FIELD FOR CAPITAL AND LABOUB. 185 



Eios, &c., as I have explained above, cattle are very 

 desirable, as they materially accelerate the improve- 

 ment and preparation of the lands to receive sheep 

 advantageously. 



Although land is higher in value in Buenos Ayres than 

 in other parts of the River Plate States, sheep, as the 

 rule, are lower by reason of the greater number existing 

 and disposable in that province. 



It is convenient to submit an estimate of the capital 

 required to purchase and stock land. We will take, as a 

 basis, a single square league : 



Say one square league, of mean value 3,500 to 4,000 



5,000 sheep, at $30 each 1,250 



Which, divided into four flocks, would require four stations, the 

 huts or houses for which would cost from 15 to 25 each, 



according to their solidity ; say 25 100 



(If of brick and lime and with azotea roof, they would cost more.) 



Corrals or pens, say 15 each flock 60 



It will depend on the determination of the proprietor or purchaser 

 as to the degree of refining he will pursue with his stock, what 

 the cost of his rams may be. As ' time is money,' there can be no 

 question that the introduction into his flocks of rams of superior 

 class, yielding heavy fleeces and long, sound, stapled wool, is the 

 best course ; and at least in one or more of his flocks, rams of 

 high class should be used. Rams, in any required quantity, can 

 be had at from $200 to $500 each ; but there can be no question 

 that, if there is the capital, an average cost of at least $\ ,000 (say 

 8) for large, vigorous rams of the right sort, would be true 

 economy ; the more costly ones, which might cost from $3,000 to 

 $6,000, going into the best flock. Say, 80 rams at 8 . . . . 640 

 Such rams as these are worthy of every care, and should be housed 

 and looked after as I have explained in other papers ; the 'plant' 

 requisite for which may be set down at 150 



6,200 



1,500/. laid out in rams would be well-employed 

 capital ; in fact, the better and higher class the rams, 

 the more rapid and greater the improvement and con- 

 sequent profit. 



