Sheep. 335 



early district presents the most rapid succession of crops that has 

 come under my personal observation. All the green crops were 

 folded off' by sheep fed on cake or corn ; they were kept clean by 

 constant hoeing, and the seasons were favourable : — 



1854. Wheat, stubble ploughed once and sown with rye. 

 o . (1855. Eye, followed by turnips after three ploughings. 

 b crops ljg^g_ Canadian oats, stulible ploughed once and sown with turnips, 

 m wur<^gg^_ p^^g^ followed by turnips, 

 yeaib. [j^gsg^ Wheat, stubble ploughed once and sown with rye. 



1859. Swedish turnips, after one ploughing. 



These crops were quite successful. 



Heavy-land farmers say it is cheaper to buy corn for stock than 

 to grow roots for them. But under liberal farming the cost per 

 ton is reduced, because the expenses are not increased in the 

 same proportion as the crop, and land kept in high order will 

 bear the removal of a crop of roots without the injury to the 

 succeeding crop of corn which occurs on land in bad heart. 

 Corn may have been formerly grown at a profit without what is 

 now called high farming, which is, however, indispensable to 

 the successful cultivation of green crops. Nothing can be more 

 evident than the immense and cumulative advantages derived 

 from keeping the land in high condition and employing a large 

 capital ; not only do we secure increased production, but greater 

 economy in the means of production. 



Age at ivhich Sheep should be slaur/htered. 



Both the producer and the consumer have a common interest 

 in the growth of the greatest weight of mutton at the least expense 

 of food and time. This can only be done by skill in feeding 

 animals that come early to maturity. Putting an animal into 

 good condition is like filling a tub with a hole in it. It is neces- 

 sary to pour in faster than the contents run out, and the quicker 

 this is done the less the waste. The first office of food, after 

 building up the body, is to support the wear and tear of life. It 

 is only when food is supplied in excess of what is required for 

 that purpose that the animal begins to fatten. The earlier the 

 process of fattening commences and the sooner it is over the 

 greater is the economy in the use of food, because the least pos- 

 sible quantity of it has been used for the support of the body. 

 This is true as a general principle ; but rapid feeding implies 

 rich and expensive food, and it may suit the general management 

 and economy of some farmers to bring the animal to a certain 

 age and growth on cheap food. This is the case on poor pas- 

 turage and in breeding districts; though rapid feeding with corn 

 is also resorted to as a means of improving poor land. There is 

 positive loss l>oth to producer and consumer when sheep are 



VOL. I. S. S. 7, 



