39 



PART IL 



SHEEP FARMING. 

 I 



In considering the adaptability of this country and climate 

 to the various pursuits which constitute its national wealth, 

 and the advance made in them respectively, we cannot 

 fail to be struck with the predominance which sheep- 

 farming is assuming. Equally as all must be struck with 

 this, must they be impressed with the fact of the very low 

 standing of its products, as compared with those of other 

 countries (many of them much less favoured in soil and 

 climate) in the markets of Europe. 



It is imperative for the future prosperity of this im- 

 portant interest, that some well-defined principles should 

 be laid down : some sound and sure method be adopted, 

 to save us from further decline, and, as far as possible, to 

 raise the standard of our products. To this end it is 

 necessary that we should consider the source — the original 

 stock — fr-om which our flocks have been derived, the 

 course of refining adopted, and the class of animals with 

 which the crosses have been effected ; as also the manner 

 in which the flocks have been treated : moreover, examine 

 into the breeds, crosses, and practice of other countries 

 resembling this in climate, and compare the results in the 

 different countries. Also, enquire into the proposed and 

 actual practice of these things, at the present day, as bear- 

 ing upon the wants of the great markets. 



