SHEEP. 85 



to mature one fat Lamb — this may be an objection rather than a 

 recommendation. 



A Buck and Ewe, (Imported from Seville In 1853,) with twin 

 lambs and a pair of twin cossets of the same breed, were presented 

 for premium by Jarvis Slade, of North Andover. These belong to 

 the division of Spanish Sheep termed Htationarij, and are of the 

 Chunab breed, entirely different and distinct from the Merino. 

 In fact, they are their antipodes, being taller, larger, with heads 

 smaller and free of wool. Tlie staple of their wool, indeed, ap- 

 proaches very near to hair, being six or eight inches in length,, 

 almost devoid of curve and consequently of very inferior quality. 

 This breed of Sheep exists along with the Merino throughout the 

 entire extent of Spain, but has never been introduced either into 

 England or the United States, except as an object of curiosity. 

 Being regarded by the Committee in that hght, and not as a breed 

 profitable to be adopted, they do not recommend them as entitled 

 to a premium. The owner, however, should have the thanks of the 

 Society, for adding so much to the interest of the Show. 



The other lot of Sheep, (a Buck and ten Ewes,) were presented 

 by Jacob Farnum, of the same place. These Ewes possessed no 

 extraordinary merit, but Mr. Farnum had begun to show a disposi- 

 tion to improve in the selection of his Buck. He was half South 

 Down. We can tell Mr. Farnum that he would do a great deal 

 better, should he procure a full blood South Down Buck. Then 

 probably most or all of his Lambs would be as good as the Buck he 

 now has, while the get of his half-blood will be very uncertain in 

 character. For this slight disposition to improve, and because your 

 Committee believe that the raising and keeping of Sheep should be 

 encouraged in this County, they recommend that the first premium 

 of six dollars be awarded to Mr. Farnum. 



Upon the subject of Sheep Husbandry, so far as our county is 

 concerned, the Committee feel bound to say a word. The first 

 question to be answered is — whether the raising of Sheep is profita- 

 ble or not ? If we theorize only upon the matter, we shall answer 

 the question in the affirmative. Sheep demand less care than any 

 of the domestic animals, and therefore less labor, in comparison, is 

 needed for them, than for any other stock. They are less dainty 

 than any other animals, feeding, as experiments show, upon one 

 hundred and more species of plants which cattle and horses refuse. 



