SHEEP-FARMING. 63 



rams of the same blood would be advisable ; and thus 

 ascend the ladder. 



I believe that few * estancieros ' can advantageously 

 breed their own rams. According to the law of division 

 of labour, perfection is attained by special dedication to 

 the separate parts of a whole ; and sheep-farming is not 

 an exception to the general law. Such minute and 

 detailed care is required in the management of a ram- 

 breeding establishment, that it is incompatible with the 

 direction of a large estancia, unless a perfectly distinct 

 staff of great intelligence is appointed to the work. 



ADDENDA II. 



I have counselled the selling off a portion, i.e. the 

 reduction, of the stock on all sheep-farms, when the 

 number of sheep approaches the limit of the capability 

 of the land for carrying stock with safety to the well- 

 being of the sheep and their progeny. Despite ordinary 

 care, large flocks have a tendency to degenerate relatively, 

 rendering necessary a constant dependence on the high- 

 caste breeder, whose business it is, by extra care, to pre- 

 serve elevated types and quality, and supply new blood. 

 This reduction should be on such a scale as would leave 

 ample room for future increase of better stock and, at the 

 same time, furnish funds for organising and effecting 

 requisite improvements. 



When there is ample room for a flock of sheep, increase 

 is so rapid (supposing the stock to consist of animals that 

 have not passed the age of vigour) that we may estimate 

 them to have doubled themselves in three years ; and they 

 may do much more or less, according to the system fol- 

 lowed, and the composition of the flock, i.e. the proportion 



