364 Comino7i Sheep, 



The value ofthis article consists in its weight, as well as in its ma- 

 nufacture ; in which latter, American workmen are lamentably de- 

 ficient. Wools are so much applied to other purposes, that our 

 workmen have not had the necessary practice, to teach them per- 

 fection. Render scarce by neglect, or annihilate, the materials 

 whereof it is made ; and the golden dreams, as to the capacity of 

 money to buy even this article, so common and so necessary, both 

 to the rich and the poor, — vanish at once. 



The true question, as it concerns the general welfare, is ; — 

 " What material will produce the greatest abundance of fabricks, 

 essential to the health and comforts of the greatest number of our 

 fellov/-men ?" This material will be demanded by the most peo- 

 ple ; and therefore, in the end, yield the most money, in the ag- 

 gregate. Should this be, finally, the result ; though it may noW 

 be otherwise, — our patriotism will be stimulated by our cupidity.— 

 We should not calculate merely on Jleece, — Farmers have different 

 views, from those of flock-masters. The former pursue Cidley's 

 opinion ; which, to farmers (who do not keep sheep for the fleece 

 alone,) will be found, generally, correct ; though temporary cir- 

 cumstances may form exceptions. — " That breed is the best, that 

 brings the most profit in fleece and carcass together, from tfce same 

 ground.'* Cull ey on livestock, 153. He has judiciously added,— 

 *' in equal times."— For valuable fleeces induce the procrastinating 

 the slaughtering sheep bearing them, 'till the carcasses are of lit- 

 tle value ; and, at any rate, prevent plentiful supplies of them. 



Should such as have been grazing and dairy farms, be now de- 

 voted to shee^i, beyond a due proportion, it will (as already begins 

 to be apprehended,) tend to decrease the numbers of cattle^^ of all 

 descriptions ; and, of course, diminish the quantities of beef, veal, 

 butter, and milk, in our markets. Mutton^ is not, generally, relish- 

 ed by our labouring people. Should necessity force it on them, as 

 a substitute for beef, the flocks affording the greatest plenty of mut- 

 ton, and the most inviting carcasses, will be the most in demand ; 

 be the breed producing them what it may. I enter into no discus- 



rlshed, for want of blankets, which we could not supply. Painful recollections 

 have induced me to notice this article, emphatically. Very many others 

 might be mentioned. R- I*- 



