XV 
SHEEP 
151 
the tupping season. Lambs should be docked at the 
age of three weeks and castrated at six. 
For some years the most desirable type of ram to 
introduce among the native ewe flock was a matter of 
considerable controversy. Mr. J. K. Hill, formerly 
head of the Government stock farm and one of the 
soundest and best informed farmers in the country and 
others argued that a ram from one of the larger grown 
breeds, such as Suffolk or Lincoln, would be liable to 
get as the first cross a larger framed progeny than 
could be obtained by direct merino cross. However, 
in addition to comparative failure in its main object, 
such grades have the disadvantage of being con¬ 
siderably more liable to disease than the direct merino, 
and of a less hardy constitution in every way. In 
introducing a breed a sound maxim is to introduce 
it into conditions more favourable than those to 
which it has been accustomed. This maxim ac¬ 
counts, no doubt, for the greater success of merinos 
than of the larger breeds. It must not be thought 
however, that mutton sheep cannot be bred successfully, 
for the crosses, and more especially grades of Shrop¬ 
shire, are exceptionally promising both as regards 
shape and early maturing qualities; but indications 
point to wool as the most necessary and more lucrative 
side. 
A year or two ago the second cross merino was 
held to have done well if the flock averaged 5 lb. to 
the clip ; later results, however, have far exceeded this, 
and 6 to 8 lb. is not unusual. The wool itself is com¬ 
paratively free from kemp, and should be worth at least 
Sd. in the London market. Third crosses give from 
7 to 10 lb. of proportionately improved quality, which 
wool has already realised lod. per lb., while pure merino 
