210 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



of seven pounds unwashed wool, some going as liigli as twelve 

 pounds six ounces, worth thirty-five cents per pound. I claim 

 for them superiority over other sheep, for " their hardiness of 

 constitution, large frames, good fleeces, aptitude to fatten, and 

 mutton of superior quality." My original flock I selected from 

 the one belonging to William Gillett, of South-Leigh, mentioned 

 in the first article referred to. The ram exhibited before your 

 committee was from W. Bryan's flock, a successor to Mr. 

 Gillett. He is a shearling ram, weighing two hundred and 

 forty-five pounds, and is unquestionably the finest specimen of 

 the breed ever imported. 1 regret that my engagements were 

 such that I could not furnish you with this information when 

 the animals were exhibited. I am happy, however, to hear 

 that sheep breeders who saw them were fully impressed with 

 their excellence. 



LiNMERE, October 1, I860. 



MIDDLESEX. 



Report of the Committee. 



Although there were no sheep on the ground at the exhibi- 

 tion, owing perhaps to the " frowning heavens " tliat lowered 

 over us on that day, yet your committee feel that the culture 

 of sheep is a subject of much importance to the farmers of this 

 county, and they avail themselves of the present occasion, to 

 present some considerations relating to it. 



Previous to 1812 most farmers in the county kept a few 

 sheep, and many who did not claim to be farmers, kept one or 

 more cossets to supply wool for domestic use. The wool was spun 

 and woven or knit in the family. Large quantities of cloths, 

 flannel and blankets were manufactured of excellent fabric, and 

 enduring (|uality. Until after the period above referred to, 

 little woollen cloth was made in manuftictories established for 

 the fabrication of woollen cloths. The commercial difficulties 

 of that period interfered with the importation of wool and 

 woollen goods, and led to the establishment of manufactories, 

 and to an increased demand for domestic wool. About the 

 years 1808 and 1810 Chancellor Livingston and Mr. Grove, of 

 New York, Col. Humphreys, of Connecticut, Mr. Jarvis, of 



