CHAPTER II. 



SHEEP IN RELATION TO THEIR 

 SURROUNDINGS. 



New Zealand is by nature well endowed with respect 

 to its suitability for sheep farming. Conditions that are 

 favourable for sheep mean greater immunity from 

 disease, to which the animal, under adverse circum- 

 stances, is so subject, and greater the profits obtained at 

 a relatively lesser cost. From one point of view almost 

 any breed would suit the average conditions prevailing 

 in New Zealand, but from the serviceable or economic 

 point of view such favourable conditions may the better 

 be taken advantage of to attain a maximum of success 

 and profit. 



Methods of sheep farming are based upon profitable- 

 ness. What pays best is what is sought for, and 

 the question of suitability of one breed over another will 

 always engage attention in any country and under any 

 circumstances. With aspects favourable it is not a 

 i natter of this breed does well, but which breed does 

 or pays best, and although nature is so lavishly disposed 

 towards New Zealand sheep fa.rming conditions, the 

 variety of geographical aspects, of climates, and quality 

 of la.nds, will always create a regard for discrimination 

 in the selection of breed. 



The increase in land values, caused largely itself 

 by improved sheep farming methods, interacts influenti- 

 ally towards further improvement, and the bases to 

 work from are the consideration of market requirements 

 and the selection of the proper breed for one's land. 

 The day when a good clip of merino wool would cause 

 the sheep-farmer financial satisfaction is superseded by 



