48 STATES OF THE RIVER PLATE. 



The first thing, therefore, to be done, is to increase the 

 size of the sheep by crossing with large true-shaped rams ; 

 and on this subject I will quote the high authority of 

 Mr. Carrol, inspector of cattle exhibitions and veterinary, 

 Dublin. Mr. Carrol writes (Agricultural Gazette, Oc- 

 tober 29, 1864) : 'I know well all the different breeds of 

 sheep ; the native Cotthonge, the Shrimonghs, the Scotch 

 Highland Stornico, the Cheviots, the different Downs, the 

 large Eoscommons, the Coteswolds, the Lincolns, the pure 

 Leicesters, Border Leicesters, et hoc genus omne, and 

 the best crosses I have ever had, or have known to be 

 had by anyone else, were those from the large, strong, 

 sound, well-bred rams on every description of ewe, large 

 or small ; and the very worst from small rams.' This is 

 directly to the point, and should be pasted up on the wall 

 of every flock-master's house. Then we have the un- 

 natural, unhealthy fineness of wool, coupled with light 

 fleece, short and unsound staple. The remedy for this is 

 equally clear the large, sound, well-bred ram, with heavy 

 close fleece, of long sound and strong staple. Now I will 

 lay down as a rule that no flock-master should admit into 

 his flock, any ram that is not of a given weight and size 

 of carcase, and that does not yield a given weight of close 

 fleece, of long and sound staple, and that is not sound in 

 constitution, strong and vigorous, for ' like beget like.' I 



o o * o 



must leave it to each individual to determine, according 

 to his requirements and means, the minimum weight of 

 carcase and fleece admissible into his flock; it being 

 understood that the greater the weight and size, con- 

 sistent with true form and type, and the size of the ewe, 

 the better. I may suggest, that in no case should any- 

 thing under a 12 Ib. fleece be admitted. Breed of ewe, 

 degree of fineness of wool ; its class to be considered also 

 in reference to the selection of rams. 



