SHEEP. 199 



and sheep, with a ready answer, that the fertility of the soil can 

 be better kept up with sheep than any other stock. It is hereby 

 necessary that they be properly fed and housed, and that the 

 droppings be preserved. In doing this the sheep are not 

 allowed to run at large, but are kept in this inclosure that the 

 manure, by frequent bedding, and two or three times during 

 the winter applying a coat of muck drawn from the woods, as 

 this we consider the most valuable on account of the vegetable 

 matter and elements contained in the decayed leaves, which 

 have accumulated, spread over the pens, may be saturated with 

 the excretions of the sheep and preserved in full strength, 

 instead of being thrown out doors and exposed to the rain and 

 sunshine, and thereby lose a large part of the most essential 

 elements of the manure. This is one reason, with others which 

 I might give, that sheep feeding is fast taking the place of cattle, 

 in this vicinity, where particular attention is being paid to 

 enrich the land for the culture of tabacco and Indian corn. 



As we have spoken of sheep feeding, perhaps a word will not 

 be amiss. As I have said before, we must study our own con- 

 venience in part, and by doing this we find that the farmers on 

 the immediate borders of the Connecticut Valley, have not the 

 conveniences necessary for the breeding and raising of sheep, 

 but for the want of pasturing, find it more convenient to buy 

 their sheep in the fall, or first of winter, feed through the winter 

 and dispose of them in the spring. Although it is conceded by 

 all, that the fatting of sheep pays much better than cattle, 

 (particularly for the past three years) still it does not remu- 

 nerate us in all cases full value for the hay and grain which 

 they consume. Hence, the question arises, how shall we 

 manage to get the best pay ? We often hear the remark made, 

 " my sheep cost too much." This, in some cases, may be true, 

 still, in five cases out of six, it serves as a mere excuse, the 

 fault being in the feeder. Sheep need good care, and particular 

 attention should be given to feeding — that they be fed regular 

 and at given times. The idea that sheep will fatten if they get 

 their feed in course of the day, let it be ever so early, is an 

 absurd one, and experience will prove the fact. But we will 

 return to the question, How can we get the best pay for our 

 hay and grain ? In answering this question, I can merely state 

 that which I have gained by experience and observation. 



