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" Candidas imperti / 5i wow, ^25 M^ere mecum" ■" If a better system's thine, C( Impart it frankly j or make use of mine.'* SAINT JOHN, N. B. PRINTED BY HENRY CHUBB, MARKET-SQUARE. 1825. kite ".'. -....i.. ^nz\'j!}'' only* be- e of these ef- er unknown, , condemned. , without any ever yet car- nunation that he success of lany amongst untry claims ovince achuit tion here. 'erent species ichend much is discredita- 1 injudicious power, IS a y, and whicli ountry, must IS. How far csired eiiccts 'enient, must rit of inquiry e capable of 11 be acconi- [rcat support Members of ■ its improve- ment ; nor can I omit this opportunity of expressing in common, with my fellow subjects, with respect and gratitude, the acknowledgements due to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, who, from his arrival in tlie Province, has so ardendy and beneficially devoted his time and sui)erior lilents in promoting its welfare, and by whose liberal and en- lightened measures to advance its most solid interests, so many excel- lent institutions have been founded. It is devoutly to be hoped, that those auspices under which they have arisen may long continue to direct and cherish them. To attain any degree of improvement in Breeding Stock, the object which first claims the serious consideration of those desirous of effectu- ally and permanently succeeding is, to procure the best specimens, in their power, of the various species they hitend to rear, and having done so, to be careful, not allow an admixture of their inferior cross breeds with the pure Stock they possess, for although they will undoubtedly im- prove tiieir inferior by an immediate cross with their best, and by due* care and judgment in selecting the offspring of these for breeding, and adhering to the pure jiareut Stock, procure a good race; but, If they permit their progeny to mix promiscuously with others of inferior kinds, they will find the produce, almost invariably, an animal of very little va- lue, possessing the worst qualities of the species. Simply procuring the best Males and Females, is not, therefore, the only recjuisite to insure suc- cess in breeding; selection of the })roperanimals forsuch a purpose isa sine qua noil — the judgment of the Breedeii in making this seleciiom CONSTITUTES THE GREAT ART OF IMPROVING ; his abilities to discem thtf good and bad qualities of the animal, and to cross judiciously widi others possessed of different properties in such a manner as to eradicate the bad, requires much attention and experience, but when once acquired and followed up, seldom fails of producing the desired effect. Breeding IN and IN* from tlie most perfect animal, however closely allied, will be found far more advantageous, than changing and crossing animals re- mote from each odier in the j)eculiar characters of breed, which too frequently produces stock scarcely worth rearing. Cattle are so distinct in the jiossession of peculiar properties, that great care should be taken not to force a breed between those of too op- posite characters : for instance ; it has been found an unsuccesstid ex- periment to cross a quick feeding stock with great milkers ; the special properties of both being deteriorated by the union. The Durhams or improved short horns uniie the quality of very early feeders and resi)ec- * " Long experience hns proved the old notion of the necessity of crossing, or in :li!iiigii!;: the species of animals, in order to prevent degeneration to bn totnil}- ground- ess. You may breed in and in, anti from tl j neatest ajiin/i/ of blood with the utmost iuccess, provided you select with judguient the bust shaped individuida.— Ge«t/a/ I'naiise. , • $ ■ A :' 5--¥v; I- i table milkers, in probably a greater degree than any "tlje^ Jjrec^^^^^ Gre^t- Britain ; cross these witR the Ayrshire or other great "bilkers and their progeny neither fatten so well as the former, nor yield so great a supply Sfnfilk as the latter ; the one losing their niilbng powers in a ^^tir Foportion than they benefit in fattening, and with the o her, %e loss of their inclination to obesity overbalances tlieir gain ^ n^^lkmS ' hence the reason, that such attention is paid to purity of Breed ^r e ther milking or feeding cattle throughout the districts m Britain celebrated for stalls or dairies. The following are the established breeds of Neat Cattle, viz:— The Devons. From these we have the origin of the Herefords and others. The Northern Short Horns, or Teeswater, Lincoln and Hol- clemess or Yorkshire Short Horns. The Kentish Homebreds. The Welch Mountain and Lowlan^l Ca^'^e-Isle of Anglesea.— The Lancashire, or North- Western a) >d County Long Horns The Shropshire Wide Horns. Nort • «ng Horns. The Polled. The Norfolk Honiebreds-Sufia * e Scotch Island, Moun- tain and Lowland Cattle. The Wild Cattle of England, and, Irish Cattle. These different breeds are each, for some peculiarity, more or less dis- tm.r«i.shed, and different modes are adopted in feeding, managing, &c. for'either stall or dairy purposes ; but in all cases a regular and sutticient supply of food is necessary with cleanliness and a study ot the comtort of the animal. These are indispensible, and although amidst the variety of opinions entertained and promulgated respecting the (;,2neral man- agenient of stock by those interested in such matters, it may be diflicult to decide on the test line of acdon, (as all trades have their secrets, ) still we may safely adhere to those, which have been proved by the expe- rience of time to be productive of the ^^reatest advantiige