported. That it will continue to be worked in increas- 

 ing quantities can hardly be doubted. It is, therefore, a question 

 of singular importance whether this class of wool can be raised 

 to advantage upon the soils of New England, and especially in 

 Massachusetts. The experience of the farmers of this State, iu 

 years past, in raising Merino wool was generally unfavorable to 

 its continuance, leaving an impression upon their minds that 

 wool-raising in Massachusetts may as well be given up. Your 

 Committee believe that there are reasons why the business of 

 raising the finer clothing wools, such as the different grades of 



