276 farmers' and mechanics' journal, 



ACKICULTURZ:. 



SHEEP. 



This invaluable animal is found in almost all climates, from the 

 poles to the equator. The difference in situation, and mode of man- 

 agement, have inevitably made a great many varieties, some of which 

 are now carefully kept up and cultivated, by those who make a 

 business of breeding Sheep. The English carry the plan of hav- 

 ing distinct breeds of animals for distinct purposes, to the greatest 

 length, and, as in their division of labor, they find a manifest ad- 

 vantage in it. Hence in England we find a greater variety among 

 their domestic animals, and especially among their Sheep, than in 

 any other country. According to their writers, besides the Me- 

 rino and Saxony, which are common, almost every county has its 

 peculiar breed which are distinguished from each other by some 

 peculiar quality or property. Thus, they have the Dishley or New 

 Leicester breed, distinguished for long wool and remarkable fatten- 

 ing qualities — The South Downs, distinguished for short fine wool 

 and the excellent quality of their mutton — The Devonshire Nots, 

 distinguished for their great quantity of wool, &c. &;c. 



This plan is a good one, and ought to be more systematically 

 adopted and pursued in this country. It is, indeed, not necessary 

 to carry the practice so far as the English farmer does, but different 

 breeds of sheep should be kept, and kept pure and genuine for 

 specific purposes. The breeds may be few, for the objects in this 

 region need be but few. 



We want, for instance, very fine wool for the finest fabrics. For 

 this purpose the Farmer should raise Merinos ; and the Saxonies 

 (which are only a variety of the Merino) may be mingled with 

 them. 



For long wool of moderate fineness, that shall be excellent for 

 combing or worsted, and also for very fat mutton, we would recom- 

 mend the Dishley or New Leicester breed. 



For fine short wool, suitable for common fabrics, and for excel- 

 lently flavored mutton, we would recommend the South Down 

 breed. 



For coarse long wool, which shall be suitable for a coarse wiry 

 kind of fabrics, such as Camblels, &c., we would recommend the 

 Caramanian. 



Now we do not recommend to every farmer to keep all of these 

 breeds, and much le?s do we recommend that careless, Slovenish 



