182 AMERICAN HUSBANDRY. 



CHAPTER IX. 



SHEEP AND THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



Native Sheep. Spanish Merino. Saxon Merino. New Lei- 

 cester or Kakewell Breed. South Down. The Influence or 

 Effect of Feed on the Quantity and Quality of the Wool and 

 Carcass. 



[THE first part of this chapter consists of a report, 

 made by Col. H. S. RANDALL, of Cortland county, to 

 the State Agricultural Society, and presents the 

 best history of the several breeds of sheep, and their 

 introduction into this country, that has yet been pre- 

 sented to the American public. The raising of 

 sheep and the growing of wool have become one of 

 our greatest agricultural interests, and deserves a 

 proportionate share of public attention. To those 

 engaged in these pursuits, this paper will be most 

 acceptable. The second part of this chapter is a 

 similar report, made to the same society, on the man- 

 agement of sheep, by FRANCIS ROTCH, Esq., of Ot- 

 sego county, the present able and respected pres- 

 ident of the State Agricultural Society, whose expe- 

 rience in the management of cattle and sheep, and 

 Judgment of their respective qualities, is probably 

 not exceeded by that of any other individual in this 

 country. The course pointed out in the report is 

 plain, and the advantages resulting from following it 

 are great and certain.] 



