SHEEP. 215 



Massacliiisetts Agricultural Society, remarked in 1855 : " The 

 great diminution of sheep husbandry in this State, is mucli to 

 be deplored. Sheep are the most active and profitable agents 

 in the work of amelioration and farm improvement." There is 

 abundant testimony from intelligent and observing agriculturists 

 to the same effect. 



The principal objections to sheep culture are the destruction 

 occasioned by dogs and tlie expense of fencing. The former 

 objection, we trust, is obviated by the wise provisions of the 

 existing law. If they are not sufficient, the matter is in the 

 hands of the farmers themselves. They can have such legisla- 

 tion as will meet the necessities of the case. 



The second objection would have more weight, if we had 

 only the. long-legged, agile breed of sheep that roamed over our 

 hills sixty years ago. But breeds are now to be found, that are 

 quiet and orderly, and may be easily restrained by a common 

 fence, or at most by the addition of an extra rail, or a pole 

 on the wall, and these are the breeds which both interest and 

 convenience will induce our farmers to keep. 



Our conclusions then are that the farmers of Middlesex 

 should return to the keeping of small flocks of long-woolled or 

 middle-woolled sheep, that they will find their products of wool 

 and mutton a source of profit, and especially that it would be 

 the means of ameliorating the condition of the exhausted 

 pasture lands, and restoring them to their former fertility. 



Joseph Reynolds, Chairman. 



WORCESTER. 



From the Report of the Committee. 

 The. business of sheep raising in this county has of late years 

 received but little attention, and a few facts in relation to this 

 department of husbandry may be worthy of consideration. 

 The matter has become a serious one with our farmers, how 

 their worn out and stony pastures which cannot be cultivated 

 are to be renovated. Where plaster can be applied with bene- 

 fit, and the expense of cartage is not too great, it is a valuable 

 and cheap fertilizer. But many soils derive no benefit by its 



