xv SHEEP 151 



the tupping season. Lambs should be docked at the 

 age of three weeks and castrated at six. 



For some years the most desirable type of ram to 

 introduce among the native ewe flock was a matter of 

 considerable controversy. Mr. J. K. Hill, formerly 

 head of the Government stock farm and one of the 

 soundest and best informed farmers in the country and 

 others argued that a ram from one of the larger grown 

 breeds, such as Suffolk or Lincoln, would be liable to 

 get as the first cross a larger framed progeny than 

 could be obtained by direct merino cross. However, 

 in addition to comparative failure in its main object, 

 such grades have the disadvantage of being con- 

 siderably more liable to disease than the direct merino, 

 and of a less hardy constitution in every way. In 

 introducing a breed a sound maxim is to introduce 

 it into conditions more favourable than those to 

 which it has been accustomed. This maxim ac- 

 counts, no doubt, for the greater success of merinos 

 than of the larger breeds. It must not be thought 

 however, that mutton sheep cannot be bred successfully, 

 for the crosses, and more especially grades of Shrop- 

 shire, are exceptionally promising both as regards 

 shape and early maturing qualities ; but indications 

 point to wool as the most necessary and more lucrative 

 side. 



A year or two ago the second cross merino was 

 held to have done well if the flock averaged 5 lb. to 

 the clip ; later results, however, have far exceeded this, 

 and 6 to 8 lb. is not unusual. The wool itself is com- 

 paratively free from kemp, and should be worth at least 

 &d. in the London market. Third crosses give from 

 7 to 10 lb. of proportionately improved quality, which 

 wool has already realised icW. per lb., while pure merino 



