Preface, vii 



to their health and vigour, does not fall off, like the fleeces 

 of those meagre and degenerate runts, which are too frequent 

 here ; it is moreover, in general, of a good staple, and next 

 the skin, peculiarly soft and furry. The weight of the sheep 

 is above mediocrity, but their chief excellence arises from 

 their hardihood, and disposition to fatten speedily ; a quality 

 they possess in a remarkable degree, which causes them to 

 be highly valued, both by the grazier and butcher. Hatters, 

 who are acquainted with it, prefer it, for their manufacture, 

 to any other wool. It spins free, and to any fineness. Flos- 

 sy, fine and well dressed cloth, has been made of it. Those 

 who have worn fleecy stockings, and gloves, of this m'^ooI, 

 speak of it with great approbation. Perhaps a cross v/ith the 

 Merino^ woidd benefit both. 



We possess several valuable breeds of swine ; but none, ex- 

 cept the Chinese and African breeds, are distinctly marked. 

 Both these breeds are remarkable for fattening speedily, but 

 their deficiency of flesh, lessens their value, when preserved • 

 pure. They both therefore answer best when crossed with oiir 

 native breeds ; as their progeny take on a disposition to diffuse 

 the fat through the flesh, which is also increased ; instead of 

 being laid thick on the outside. The Chinese hogs are very 

 prolific, but have thick skins, and therefore not so profitable 

 or delicate for roasters as the African breed, which have re- 

 markably thin skins : these latter will weigh ten pounds at the 

 age of four weeks, and will then bring one dollar twenty five 

 cents at market. 



If we have not published all the communications with which 

 we have been favoured, it is not owing to a want of respect 

 for them, or their authors. But our means are yet limited ; 

 and our society is only emerging from a state of torpor, into 

 which past circumstances had thrown it. We selected subjects 

 rather than essays; and risk this recommencement of our 

 well meant endeavours, to promote the happiness and pros- 

 perity of our country, with no motive either of personal fame. 



