1921.] 



Accounts of a Hampshire Dow n Flock. 



109 



numbers but the whole average of the sales may be increased by 

 the superior prize winning capacity. Again prize-winning to 

 a considerable extent depends upon the art with which the stock 

 are finally prepared and presented for show, and in connection 

 with every breed there are two or three shepherds known for 

 their personal skill in putting their animals before the judge to 

 the best advantage. However, let it be admitted that the flock 

 in question may fail in this respect, the general conclusion would 

 still emerge that ram breeding is an unprofitable business unless 

 the flock can be brought to the very top of the tree. 



In fact one cannot standardise a ram breeder's business and 

 prepare an account which compares the average cost of produc- 

 tion with the return for the output that may be expected in a 

 normal market. On the receipt side of the account the personal 

 factor counts for much ; how well can the particular shepherd show 

 his sheep, how clever a salesman is the owner in the special and 

 limited market in which he had to make his profit. But these 

 accounts do show what costs of production have to be faced and 

 how unprofitable a business ram breeding is likely to be for 

 the majority of men who engage in it. The balance sheet may 

 serve the purpose of inducing ram breeders to consider their 

 business in the light of results; can they so bring their flock to 

 the front as to pay for the expenditure or is the loss worth 

 while as a luxury? 



