3fERIN0S FOR 3fUTT0N. 
489 
indices — (of which I have none). Let no unfair word be said of 
the so-called mutton breeds. They have their place in the world’s 
economy — and right well do they fill it. 
But as breeders of American merinos, you are justified in taking 
what might, Tinder the circumstances, be deemed a somewhat selfish 
view, and inquire how most nearly to meet all the requirements of 
the future, by developing existing merits of your flocks, and, if may 
be, by adding new ones. 
Though so much has been accomplished in the way of improve¬ 
ment since the importations from Spain, no one can claim that the 
limit has been reached. The road to improvement in the future is 
as broad as it has been during the past. 
The first demand of humanity is for something to eat; the second, 
for something to wear. The first knows no exception; the.second, 
very few exceptions, and these confined to the rudest people in¬ 
habiting the mildest climates. Thus the paramount consideration 
with the economist who studies the interests of a great and grow¬ 
ing nation, is how best and most economically to feed the masses. 
A well fed people are usually an easily governed people; while 
hunorer and want bring- in their train defiance of law and invasion 
of the rights of property. Those who have devoted most attention 
to the rubject have long since recognized sheep as an important 
factor in the meat supply of the more advanced nations. Mutton 
comes within reach of the poor man’s means, while money can buy 
nothing better for the rich man’s table. The facts of its cheapness, 
and the habit of its use, are taking hold upon our people, as they 
already have upon these of Europe, and will go and grow with the 
children of the present as they dot our frontier with new homes, 
and add the results of their labor to the monuments of progress 
that mark the march of empire. As practical men it is for you to 
meet the questions: How is this taste for mutton to be fostered? 
and how is the demand which it will create to be supplied? To the 
first I reply: By placing within reach of every family choice mutton, 
at a price suited to the purse of the poorest; and to the second, I 
reply, maTce the merino sheep produce thejfesh to feed the million^ 
as well as the wool to clothe the million. 
Those who have studied the results of the past fifty years, need 
not be told that this can be done. There is nothing wanting but a 
recognition ot the necesssity for action, and a preconcerted deter¬ 
mination that the object shall be accomplished. 
