The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1859-03-02


direction OF the subject treated in this
disquisition, is that there is II scarcity OF
sheep suitable for the western trade. Not
that there are no sheep to Ce obtained, hut
that they ARE either in low condition, or
Of Indifferent quality.
From a cursory glance at the aocka, in
Cornwall, Shorehsm, Bridport, Weybridge
dnd New Haven, we confess that it puz-
zles US to divine how and where the uade
this spring can supply itself with stock
suited to the western demand
We repeat it, there are sheep enough
quality and condition.
A CHANaE.-Prevous to s45, the ex-
port was confined almost entirely to one
class OF sheep Since then, an unprece.
dented demand has sprung up for ewes,
and many thousands have been taken from
our County to stock up new farms in the
western States.
1t is doubtless sute estimate to say,
that this demand has taken from our coun-
ty annually. over 5000 head. Estimating
these to have averaged only SO, per head
over and beside the expense of transpor
tation and selling, (Which is low fgure)
and we have $50 900 accruing annually
from this species Of commerce Doubt
less within period of Is years, round
million OF dollars has been added to the
wealth Of our County, arising directly
and indirectly from this Legitimate branch
of trade
A CoNsEQUENcE.-This constant drain
upon our 1ocks, has thinned their ranks,
and in too many instances taken the cream
leaving nothing very desirable in their
stead Indeed it is sad spectacle to see
so many hocks shorn of their glory
bereft of those beautiful specimens-those
perfect patterns of the ovine race, which
ten years since were quite common in all
focks of any repute Surely Addison Co.
if not the State, will 'ooD lose her pres
tige for fine Stock Sheep, (only to lin
tied extent) unless her downward course,
be Immediately arrested.
To do this, recurrence must be had to
the true principles of breeding and keep.
ing.
STYLE OR FAsHIoN.-It is almost need.
less to say, that the style of sheep wanted
by the trade, is of good size-compact
morgan build-short legs-wide chested
white satin face-large throttle and
dewlaps-great woolliness about the head
and legs, and dense fleece, with natur.
ally dark tinge, opening white as the snow
fakes. Such sheep are models, and will
never lack for admirers or purchasers.
Let it be understood and forever re.
membered, that the dark tinge upon the
exterior Of the fleece, must be natural and
not artificial. 1t must be derived from
the potent hand and skill of the breeder,
not from that hypccritical priggish lying
liped paint.pot.
BucKs.-Breed must be sure and
obtain bucks, having an extraordinary
amount of oil or yolk in their wool A
two or three year old buck should partake
largely of the color or tinge of midnight
darkness There is no danger of an ex.
IRENE in this direction. The danger lie
on the opposite side.-The difficulty is
that the wool of most focks is too dry and
harsh, Especially is this true of nine
tenths of all the native focks in the west
Hence the necessity and demand for sheep
of different type, to intermix and remedy
this fault in all those focks.
Is THIS TRADE PERMANENT OR EpHEM.
ERAL ?-But the question arises, will this
demand for sheep, and trade with the west
continue for any length Of time to come 2
We have no doubt that for thirty years
to come land really we think for centu.
ry, to come Why not?) the steady growth
and enlargement of the West and South
West, will continue to furnish good
market for our favorite sheep. In States
partially supplied not one in five have
bought, who yet will buy, if sheep of the
right stamp are presented at their doors,
and easy terms of payment offered them.
Already, Merinos reared upon our hill
aides, have found their way to the valleys
of the San Joaquin and Sacramento andare
Illustrating upon the wild oats and rich
grasses Of those fertils regions. So down
in Texas. In the high sources of the
Neohes, Brazos, and Colorado. Men
have given wings to their desires, to OBJ
tain specimens of the far famed breeds of
sheep, which renders Addison County il.
lustrous in the eyes and opinions of the
soundest men lin such matters) in The Ma.
ton. But more even. South America,
"a land favored with all the genial in.
huences of tropical clime-bessed with
tropical fruits-radient skies and spicy
breezes' is not content, but stretches out
her lips and breathes her desires on the
ear of our own enterprising Campbell of
Westminster, and anon the gallant Steam.
er bears away from our shores, and on
her freight list, is to be found number
Of choice Merino Bucks and Ewes, emf.
grating from Vermont, to a Southern
Hemisphere, charged with a mission of
usefulness to their Southern cousins Talk
of Cutting the market! 1t is sheer non.
sense. As well say that the Atlantic
will soon be ovcrfull-thore will be no
outlet for our surpluss water, our land will
be submerged-we can raise no food, but
shall all perish The idea is thoroughly
preposterous.
INTERNAL SuPPLIEs.-But will not the
west soon supply itself, and thus mainly
cut off the demand for Vermont sheep :
We reply, sheep breeding il an art. It