4o8 SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.— M. 



It is suggested that by the use of the knowledge of the genetics of fleece 

 colours in sheep a plan might be adopted which would reinforce the financial 

 returns of the crofter, small-holder, etc., who has not facilities for keeping 

 a large enough flock to constitute the minimum economic unit under present 

 conditions. The plan requires the parallel development of home industries, 

 such as spinning, knitting, and weaving, and aims at the production of 

 pleasing, natural-coloured luxury goods. 



Evidence is presented from an analysis of detailed flock records to indicate 

 that abnormally low fertility in the male may be transmitted to his female 

 progeny, and may be exhibited by them as a higher infertility rate than the 

 normal for the flock. 



Abnormalities in development of lambs are briefly reviewed, and further 

 evidence is ofl^ered to indicate that many deformities appear to behave as 

 simple Mendelian recessive lethals or sub-lethals with adverse eflFects upon 

 the flock or breed concerned, due to the inability of owners to recognise 

 their genetic basis. 



Mr. J. Hammond and Mr. J. Edwards. — Scientific aspects of mutton 

 production. 



Requirements are discussed in the light of present economic conditions, 

 special attention being directed to naethods whereby income per ewe might 

 be increased by more intensive production and more rapid returns. Aspects 

 dealt with are : (i) Fertility of the ewe, how it may be improved by 

 breeding and selection for the twinning character, and by feeding or flush- 

 ing before conception for an increase in the nunnber of eggs shed. The 

 opinion is advanced that an attempt must be made to secure more than one 

 crop of lambs per year, resulting in a greater return per ewe and a better 

 seasonal distribution of the iamb supply. (2) The growth of the lamb after 

 birth is considered. Emphasis is laid on the need for a continuous and good 

 milk supply, the avoidance of a check in growth during the early stages of 

 development and the provision of young, succulent, protein-rich forage. 

 (3) The development of mutton qualities is discussed. A study of the 

 differing rates of growth of the various parts of the animal's body provides 

 a scientific explanation of the term ' early maturity,' and the process by 

 which this quality can best be achieved is seen to be a consistently high plane 

 of feeding. Such treatment not only satisfies market requirements, but also 

 reveals genetic capabilities, pointing to strains either possessing or lacking 

 the characters sought. 



Dr. A. H. H. Fraser. — Some economic aspects of the Scottish sheep 

 industry. 



The historical development of the industry is traced. Its development 

 has been influenced by political changes, the Union of the Parliaments in 

 1707, and the suppression of the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 ; and by 

 economic causes, such as changes in the value of wool and in the public taste 

 for mutton. The climate and vegetation of the country have constantly 

 checked the full exploitation of economic possibilities. The result, as seen 

 to-day, is a compromise between what man desires and what nature permits. 



The system of breeding is described by which the various commercial 

 crosses are derived from the two foundation Scottish breeds. Blackface and 

 Cheviot. It is pointed out that the whole system depends upon the surplus 

 sheep from hill stocks, and the consequent danger of the progressive 

 decrease in the numbers of hill sheep is einphasised. 



