XV 
SHEEP 
*53 
the fact that it has been shown in Australia that as 
the merino travels inland towards the Equator so does 
the quality of his wool improve instead of degenerat¬ 
ing according to anticipation. 
Private owners, as well as the Government, are 
now importing high-quality rams freely, and in a very 
short time the intending farmer will be able to pur¬ 
chase all the best blood of Bonooke or of Wanganella 
at a very moderate price. 
When the cost of maintaining a flock in the 
Protectorate is considered, it will be seen that 
prospects could hardly be brighter. We have the 
best of grazing, carrying often two or even more 
sheep to the acre ; and this, moreover, without any¬ 
thing in the way of improvements such as paddocks 
or increased water supply. We have native herds 
who, in spite of a penchant for mutton, will shepherd, 
shear, or dose under reasonable supervision for the 
princely sum of ten shillings a month. We require 
the minimum of capital expenditure in the way of 
sheds and yards. With the exception of a dip, a 
drafting yard, and a few cheap sheds for valuable rams, 
nothing of a permanent nature is required for the use 
of the sheep. 
With these considerations, viz., land, labour, and 
equipment, on a minimum basis, it can well be under¬ 
stood that the annual cost per head may be reduced 
below one rupee, which sum the pioneers of the 
industry considered the reasonable limit. On the 
other hand, the corresponding revenue can only be 
determined by the capacity of the farm and the enter¬ 
prise of its owner. 
When one considers what they have done in 
Australia, where there are now more than 50 million 
