EXHIBITION SHEEP. l8l 



no outsider could venture with the least prospect of success to 

 compete against those who hold the key of the position. A 

 glance at the requirements of success in exhibiting sheep will 

 readily show that high-class stock breeding is in some respects 

 a close profession, and that not from artificial, but natural 

 barriers. Capital, skill, taste, time, and a suitable situation 

 are all needed, and this combination is rarely to be found in 

 the possession of one individual, and hence we may somewhat 

 selfishly hope that the breeding of really first-rate animals is 

 not likely to be quickly overdone. There is undoubtedly 

 room for many more breeders, and we have never feared 

 injury from competition of this nature. English live stock is 

 in demand over the whole civilised world, and, besides this, 

 breeders are excellent customers to each other. 



In making a few remarks upon exhibition sheep, we would 

 say that the importance of the animals being thoroughly well 

 bred is paramount. As well enter a half-bred horse for the 

 Derby as a badly-bred sheep for the highest honours. Neither 

 is it sufficient that the animals should be well-bred on one 

 side, but it must be from a pure-bred ewe and by a pure-bred 

 ram, if it has to win by anything but a fluke. 



It is, in fact, but lost labour to train under-bred animals for 

 a show, and hence it is a fundamental fact that the foundation 

 must be laid, either by years of patient breeding, or by spirited 

 buying, in order to start as a fully equipped breeder. 



Having, in the acquisition of a good flock, secured the 

 sheep, the next point of importance is the land. This may be 

 regarded as rather a matter of good fortune than of choice. 

 Some farms produce a quality of fleece, a growth of bone, and 

 a mellowness of flesh which cannot be attained on other situa- 

 tions. The occupier sits at a natural advantage with regard 

 to the holders of weaker soils which never can produce the 

 requisite merit. A large farm is better than a small one, not 

 only because the variety of soils is greater, but because there 

 is a greater choice in selecting suitable animals. 



Early lambing is an important item in success, but this may 



