1907.] Cattle Breeding in Switzerland. 



303 



while, for the present, prices in the United Kingdom are too 

 high and conditions in Russia too depressed. 



British rams are imported, many through Riga, for cross- 

 breeding with local species. The varieties most in vogue 

 are Southdown, Hampshire, and Shropshire. Lincolnshire 

 sheep cross well with the Bessarabian Zegai sheep, which is 

 reputed for a coarse, strong, long Lincoln class of wool. Sheep 

 breeding, however, is rapidly becoming of less importance in 

 the Caucasus and South Russia, large numbers of the herds 

 being transferred to Siberia. 



The Board have received from the British Consul-General 



at Rio de Janeiro through the Foreign Office a translation of 



new Regulations made by the Brazilian 

 Possible Demand for ^ °" ■, , , . v , ,. , 



Government for facilitating and en- 

 Pedigree Stock in , ,. , , ' 



couragmg the importation 01 breeding 



stock. These regulations provide that 



the Federal Government shall grant aid to agriculturists for 



the purchase of approved animals for breeding purposes. 



Expenses incurred in transporting animals from their country 



of origin to their final destination may be refunded. No aid 



will be given in connection with animals coming from countries 



where epizootic diseases are prevalent. 



In view of the possible demand which may arise for 



pedigree stock in Brazil in consequence of this action, British 



breeders would be well advised to advertise in some Brazilian 



newspaper, or to take other means of bringing their stock 



before cattle-breeders in Brazil. The British Consul-General 



(Mr. Arthur Chapman) w r ill be happ}^ to give information to 



intending importers. 



With a view to improving the breeds of cattle in Switzer- 

 land |the Swiss Government have, since 1893, voted' the 

 sum of £16,000 annually (increased in 

 Improvement of 1902 to £20,000) to be used to sup- 

 Cattle Breeding plement the efforts . of the different 

 in Switzerland. Cantons to encourage the breeding 

 industry. 



The money is awarded in the form of premiums for bulls, 

 cows and small herds, and in small grants to encourage the 



