47 



of New England should show so little attention to the branch 

 of agriculture which we are considering. The soil and climate 

 are just as well adapted to it, as are those of any other portion 

 of the Continent ; and there is abundant evidence that the 

 wealth of our State, and of our own county, can be materially in 

 creased by the introduction of suitable flocks upon our pastures. 



In attempting to decide what flocks are suitable, we should 

 bear in mind the circumstances of soil and climate by which we 

 are sui'rounded. Our pastures are not luxuriant. Our climate 

 is somewhat severe. Neither the grazing of summer, nor the 

 usual quality of food in winter is conducive to large animal 

 growth. 



Keeping this in mind, we may consider with some benefit 

 the various breeds of sheep, the objects for which they are 

 kept, and their management. And first, of the mutton sheep 

 of England. 



One great object of English agriculture is to furnish animal 

 food for the population of the kingdom, at as cheap a rate as 

 possible ; and to no one branch of animal breeding for this pur- 

 pose has the English farmer applied himself with more skill 

 and success than to the production of mutton. Various breeds 

 of sheep, each adapted to the locality in which it is found, are 

 scattered over the kingdom, supplying food, of a most nutri- 

 tious and economical quality, to all classes of the inhabitants. 

 Mutton is said to be the cheapest animal food that the farmer 

 there can produce. The domestic consumption is very great. 

 Every edible portion of the animal finds a ready market. The 

 hind-quarters and saddle constitute a luxury for the rich ; and 

 the fore-quarters supply the poor with food at the most reason- 

 able prices. In order to meet the demand which exists there, 

 great care has been taken in the selection of animals for breed- 

 ing purposes ; and Mr. John Ellman, with his South Downs, 

 and Mr. Bakewell, and Mr. Cully, with their Leicesters, are 

 looked upon as the benefactors of England — while every farmer 

 who cultivates his turnips, and improves his pastures, for the 

 feeding of sheep finds that his labor meets with ample reward. 



