WINTER ALAJ«IAGE]V1ENT. 233 



on ; and thus we find in sheep of this description a very- 

 considerable development of the fiesh or muscles of the loins 

 — the primest part of the carcase. It is a common observa- 

 tion with judges of sheep, that one of the best points is a 

 channel between the shoulders and along the back. This is, 

 indeed, a desirable form, for it is connected with those ne- 

 cessary qualifications for producing flesh and fat. The 

 channel along the back is owing partly to the large develop- 

 ment of the muscles of the loins and back arising from the 

 form we have commended, and partly to the shortness of the 

 upright or spinous processes of the vertebrae of the back. Now 

 the use of these processes is to afford leverage to the mus- 

 cles, and their length, therefore, enhances the activity of the 

 animal. Sheep, however, do not possess nor require these 

 active powers, and they would, in fact, be very detrimental 

 to the principal object of the animal's existence ; it is a 

 quiet state and a quiet disposition that disposes an animal to 

 increase in flesh and fat. The shortness of these processes 

 is illustrated in the sheep as compared with the goat, and in 

 the improved breeds of the former as compared with those 

 of the mountain and the forest." 



With a view rather to confirm principles already stated, 

 the following remarks by Mr. Spooner, and the examples in 

 illustration, are quoted. It will be proper to add, that in no 

 other country is the system of fattening better understood 

 than in England, established by numerous experiments of 

 her many enlightened and sagacious breeders. 



" Quietude and icarmth greatly contribute to the fattening 

 process. This is a fact which has not only been developed 

 by science, but proved by actual practice. The manner in 

 which these agents operate is simple and easily explained : 

 — motion increases respiration, and the excess of oxygen 

 thus taken requires an increased quantity of carbon, which 

 would otherwise be expended in producing fat So like- 

 wise, cold robs the si/stem of animal heat, to supply which 

 more oxygen and more carbon must be employed in produ- 

 cing extra combustion, to restore the diminution of tempera- 

 ture. Nature enforces this restoration of warmth by causing 

 cold to produce both hunger and the disposition for motion, 

 supplying carbon by the gratificalion of the former, and ox- 

 ygen by the indulgence of the latter. The above facts are 

 illustrated by Lord Ducie : — 



" One hundred sheep were placed in a shed, and ate 20 

 20* 



