Cofnmon Sheep. 365 



sions on this subject. In the English prints, I perceive very warm, 

 and even acrimonious controversies, on this point ; on which, after 

 all, the e^fierience of sheep-breeders, and the taste or fancy of con- 

 sumers, must decide. 



I have been long of opinion, that an immense and certain supply 

 of wool, either for home manufacture, or exportation, could be most 

 surely obtained, by a distribution of sheep, in small flocks, of the va- 

 rious and best breeds, among the farmers of our old settlements.— 

 The more of those bearing fleeces the most in demand for general 

 purposes, and of the best carcasses for mutton, — the better. They 

 might be, however, calculated either for wool or mutton. But a 

 good fleeced sheep, (though the wool be not of the finest filament,) 

 with a saleable and superior carcass, will be most eligible for the 

 great body of husbandmen. Each farmer would keep more careful- 

 ly, and in the best order, the numbers his other agricultural employ- 

 ments would permit ; and, on this plan that number, should not be ex- 

 ceeded. Large flocks may be established by capitalists. 7%ei/ would 

 find their account in extensive establishments, conducted as a busi- 

 ness, separate from the common and more confined operations in 

 husbandry. In our new countries, wherein ready markets for com- 

 mon products are not attainable, sheep establishments may be made 

 highly advantageous. ^\x\. factories must be combined with them. 

 These would not only be profitable in themselves, but they would 

 create markets, both for the wool and the mutton, as well as other pro- 

 duce of farms. Dr. Bose seems to be sensible of this ; and has con- 

 nected factories of cloth with his plan of raising sheep, and improving 

 their breeds. But he will have, also, to procure the best breed 

 of shepherd's dogs;* which are essential, as guards against 



* See Appendix. I think the rAld beasts of the forest, are not more dan- 

 gerous to sheep, than are tbe dogs of our settled country. A true sheep- 

 killing dog attacks the sheep, exactly in the mode in which a wolf destroys 

 them. They both seize the neck and throat and gorge themselves with the 

 blood. See 2d vol. 247 and 317. Tlic following, I extract from a newspa- 

 per. It is well worthy attention and preservation. The quarter from whence 

 it comes, induces a belief in its efficacy. The neck and throat being the 

 points aimed at, if repellents are placed there, it seems the destroyer 

 avoids them. It would, however, be advisable not to ti'ust entirely to 



