Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1868-08-18
Sheep--Our Fair.


l6, all sheep are divided into tour
classes. There will probably be no
dissatisfaction with the first class
the spanish merinos-aS they have
been so generally introduced that
many farmers have become very good
judges of those points that make up
a perfect fine wooded sheep, and there
are probably no specimens of any 9th
er full blooded merinos in the country
except the Spanish, and although at
present there is dullness in the mar
ket for fine wool and the sheep that
produce it, yet it is best to keep a
straight course and still aim at breed
ing the best and the thirty dollars Of
fered as premiums will pay for some
labor in getting the animals to the
fair.
The second class embraces the
English mutton sheep called Downs.
We class them as South Downs, pre-
suming that other breeds Of Downs
are not kept III the county, but if there
appear specimens of Hampshire, Wilt
shire, Shropshire CT Oxfordshire
Downs that are superior to the other
animals of this class, we intend them
to receive premiums as though they
were all one breed separate from all
others by their black faces and eyes,
and their we'll proportioned white
bodies.
The third class denominated Cots
woldS aud LeicesterS is intended to
embrace all English long wooded
breeds; they will compete equally
and be considered one breed. If the
cotswold bucks over two years old are
the best long wooded bucks on the
ground, then no Leicester or Lincoln
will receive a prize. The Cotswoids
are now the leading breed Of long
wooded sheep introduced into the
United States; they are heavy shear
ers, yielding Aeeces of from to 20
pounds with hberS from to 20 inch.
es in length. They take their name
from the hills where they were first
kept and where their eXceliences be.
come so apparent that they speedily
attained a wide world reputation
Mr.. LOOMS of Conn, has one that he
claims cost him twelve hundred dol
lars, probably counting in all expenses
of importation. II. NJ. Hall, Esq, Of
East Burke, has some that cost from
$50 to 500 each; he has sold some
to come into this county at from $40
to $35 each.
A true Leicester sheep is one tina
is from the stock Of one Robert Bake
we'll of DishIey. Leicester Co, who Sc
improved his flock that he let or solo
his surplus stock to 90 into all parts
OF the kingdom aud his sheep hrst tooF
his name. then the name of the town
then the name OF New Leicester, bu
finally they were considered the onl,
and true Leicester. After his death hi
flock were scattered and as he neve
revealed the secret of his mode OF
breeding, the breed in most cases ha
fallen away from the high Staudart
of eXcellency. At the Stanstead tai
you can see any quantity OF sheep !
this name, but as long wooded shee
are Of so doubtful pedigree we elias
them as one kind at our fairs
The fourth class of sheep comprise
nearly all the sheep in the country
1t includes all that are not full blood
, they may be natives or improved i
any direction, either coarse or fin,
and if the competition or show d,
mands it the premiums will hereafte
; be largely increased. If we hay
stock of great excellence among US
p should be encouraged and it is lie
: for the committee to decide in VIII;
direction they will encourage bree,
ing. Then we offer a premium c
fat sheep. In England this depar
t ment brings out a large exhibitiC
). and close rivalry and large prizes
: We often hear mt ton sheep spoke
v of aud at the fair we wish to see theI
t If there is a demand for it by Il
Y large show doubtless the prizes W
8 be increased in number and size.
e There are upwards of 500 offer'
It in premiums on sheep. We hope
II will all be taken by meritorious spt
linens.
4 STATE NORMAL SCHooL.-The Sta
Ne Normal School at Johnson, under t
OF charge Of Silas Fl. Pearl, A. NJ,