INDIAN CORN. 



no soil so hopeless, that it may not be restored under 

 a system of sheep-husbandry. There seems to be a nat- 

 ural antagonism between a poor soil and a flock of 

 sheep. Wherever the latter goes the former disappears. 

 Sterility of land flees from the presence of these useful 

 animals, and the invasion of an unfertile region by 

 the shepherd and his flock is the unfailing harbinger 

 of green meadows and prolific fields of grain. 



Taking into account, then, the value of the manure, 

 and the value of the fleece, it is more than probable 

 that whenever the cost of producing mutton is fully 

 and fairly tested, by accurate experiments in feeding, 

 it will be found a cheaper article of food than is at 

 present suspected. It will also probably be found that 

 it can be made at a less expense, and of better quality, 

 from the grain and stover of corn (with a due propor- 

 tion of other feed), than in any other way. 



The weight and quality of the fleece varies, of 

 course, with the breed. On a comparison of those 

 breeds that are preferred for their flesh, the average 

 value of the clip would doubtless cover half the expense 

 of feeding, and still leave a fair profit on the wool. In 

 the opinion of many, the fleece would give a better 

 result than this. The value of the manure is prob- 

 ably equal to one-fourth of the expense of feeding, 

 and the remaining fourth represents the cost of the 

 mutton. 



Probably the value here assumed for the manure 

 will, by some, be considered too high, and that for 

 the fleece too low. If so, one would offset the other, 

 and the result would still be the same. 