to tlie Agri- culturist and Breeder, and they, will generally be found most consonant ■with theprinciflesof nature. The object of the Farmer being to secure the greatest possible quan- tity of food for the use of man, in the shortest given tune, from the smal- lest quantity of food and labour bestowed on the animal producing it; it must evidently be the interest of those prosecuting the same object, to select a breed possessed of the qualities necessary for such a purpose. With us, our native supply being so much below the quantity of our con- sumption, this selection is a matter of the very first uuportauce and can- highest J her breed in t milkers and eld so great powers in a th the other, n in milking ; eedfor either in celebrated , viz: — lerefords and ;oln and Hol- iglesea. — The 1- Horns. The ' The Polled, island, Moun- :>re or less dis- managing, &c. • and sufficient of the comfort dst the variety j;^2neral man- nay be diflicult 3 their secrets,) ed by the expe- E to the Agri- nost consonant possible quan- from the smal- producing it ; same object, to ach a purpose, itity of our con- rtauce and can- not be too strongly impressed upon tliose, to whom the public money is entrusted lor tlie importation of cattle. Conceiving a variety of breeds of little consequence but for the sake of experiment, and having, before us the results of such e: periraenU as have brought the breeders of the old country to satisfactory conclusions, I shall discard all disquisition respecting the greater part of tlic before enumerated breeds and confine myself to one ix)ssej.sing, in an eminent degree, the qualities we require, and which, with due deference to the opinions of others, I conceive most admirably adapted for the ^ase of this Province — I allude to the DURHAM OR Improved Short i: )ms. The purest stock of this breed is to be found in the county fnan which they take their name, in common with York and Nottinghamshii-e: they are, by many — confounded with the Teeswater,* but from which tlicy are however distinct, although tliey are found on Ijoth sides the Tees in the highest perfection. The principal feature in the character of these cattle for which di«y are so celebrated, is their very early attainment of proof, as it is caUed, or disposition to make fat at an earlier age, than any other breed what- ever; this, no doubt, is aided by their placid and docile tempers, which also renders them steady and wiUing dv aught cattle; bulls, even, having been by kind and gentle treatment, learned to perform regular tasks, for miles without a driver. With care, they will leed to great weight, after having performed much labour, and when their beef is salted down, is said, to retain its juices longer than any other ; in consequence of which, it has long been preferred to pack for India, and other countries where retention of goodness of quality for a great length of time is an object. They are also very good milkers, considering their great incli- nation to fatten. The following authenticated examples will best prove to what wei^t they attain, and will serve as a strong confirmation of tlie assertion, how very far beneath other calde, our present race is. A gentleoian in * A very indifFerent breed wan imported many years ago ftom Holland by wweia- eompetent judge who went *hither fcr them, although previout to that time, an excel* lent ftock had been procured from the same quarter, but these latter prejadicioiulj af- fected the district of Teeswater, and part of Liocoloshirt, buit are now fortuMttlj extinct. ■M V ? •» I s Yorkshire, some time ago, killed an ox, five years old— the weight was as follows, viz : — *2 Fore Quarters, 2 Hind do. Total of Carcase, Tallow, Hide, Total, Stone. Ihs. 8 10 74 •75 81 150 4i 16 10 11 177 H— 24791/fo. 1 ^^zcwt. \b\lhs. at \Uhs. to the Stone. A Cow of the same breed gave Stone, lbs. •|-2 Fore Quarters, 2 Hind do. Tuilow, Hide, 62 4 7 127 11 15 12 6 8 130 ^~-2\mibs. or IScto/. 3 3 at Ulhs, to the Stone. Mr. Champion a very celebrated and successful breeder in Not- tinghamshire, had a young Bull, in ordinary store condition, that weigh- ed at twenty months old, upwards of seventy stone or 980/6^. The difference in ^jroo/" between these and our cattle will appear from the average weight of those killed at Saint John, during the present season, which has been one of the best for beef known in that market, owing to the supplies received from Nova Scotia, where the neat cattle are superior to ours; some of which have weighed about 1140/ty.. — ^bi-t the average is the following, as appears from ibe books of several of the butchers. Weight of Carcase, Tallow, Hide, m2lhs.- 50 90 'Gcwt. 812/55. 7cwf. 1 0. •n. /^--It t Ibid. jjred wei^ we know ducting a average, foi- Mr. C than a fa above mc attribute, rally in tl tal rvant < a strong dilficult t much att The b( by Mr. ( 1 beg lea with liin « I have lately understood that a gentleman in the neighborhood of Fred- ericton, killed some choice aged oxen weighing as much as nine hun- « Th( eyes li " a gent *' the he « his ch " bosorr *' thighs " andve " behini " below « flat; 1 *' ribsh <' or ho " shoul: "- bock; I" ing s «' fi'om " protu " and s * Mr. country ii in conjun authority cultural ' ton ill a thirty yeo but oianj "W weight was l5Ubs. at 3 3 at Whs. eder in Not- n, that weigh- 11 appear from g the present 1 that market, the neat cattle 1140/t...