RECEIPT BOOK. 157 



ill-health of sheep, in wet or muddy pastures, may 

 in some measure be ascribed to the fiecessity of 

 keeping these ducts free and open. 



Frequently changing flocks of sheep from one 

 farm to another, where the pastures are equally 

 good, is very beneficial to them. We know a 

 flock which, for several years past, have been 

 pastured on different farms, by being let out to 

 different farmers on shares, which are much the 

 finest looking sheep to be found any where in the 

 neighborhood where they belong. 



The farmer who would rejoice to see our coun- 

 try so far independent, as to become stocked with 

 woolen fabrics of our own making, must feel him- 

 self impelled by his patriotism to endeavor to af- 

 ford his share of supplies of wool, which arc so 

 needful to our infant manufactories; and he who 

 is insensible to a Jove of country, may still find a 

 powerful incentive to the raising of sheep, in con- 

 sulting his own interest. 



The raising of merino sheep, in particular, is 

 undoubtedly very profitable; and the nearer the 

 farmer brings his breed to that o the fullblood, 

 the greater will be his profit. Like every thing, 

 however, which innovates upon ancient usuges, 

 the merino has its prejudices to encounter; and 

 the savage who first introduced the use of his bow 

 and arrow to his countrymen, no doubt, had the 

 same. But let the sensible and spirited farmer 

 persevere; and in the end his merino flock will 

 afford him a rich harvest; the pleasure and profit 

 ef which his weaker neighbor must forego, as a 

 tax on his prejudices. 



14 



