274 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



sold for $32, or $4 per head. Another says that his income 

 from ten sheep, last year, was f G9. And another, that the net 

 profit of ten sheep was $41, or $4.10 per head. 



The successful wool-grower endeavors to raise sheep, as well 

 as wool for the market ; consequently he has regard to the size 

 as well as the form of the animal. If any one wishes to raise 

 sheep for the wool, we recommend the Merino mixed with the 

 native ; if for the shambles, then the Leicester mixed with the 

 native. 



There are two objections made to sheep husbandry. The first 

 is the difficulty of fencing against them ; and the second is the 

 , danger to which they are exposed from the canine race. 



But there is no more difficulty in fencing against sheep than 

 the horse, the ox, or the cow- It is true, they require a different 

 fence from most other animals. But one made of rails, boards, 

 or even brush, will stop any sheep worth keeping. With regard 

 to dogs, we believe that every town should pass a vote, not only 

 to restrain neat cattle, horses and swine, but dogs also, from 

 running at large. 



We recommend that the society request that hereafter every 

 one who offers a flock, or a single sheep for premium, shall make 

 a written statement of the weight of each fleece, of the kind and 

 value of each, the number and value of the lambs, if any ; 

 also the expense and the net profit of each. 



John M. Harris, Chairman. 



POULTRY. 



ESSEX. 



Statement of Horace F. Longfellow. 

 I offer for your inspection two baskets of Bolton Gray chick- 

 ens, which were hatched on the 15th of May, making them four 

 months and a half old. Bolton Grays usually commence laying 

 at the age of five months. 



