118 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



SHEEP-HUSBANDEY. 



The President. — In accordance with the programme laid 

 down this morning, the subject matter now before the Board is 

 Sheej)-Husba7idry . I suppose every Massacliusetts farmer will 

 admit that this is a very important subject. I cannot speak 

 upon this subject from personal observation or experience as a 

 sheep-raiser, but I know there are gentlemen here who have 

 followed the business of sheep-raising for years, and who are the 

 owners of excellent flocks, and can give us information of 

 importance on this subject. 



There are various questions of importance to be considered 

 by every one. First, are sheep as good a stock for mo to raise, 

 whether my farm be in Berkshire or any other part of the State, 

 as neat stock ? — upon the hills or in the valleys ? And this may 

 be considered in two points of view. First, which is best for my 

 farm ? This is an important consideration, to have stock best 

 adapted to the improvement of the farm. The next is as to the 

 profit. Then comes up the question as to the various breeds of 

 sheep. Shall they be short-woolled or long-woolled. Merinos, 

 Cotswolds or Southdowns ? Shall we grade for the mutton or 

 for the wool ? Having thrown out these hints, I desire to leave 

 the subject for gentlemen to proceed with the discussion. 



Mr. Thompson, of Nantucket, requested permission to read 

 the report of Edward M. Gardner, chairman of the committee 

 on sheep at the last county agricultural fair in Nantucket. It 

 was as follows : 



SHEEP RAISING. 



Upon no subject is there such a conflict of opinion. Whether 

 sheep are profitable or unprofitable ; whether they injure or 

 improve lands ; whether fine or coarse, large or small, are most 

 productive, are questions of often discussion and entire disagree- 

 ment among farmers. 



Much of this conflict of opinion arises from an imperfect 

 knowledge of all the facts. Certain kinds Avill flourish in some 

 places, and others not. Some lands will be improved and others 

 not. Sometimes coarse sheep are most desirable, and again the 

 finer breeds ; so that a farmer must look at all his surroundings 

 before he can decide. To be candid, your Committee have not 

 a high opinion of sheep raising at all, as usually carried on in 



