0)1 Tunis Sheep. 2L 



been (taking mankind as we find them) more effectually 

 accomplished, by demanding large sums for even the few 

 I could have sold, or hired out as tups, at high prices. 

 If any new proofs of this view of the subject were want- 

 ing, the daily instances of purchases, at prices novel and 

 astonishing in this country^ made of another highly valu- 

 able race of sheep, would afford them.^ The zeal now 

 prevalent for the breeding this, or any other, estimable 

 addition to our stock of domestic animals, did not ex- 

 ist at the time the Tunis sheep made their first ap- 

 pearance. I am highly gratified by present prospects 



* A \)dAY oi Me7'inos have been recently sold at S 3000. I 

 never knew a pair of Tunisians sell tor more than S 100; and 

 most commonly for half the sum. Whatever may, in practice, 

 be proved by the Hudibrastic calculation, — 



. " What is WORTH, in any things 



" But so much MONEY, as 't%uiU bring .?" 



few farmers could sustain a loss to the amount of prices now 

 demanded for full blooded Merinos. A do^y in a few mi- 

 nutes ; and disease^ in a few days, would ruin, or materially 

 injure, a farmer of common circumstances. Whether these 

 prices be high, or low, I pass no opinion. Yet bounds should 

 be set, to desires for profit. And this must be left to regulate 

 itself. The Merinos have had able and fortunate patrons ; 

 but their character abroad has mainly promoted their credit 

 here ; while the Tiniisians^ with no assistance from fo- 

 reign reputation, and even contending against prejudices, 

 as well as insensibility to their value, have principally ad- 

 vanced themselves. When, however, the former were of- 

 fered for sale, at first, near Philadelphia, their merits were 

 so unknown, or overlooked, that their lambs were sold to the 

 butchers, for lack of other purchasers ; though the sheep 

 were then offered at moderate prices. 



