FINE WOOL SHEEP HUSBANDRY. S7 
“We bred French sheep, from September, 1852, 
till February, 1861. Our first purchase was of John 
A. Taintor, of Hartford, Conn. We have since 
bought of John D. Patterson, of Westfield, Chautau- 
qua Co., N. ¥., and F. M. Rotch, Morris, Otsego Oo., 
N.Y. About forty is the most we had at any one 
time. 
“The average weight of the ewes’ fleeces was 10 
Ibs. 8 ozs., well washed. 
‘“‘In addition to hay in winter, we fed them about 
a pint of a mixture of grain and roots each per 
ay. 
“ We also fed a small amount of grain in summer, 
to attract them to the barn at night for their safety 
from dogs. 
‘““' They were always kept housed in winter, except 
on clear days, when they were allowed to go out or in 
at will. They were also allowed to go into the shed 
at will in summer. 
“ The French Merinos always afforded us good re- 
turns in wool and lambs. The ewes were good nurses, 
often bearing twins. Our full-grown rams weighed 
from 180 to 225 pounds; the ewes from 125 to 170 
ounds. 
sae We sold our entire flock of French Merinos and 
crosses to J. D. Patterson, Esq., last winter. 
“We have now commenced a flock of pure blood 
Spanish Merinos of the Atwood and Hammond stock, 
and have about fifty in all. 
“ With the experience we have in both breeds, it is 
our impression that the Spanish are the most profita- 
ble for all classes of wool growers, and will keep in 
better condition on short keep and rough usage; but 
it always paid us better to keep well than poorly. 
Part of our Spanish ewes sheared last spring 6 Ibs. 
washed, and a part 8 Ibs. 4 oz. unwashed. I think by 
good breeding and care a few generations, we can in- 
