182 



Comparative Fattening Qualities of Sheep, 



was allotted 1 lb. of oil-cake and 1 lb. of clover chaff per bead per 

 day ; and to the Sussex sheep quantities in exactly the same pro- 

 portion to their weight. The average weight per head of the 

 Cotswolds when put up was llSHbs., identical, therefore, with 

 that of the Hampshires ; and it was decided to give them the same 

 amount of dry food at the commencement, viz., 1 lb. per head per 

 day, of each, oil-cake and clover chaff ; and towards the conclusion 

 of the experiment, the allowance of oil-cake was increased by one 

 half, as it had been with the other breeds. 



It will be observed that this experiment with the Cotswolds 

 was commenced 3 weeks later in the season than that with the 

 other breeds, there having been this delay in the hope of receiving 

 the new Oxfords. Notwithstanding this, however, it was also 

 closed 3 weeks earlier, the animals being already fully fit for the 

 butcher. 



In Table I., p. 183, are given — 



The v\^eight of each sheep at the commencement of the experi- 

 ment, December 1, 1851 ; 



The gain in weight of each animal during each period of 4 

 weeks of the experiment ; 



The weight of wool, shorn March 22, 1852 ; 



The increase of each animal (including wool) during the entire 

 period of the experiment ; 



The fmal weights, both inclusive and exclusive of wool. 



In the 12th column, the average weekly gain of each animal ; 

 and at the foot of the table, the total gain of the entire lot' of 

 sheep between each period of weighing, their total wool, &c. ; 

 also the average weight per head at the commencement and 

 conclusion of the experiment, the average weekly gain per head 

 during each period, and the average weight of wool, shorn 

 March 22, 1852. 



This Table (I.) brings prominently to our view the point to 

 which we have so often called attention, namely, the great varia- 

 tion in the rate of gain of the same animal during different conse- 

 cutive periods, and of different animals of the same breed, how- 

 ever carefully selected, and having ostensibly the same description 

 and quantities of food. This point we feel it is important 

 to insist upon so often, as showing the uselessness of com- 

 parative experiments on feeding, unless both conducted with a 

 large number of animals, and extended over a considerable 

 period of time, so as to eliminate, as far as possible, the effects 

 of the various sources of irregularity which we have before 

 pointed out. 



It will be seen by the Table (L) that for the first 12 weeks, 

 namely, up to February 23, the sheep were weighed only in re- 

 gular periods of 4 weeks each. In one week from this time. 



