Jan., 1909.] 



Progressive Farmiug. 



59 



sheep have increased in number by 5,150, the number of such small flocks 

 having increased from about 14,000 to nearly 20,000. The sheep in 

 these small flocks have increased by 1,420,000 during the same period. 

 At the same time the flocks of sheep over 1,000 in number ha\-e increased 

 by 28 per cent., Avhile the number of sheep in them shows an increase of 

 1,200,000. 



The following table shows the changes in Victorian flocks during the 

 past three years : — 



Sheep in Victoria. 



Where a small flock of sheep is kept it is essential that the quality 

 should be right, and that provision be made for properly feeding them in 

 the early spring and during the summer. Whatever breed is kept they 

 should be capable of producing early and quickly maturing lambs so that 

 no complaint can be made by the buyer that the young lambs are backward 

 or of inferior quality. The Border Leicester is extensively bred in New 

 Zealand for the export trade in frozen mutton. They have the reputation 

 of being hardy, possessing a sound constitution, and being great foragers. 

 They mature quickly for early lambs, and on good pastures the wethers 

 are ready for market and command the highest prices at from 15 to 20 

 months old. Mr. Sutherland has imported a number of Border Leicesters 

 both from New Zealand and Great Britain, and there is every indication 

 that they are well suited in every respect for this class of farm in the 

 south of Victoria. 



