128 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



that the small. Merino, with its compact frame, is best adapted 

 to our sterile pastures, that it returns a larger amount of finer 

 wool for weight of carcase, and that it can be kept at less 

 expense per pound than can the larger breeds. On the other 

 hand, those who claim that the larger varieties are most profit- 

 able, contend that they are most prolific, giving one hundred 

 and fifty per cent, of lambs where the Merino will give but 

 seventy-five — that they shear more wool, worth nearly as much 

 per pound at the present time, and that the cost of keeping is 

 but a trifle more for a coarse than for a fine wool sheep. But 

 we will not go into a discussion of the merits of the different 

 breeds. We hope that the farmers of Essex will try some 

 kind as part of their stock, and will not only show us specimens 

 of their flocks, but will also give us an account of their success, 

 with details of their management, and their profit and loss, at 

 the next show. Francis Dodge, Chairman. 



POULTRY. 



NORFOLK. 



A Prize Essay on the Breeding' and Management of Poultry. 



BY E. A. SAMUELS. 



It is now very generally admitted, both by experimenters and 

 writers on the subject, that poultry husbandry, taking into 

 account the amount of capital invested, and the labor required 

 in its management, is one of the most profitable branches of 

 farm industry. Constant experiment and careful observation, 

 in various districts, have proved that at least one hundred per 

 cent., usually one hundred and fifty, and, with judicious man- 

 agement, two hundred per cent, may be realized as clear profit. 



Unfortunately, the importance of the subject has been but 

 little appreciated among farmers generally ; and, although the 

 annual production and consumption of poultry in the United 

 States " probably exceeds $15,000,000," it is but recently that 

 a regular system of management has been adopted, and the 

 poultry-yard allowed a respectable position with the cattle-house 

 and slieepfold. 



