206 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



their fecundity, their capacity to bear, suckle and bring up 

 many and large lambs, the superior quality of both the fleece 

 and the flesh, and finally, what is of prime consequence, the 

 proximity any where in New England to a market — which for 

 mutton or lamb is always open, ready and more remunerative 

 than for any other stock on the farm. 



While sheep will live on a scanty supply of food — less, pro- 

 portionately than any other animals — yet every farmer will 

 find that a full quantity of good food, with an occasional 

 change, and shelter from the wet, will amply repay in the 

 increased quantity and quality of the wool. 



While sheep can be well kept on good hay and good bright 

 straw, a little grain, corn, oats or oil meal — cotton-seed meal 

 perhaps the best — will most materially add to the thriftiness 

 and good appearance of the animal, and ought to add very 

 largely to the satisfaction of their feeder. 



While roots are not indispensable yet an occasional feed of 

 them will serve, as with any animal, to keep a healthy and open 

 condition of the system. 



It should be remembered, moreover, that the manure of 

 sheep is to that of other farm-yard manure as 100 to 3(3 ; that 

 with proper preparation of the yards and sheds both liquid and 

 solid manure are saved ; and, also, that every bushel of grain 

 fed improves the quality of the manure. 



For the eastern part of this State the Down sheep will be 

 found the most profitable in the production of lambs and mut- 

 ton, while their wool — which for years has gradually been grow, 

 ing in demand — now commands a higher price than even the 

 splendid Merinos of Berkshire. 



The swine were remarkably good, of very large size, fine 

 bone, and good sides, a feature often unregarded. The Mackay 

 blood seemed to predominate — and a most excellent strain of 

 hog-blood it is. 



A long line of poultry coops, well stocked, attracted much 

 attention. 



I also noticed a caged fox, and some other animals not strictly 

 agricultural, which I mention that although apparently out of 

 place, yet may be favorably regarded. Such things as rabbits, 

 Guinea pigs, and an ass, commonly entered by farmer's boys, — 

 who, in the fulness of pride over their pets, beg to be allowed, 



