On Gypsum. 163 



is for the most pail, a lime stone country. The plaister 



I presented, several years ago, to my late most worthy 

 and lamented friend General Hand; as a trustee for its 

 introduction into the county, a valuable imported ram of 

 the broad-tailed breed of sheep obtained off the mountains of 

 Tunis^ by the present General Eaton when consul in that regen- 

 cy. This ram has improved the breed of sheep in Lancaster 

 •ounty^ and the country adjacent, to a great extent. I know 

 not any breed of sheep superior, and few equal to it. Its 

 fleece is of the first quality ; and the valuable points singu- 

 larly good. I regret that by accident, the old ram has been 

 lately killed ; but I have the full blood in his descendants. No 

 other African sheep is to be compared to this species ; either 

 for fleece, fattening, or hardihood. Itbeai's our severest winters 

 without shelter. Some of the best lamb and mutton sold in our 

 market, are of this breed ; which is now spread through many 

 parts of this state and Jersey. It has been done gratui- 

 tously^ when I supplied the stock. I mention this, because I 

 failed in an attempt to introduce a young ram, into a weal- 

 thy neighbourhood of another county. He was refused, un- 

 der a pretext or false notion, that their pastures were too 

 luxuriant for store sheep : but I afterwards learned, that 

 added to this mistake (easily remedied by increasing their 

 stock and profitably consuming their abundant herbage) an 

 apprehension was entertained that an heavy charge would 

 be presented^ with the ram. All the satisfaction I desire for 

 my disappointment, is, that those who have disappointed 

 themselves^ will have the grace to be ashamed of it. In every 

 other instance, the benefit was received with the same spirit, 

 which prompted my bestowing it. The over luxuriance of 

 their pastures, was produced by plaister, generally on limed 

 lands. 



