172 On Breeding In and In. 



be so ; i. e. bred in and in. — I was compelled to sell ofF 

 (last year) all the diminutives of my flock; at the price 

 of small common sheep. In human subjects, such would 

 be called manikins. Yet they preserved their figure ; 

 and superiority of mutton. The lambs were not appa- 

 rently sickly ; but they would die suddenly. Holders 

 of Merino flocks can lamentably attest similar facts, in 

 this respect. At least several flock- owners ; of whose 

 losses, in this way, I have been informed. The bar- 

 renness of the full blooded Tunis ewes, of the fifth or 

 sixth descent, was also remarkable. But in the crosses, 

 this was not perceived. The crosses, bred back, were 

 always fine and superior sheep ; and are yet so. 



I know that intelligent breeders hold contrary opi- 

 nions. Yet wishing, anxiously, for the prosperity of 

 their flocks ; I humbly think, that it would be best 

 for them not to disregard any well attested warnings. 

 Let them continue their in and in system, on their 

 own judgment ; which may be the best. But let them 

 also cross ; lest, per chance, they may, in the end, 

 find themselves mistaken. It can do no harm, to mul- 

 tiply their chances ; or,— in trite phraseology,— have 

 two strings to their bow. — Many of them cross from 

 necessity ; or fortuitously. But let them do it syste- 

 matically ; i. e. cross, and breed back, — to ^^, They 

 will find (as I presume, from some experience, to fore- 

 tell) such to be the best sheep in their flocks. 



Yours, very truly, 



Richard Peters. 

 I)r. James Mease. 



Secretary y Philad* Agric. Soc. 



