ESSEX SOCIETY. ^ 18 



than here. Many large dairies are kept in that county, and 

 with some profit; but the profits of wool-growing were much 

 greater. I have not time now, to give illustrations of this. 

 Hay was worth there eight to ten dollars per ton. 



In regard to sheep husbandry in this county, I can only give 

 an opinion ; let it pass for what it is worth. 



I do not think that ivool-g-rowing can be generally profitable 

 here. The price of land is too high for pasturage, the feed is 

 not often suitable, hay costs too much, and western farmers 

 can grow wool to an almost unlimited extent, for one-third of 

 the cost to us, and get it to our markets almost as readily as 

 we. Sheep-raising-, I think, can be made profitable. The 

 price of fat lambs in our markets, is always very high, and so 

 also is the extra quality of mutton. To supply the demand for 

 these, should be the first aim in sheep husbandry, here, and 

 the next, to get valuable wool. Sheep of good fattening prop- 

 erties should be chosen. Probably some of the large kinds 

 will be most profitable. The iveight of the carcass is an im- 

 portant item, and a heavy fleece of coarse wool, if of a long, 

 soft, and free working staple, will give better returns than a 

 light fine fleece. The extra keeping given to sheep to fit them 

 for market, largely increases the weight of the wool. A flock 

 should never be fed with poor hay, early in winter, however 

 good may be their condition. It is too expensive. They 

 become poor, cannot bear the cold so well, and if you give 

 them corn, then, it induces fever, and is of no benefit. With 

 good hay,^nd ruta bagas, or other roots, sheep will winter in 

 fine condition ; and that is the only condition profitable. For 

 pasturage, nearly all of the finer grasses will do. White clover 

 is best; and the sheep manure on the land, and close feeding, 

 will bring it in — so also will wood ashes and gypsum. Sheep 

 bite very close to the turf, hence many infer that they injure 

 pastures ; but this is not true. 



Experience has taught wool growers that no course of cul- 

 ture will improve a pasture more rapidly than feeding it with 

 sheep. It may be well to remark that they will effectually 

 destroy raspberry bushes and briers, if pastured among them 

 in spring and summer. 



In closing, I will express the opinion (not now giving my 



