Year: 1876

described, but we ought to have more
compact and snug carcass, with q good deal
more weight for bulk, than in the long-wool
breeds


In some noighborhoods the Shropshire
Downs may be had--a variety that origina-
ted from a cross of the old long woos, with
the Downs They are a very profitable
sheep for that market-largcr than the South
downs, and their fleece much heavier.
While the flesh is not equal, in fneness of
grain, and delicacy of flavor, to the true
Southdowus, they are even better growers,
and, consequently, more profitable for the
market. Our advice would be, therefore,
to those who are breeding mutton sheep to
SELL to breed from stout long wool, or a
Shropshire ram, selecting the stoutest ewes
that can be had irom crosses of the same
breeds, if they can be had, if not, the best
you can get Of the common sort, as near the
approved iorm as above given, as you can
get them.


But if you want for your own use, somo-
thing that surpasses all flesh in healthfulnoss
aud nutritious value, with delicacy of fla
vor that rivals the best vension, secure q
few pure Southdowns They are as hardy
as any race, and though less thrifty in
growth than the larger varieties, with q
lighter, and, therefore, less valuable fleece,
they are, on the whole, a profitable sheep
for those who properly estimate quality IN
mutton.


1t should be stated in this connection that,
while it is most desirable, in all departments
Of live stock to maintain the purity of the
several races, it is nevertheless true, that
cross.bred animals, if the sorts are good, are
likely to be more thrifty and more prolific
than those of the pure breeds that have
been closely inbred. For producing NUT
ton for the markets, therefore, we may antic-
ipato very satisfactory results from the use
of good, well-bred ram on grade ewes, Of
the right stamp, or even common ewes, if
they are of good form and constitution.


But we urge upon our readers not to
breed from inferior animals, whatever the
breed or variety, when good ones are every
where within reach at moderate prices. In.
decd, it is much better not to breed at all,
than to use stock defective in form, and un-
thrifty in habit, As in growing crops, the
farmer must have, first of all, good variety
of sound and healthy seed, So in stock grow
ing, the good blood, and especially the sound
weIl-formed and vigorous sires and dams,
must be had, if we are to have satisfactory
or profitable results.


We trust our readers will excuse us for
pressing this consideration upon all sheep
breeders in regard to the selection of rams.
The best. bred aud best formed Merino rams
may now be had for $50 to 500, and the
long woods or Downs are quite as cheap
and when we reflect that we may have 30
to 100 lambs from single Sire, what a
waste of money it is to use an inferior, fiat.
sided and light.aeeced ram, because he can
be had for SO to SIS! The defects of a
bad sire, used for single season, will be
visible in flock for many generations, SC
that the injury done cannot be estimated
and the services of such an animal will nev.
er be accepted by an intelligent breeder i
rendered as a gratuity.


In conclusion, we suggest that the tempo
rary low prices Of sheep should not deter
breeders from giving attention to breeding
for the best. Indeed now, more than ever
should we all strive to weed out the inferior
and breed up for the most approved types.