64 



If any one wishes to raise thenfi for the wool, we recommend 

 the Merino mixed with the native; but if for the shambles, 

 then the Leicester mixed with the native. 



There are two objections to sheep-husbandry. The first 

 is the difficulty of fencing against them ; and the other is the 

 danger to which they are exposed from the canine race. 



But there is no more difficulty in fencing against the sheep 

 than there is against the horse, the ox, or the cow. It is 

 true they may require a different fence from most other 

 animals. But one made from rails, boards, or even brush, 

 is all that is necessary to stop any sheep that are worth keep- 

 ing. With regard to dogs, we believe that every town 

 should pass a vole, not only to restrain neat cattle, horses 

 and swine, but also dogs. 



After a careful examination of the animals at the pens, 

 and after attending to the statements of the owners, we 

 award the following premiums: 



To Reed Merriam, of Westminster, for the best flock 



of sheep, native breed, . $3,00 



To Peter Richardson, of Hubbardston, for his cosset 

 buck, 6 months old, weighing 110 lbs., Leicester 

 mixed with native breed, the first premium of 2,00 



To Joel Hay ward, of Ashby, for his cosset buck, 16 

 months old, weighing 158 lbs, Leicester breed, the 

 second premium of 1,00 



To George Kendall, of Ashby, the third premium of ,50 



We regret that there had not been more premiums at our 

 command, and recommend to the Society that they increase 

 the amount for another year; and we also recommend that 

 the Society request that every one who offers a flock, or a 

 single sheep for a premium, shall make a written statement 

 of the weight of each fleece, of the kind and value of each, 

 tlie number and value of the lambs if any; also the expense 

 and the net profit of each. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



JOHN M. HARRIS, Chairmaiu 



