48 MANAGEMENT AXD FEEDING OF SHEEP 



tively low cost of marketing the same. The great and 

 constant demand lessens the possibility of great fluctua- 

 tions in price such as results from a glutted market. The 

 discriminations in such markets are such as to encourage 

 the production of superior grades, a result that seldom 

 follows in a market of subordinate importance. The low 

 cost of marketing when the markets are near is just so 

 far to the advantage of the grower. It also makes it pos- 

 sible for him to fill orders on short notice and in a way 

 suited to the needs of the purchaser. 



Crossing Merinos on the mutton breeds — It cannot 

 be said that the crossing of Merinos on any of the mutton 

 breeds or the grades of these has been helpful to improve- 

 ment in mutton production. It does, however, add to the 

 fineness of the wool and to the weight of the fleece. The 

 increase in weight is due, first, to increase in density, and, 

 second, to increase in the amount of yolk produced. The 

 improvement thus effected in what is sometimes termed 

 native sheep — that is, sheep produced by generations of 

 aimless breeding — is very marked, and it may also extend 

 in some instances to the form and mutton-producing 

 qualities. Where wool production is the dominant object 

 for which sheep are kept, such crossing or up-grading, 

 as it may properly be termed, is not only legitimate, but 

 is highy commendable. During the nineteenth century, 

 except in the last quarter, such crossing was much prac- 

 ticed. In wool-growing countries, such as Australia, it 

 is very generally practiced. 



The crossing of Merino types on the mutton-produc- 

 ing breeds and the grades of these has in nearly all in- 

 stances resulted in decrease in size, weight, early matur- 

 ing properties, desirable mutton form, propensity to fatten, 

 and prolificacy. The decrease in size does not follow in 

 all classes of sheep. In some instances both size and form 

 are improved by the use of Merino sires, especially of the 

 Delaine and Rambouillet types. Such improvement is 

 the normal result when the types crossed upon are of 



