SOUTHERN CULTIVATOR. 
81 
bred on rich low grounds, and killed at eighteen months 
or two years old, should fail to possess the high and veni- 
son like flavor which distinguished that of the old breed, 
killed at four years old, from the bieezy hills. But mak- 
ing all allowances on this score, we have heard of no one 
in America who has been so fortunate as to obtain a taste 
of South Down mutton, who did not admit its decided 
superiority, compared with that of other breeds kept here. 
In the English markets it sells at from half a penny to a 
penny (equal to one and two cents) a pound higher than 
that of the Cotswold and other long-wooled breeds, and 
is not excelled in price or quality, except by that of the 
light mountain sheep of Wales and Scotland. 
As to comparative tendency to fatten, some experiments 
in stall feeding, show that the Cotswolds have gained 
more pounds in proportion to the food consumed ; but this 
appears to have been nearly balanced by the superior 
value per pound of the South Downs. An able and in- 
genious writer, has suggested that as the flesh of the South 
‘ Down is more highly elaborated, or refined, than that of 
the Leicester and Cotswold, it ought not to be expected 
that animals of the former breed should gain as much 
weight for the same food as those of the latter. There 
seems to be reason in this idea ; at the same time, if chem- 
ists could tell us just how much more there is of the es- 
sential elements of nutrition in a pound of South Down 
mutton than in a pound of Leicester, they would confer a 
favor. A similar comparison might be made between the 
flesh of the Game Fowl and Shanghai. But after all, it is 
not unlikely that the principle which imparts a flavor or 
relish to viands, and forms the basis of their nominal 
value, may be something, in many cases, beyond the 
reach of a chemical test. 
From what has been said, it will be inferred that the 
greatest value of the South Down is for mutton. This is 
the leading characteristic of all British breeds of sheep. It 
is this which has given them the preference with British 
farmers. An immense population has to be fed from a 
comparatively small territory, and meat is, of course, rela- 
tively dear compared with wool, as the latter can, at a 
trifling expense per pound, be brought from any quarter 
of the world. It has been stated in a preceding chapter, 
that the Merino was introduced into England many years 
since. It did not deteriorate there as some have supposed, 
but failed to obtain a permanent footing because it was re- 
garded as less profitable, on the whole — chiefly in refer- 
ence to the carcass — than the English sheep. 
The South Down has been introduced into the United 
States, and of late years has been considerably dissemina- 
ted. Various enterprising American breeders have ob- 
tained specimens of the breed of the highest character to 
be had in England. Of course their proper locality is 
within a convenient reach of the large markets. The trials 
which have already been made, snfficiently prove their 
profitableness when placed in proper situations, and ju- 
diciously managed. 
Before closing a description of the South Down, it ' 
should be mentioned that it is, and always has been, a 
polled or hornless breed. It is proper, also, to state that 
the wool, in American markets, sells at about the price of 
quarter blood Merino — the fleeces averaging, including 
breeding ewes, from .3 to 4 pounds, washed. 
The Hampshire Down bears considerable resemblance 
to the South Down, but the animals are larger in frame, 
coarser in appearance, with coarser and heavier fleeces 
They are considered a hardy breed, better adapted to hard 
fare than the South Downs, but perhaps less profitable on 
good land. A few have been bronght to the United States, 
but, so far as known to the writer, they have been ulti- 
wately amalgamated with South Downs. 
I^’lt is more disgraceful to distrust one’s friends than 
to be deceived by them. 
MANGE IN DOGS— A CTTEE. 
Editors Southern Cultivator— I f “W. G. B.,” your 
correspondent from Rossville, Tenn., will purchase 
“ Dinks on Dogs” he will find there the best receipts for 
diseases the canine species are heir to that are known. I 
look upon his receipts for Mange, a distemper our dogs 
are most subject to and proves most fatal, as worth a hun- 
dredfold the cost of the work. Arsenic is a dangerous ex- 
periment in unskillful hands. At any rate. Dinks’ receipt 
recommends itself by its simplicity. I give it as a tried 
experiment. 
“1 oz. of salts to a dog of moderate size — to purge. 
Rub, every third day, the following well into his skin. 
Don’t smear it on ; but put it in well for an hour or two, 
dilligent rubbing : 
Train or Tanners’ oil, 1 quart; 
Spirits Turpentine, a wine-glassful; 
Sulphur enough to make it so thick that it 
will barely run. Two to three applications is enough. 
In about two weeks wash off your dog with soap and 
water.” 
If he is troubled with worms, give him a piece of aloes 
as large as a pea, in a piece of raw meat, say once a week 
till better. 
Taking the worm out of the tongue, I believe, benefits 
their general health. It does not affect their taste or scent. 
T. E. K. 
Bossjcell, Ga., Jan., 1856. 
MTJLE POWER, vs. NEGRO POWER. 
No. 1. 
Editors Southern Cultivator — The great cause of 
the South being so dependent, therefore, the supercil- 
ous bearing of others is to be attributable to an error some- 
where. If we knew the cause, we might apply a remedy 
unless it be from the nature of our position, which we 
deny. Some political economists believe the cause to be 
an over production of cotton, that if we plant far less 
cotton it would better. This cannot be ; for when cotton 
was selling at 12 to 14 cents, we were just as dependent, 
having to buy mules, meat and corn, &c.; therefore, it is 
not over-production. Nor is it over-production of itself 
(per .se) because, when I moved to Mississippi, in 1830, 
there was not that rush for the large crop there is now; not a 
man in this region averaged over 8 bales, and but one that 
I ever heard of who did that, and his neighbors were in- 
credulous. 
Others say it is not good policy to make more than half 
a crop of meat, and to rear no mules, urging if we make 
all at home, our cotton will not sell. To those I ask this 
question, “Do we sell cotton to pork or mule breeders'?” 
Even should all the cotton region rearmules and pork and 
corn of course, what quantity of cotton would remain on 
hand, that these growers of mules, &c., need"? So trifling, no 
one could feel it. Yet another class, and judging by acts, 
the most numerous, urge that we cannot make supplies 
and cultivate enough land in cotton to make a crop. To 
this class would 1 now hold some discourse, and plead 
with them for our country’s cause, to “hear me for my 
cause” — for our country’s good. 
How many acres will it require to make cotton enough 
to gather as you now do — to make present crop*? Ten 
acres! then set down 10. How many acres in corn to 
make present crop? Six acres ! put down 6. We now 
have 16 acres and it is hard work; the corn is not worked 
