370 Commoji Sheep. 



fabricks composed of long and coarser wool, and those made from 

 the wool of heavy fleeced sheep, should, as they now are, and will 

 be, wanting, Avhen they are indispensibly required ; we shall still 

 remain under dependence on foreign countries, for a great propor- 

 tion of the woollens, most generally in use. 



I should be the last, to encourage speculative, or speculating 

 pursuits. But appearances strongly favour the idea, that plans for 

 raising fine wooUed sheep exclusively, are the most zealously and 

 extensively adopted. This propensity, to a certain point, possi- 

 bly not yet reached, is highly worthy of praise. But, it assuredly, 

 throws into the back ground, the breeds of other descriptions. Of 

 course^ their numbers decrease ; while the demand for them con- 

 tinues undiminished. I should therefore presume, that those who 

 would calculate their breeds of sheep, (well selected, both as to 

 stock and local circumstances,) for the coarser woollens for cloth- 

 ing, and all other articles of accommodation, composed of animal 

 wool ; and to which fine fleeces cannot be applied ; would secure 

 to themselves solid and certain advantages, and greatly benefit 

 their country ; either on the happy and most desirable return of 

 peace, or the continuance of our hostile position. 



I do not mean, here, to designate any breed, particularly. If f 

 had so intended, I should not have omitted the Timi's broad tailed 

 sheep, which still holds its valuable character, in my estimation j 



sacrifices by one section of the union in which manufiictories of woollen 

 goods are not numerous, to encourage those established extensively in ano- 

 ther division of our country ; more especially when no direct equivalent 

 benefit is derived from such encouragement. Every manufacture must 

 therefore depend, for its success and durability, on its own merits. AVhe- 

 ther the manufactures whereof fine wools are the materials, be or not capa- 

 ble of resisting competition, and finally securing, by their own excellence, 

 the success essential to their durability ; experience only can decide, 

 lyarge capitalists are the most concerned in such questions, and can resist, 

 with the most likelihood of success, the shock of sudden vicissitudes. — 

 Prudent /armers should, individually, embark so moderate a proportion of 

 their means, in objects thus subject to the vacillations of public circum- 

 stances, as not to risk being ruinously affected, m whatever way the sub- 

 ject may finally settle down, K- F. 



