62 The Shepherds'* Guide, 



same breed from a distant flock, we shall improve 

 our. own. But this opinion has been so fully ex- 

 ploded by Mr. Bakewell in England, and all 

 who have followed his example, that I should not 

 have thought it worth mentioning, but to remove 

 a prejudice, which, perhaps, some may still enter- 

 tain. The better rule now is, to breed from the 

 most perfect animals, although they should be de- 

 scended from the same family, to the tenth gene- 

 ration. If I was to hazard a theoretical opinion 

 on this subject, I would say, that beauty of form, 

 and other corporeal qualities are preserved by 

 breeding in and in ; that vigour of intellect in man, 

 courage and spirit in other animals are improved 

 by crossing. 



A ewe goes five months : the seasort of putting 

 her to the ram, therefore, must be so calculated, 

 as to have the lambs fall early or late, according 

 to the wishes of the owner, and the provision he 

 has made for their support. Early lambs are to 

 be preferred on many accounts ; they are strong- 

 er, and more able to bear the rigours of the suc- 

 ceeding winter; they are sooner fit for market ; 

 and hence, whether for store sheep or for the 

 butcher, are most profitable. It is likewise ob- 

 served, that when the first heat of the ewe is suf- 

 fered to go by, the second or third return of im- 

 pulse is by no means so sure ; that such ewes are 

 apt to prove barren, and perhaps, from the same 

 cause, the lambs are less vigorous. 



On the other hand, early Iambs require great 