— bvt several of the rhoodofFreu-^ 1 as nine hun- dred weight, but a'^owing this to be the general weight of cattle, and we know it to be the maximum, and verj rarely to be seen, and de- ducting a fair allowance to bring the foregoing examples to a general average, still the balance in favor of the Durhams will be very great^ for Mr. Champion's l)east at tsenty nonths old, which was nothing more than a fair sample of his stock; will be found equal to the ag(r't ct anlmrtl of and so well rty of beasts ery judicious c as the Dur- Miefit here, I me an obicct procure them thaii the pre- Drous govern- JSt of U Ct)UU- iroutal admi- Province, and uid their pos- )ster luid ea- iment has de- le Lieutenant measures into knowledge of unt more than *ro'Hncefor the ; not call upon interested and strenuous ex- :ountry ami to jf duty to that berality, taken ►d stock, by ai"- •om injudicious e unfortunate, !ed, its benevo- ape for. I'ew ck in England, lazardous spect- the Legislature its means, more [itroduce ft sup- enelicial ui)pru- rfvith a copy of a nent breeder of (at unreserved 11 public auction) twenty-five of his j/owwij stocic, but not best speci- mens, averaging abwut two years old, for nearly ^1,200 Sterling. H6 was lately in possession of a Cow in her first calf, — which my inform- ant saw— and for which the sum of Two Hundred and Ten Pounds was paid. I slmll merely notice the prices obtained by Mr. Fowler, of Rolwrioht, which may serve the cause of emulation in our limited way, and is certainly a matter of curiosity. Gar rick, Sultan, Washinrjton, A. by Garrick, Young Sultan, E. by Garrick, PRICKS OF BULLS. & years old, 2 1 I 1 year old, (C « j£250 230 215 157 210 152 Forward, PRICKS OF cows. Brinded Beauty, by Shakspeare, Siiitcr to Garrick, Nell by ditto. Young Nell by brother of ditto. Black Hei+er, Dam of Washington, 53 head of cattle produced .€1214- 120 136 126 Ul 194 .£\2U •I. I Total, ~£ 990 4289 ^6,493 By these quotations it plainly appears that if we desire to have really a good breed of cattle in the country, a corresponding price must be paid for it ; but however exorbitant that price may appear, it has been proved beyond question, that, they are the cheapest cattle a Farmer cari pos- sess, for tiiey are the most 'profitable, and great as the sum certaiidy ig for an animal, he is only exchanging value for value. The partiality of individuals for the cattle of their o- thinlbs. ptf week. Then let go dry for Calving. Sai,k of Produce and Expenses. Sale of Calf U days old— Butter Is. Ad. per lb. \ Skimmed Milk W. })er quart. Dung, value 60s. in all, J Total Expences, including .^1 5 for 10 Sacks, Malt-combs, and a Farrier's Bill, 12*. 6d £'76 7 3 24 14 2 Net yearly profit on the single Cow, ^'51 13 1 The same quantity of milk sold here, at the average price through- out the vear, allowing twenty pounds for keep and expences, would leave the greatest nelt profit on a single cow, probably ever received in any country, exclusive of the value of calf and dung. Well fed cattle, not only produce the greatest quantity of milk, but what is of the utmost consequence they always throw the finest stock, whilst those animals which are starved in the belly of the Dam, are gene- rally slow in proof, and bad in quality. Every thing, therefor-e, that tends to secure valuable })ropertics, claims, and must receive the great- est attention. Milking cows, nearly to tlie day of calving, is attended with many bad effects. The advantages attending the humane practice of England hold forth vei-y strong reason for us to abandon a course so pernicious. No artificial nutriment can keep the animal in that state of health and strength which she ought to have during the latter stages c^f lier pregnancy, when the system undergoes so much exertion, without the cruel exhaustion she must suffer from unremitted milking. A re- laxation proves both beneficial to the cow and calf, by allowing the lat- ter a full {juantity of natm-al nourishment when in the belly of the dam, whilst the organs of the former being left to act according to the order of nature, enable her to perform the functions of parturition with greater ease. The period allowed for cows to go dry, varies according to cir- cumstances, from eight, ten, and sometimes even to seventeen weeks. The durability and quality of Cattle are said to depend greatly upon this circumstance; if so, it umst consequently affect them in a material / ^ '.'/ 16 point for our purpose, viz. the Draught; and in this countr>', where so much labour may be performeil most advantageously with oxen, it is a matter in which the interest of the countryman is involved in a very great degree, and claims especial notice ; for, it is much to be appre- hended, that the predilection for Horses, so strongly rooted amongst them, has been, and still may prove detrimental to the improvement ot Uieir Neat Stock. It is truly desirable to procure and encourage the best breed of Horses for the various purposes to which diey may be applied ; but their greatest admirers will hardly be disposed to wish, that diey should be brought into use to the toUd exclusion of Oxen from our teems and ploughs. In Great-Britain, much discussion has from time to time taken place amongst practical men, whether the Ox will not perform as much Farm labour as the Horse will? The matter, however, rests much in the same undecided state as when the subject was first brought forward ; and »hey are to this day indifferently used, as the circumstances, situation and opinions of the parties dictate. The rough uncultivated state of the mass of our soil, and the nature of the labour required thereon, hold forth powerful arguments for their] application to this portion of country work, and also for their improve- ment, as most useful auxiliaries to, and valuable supporters of tht hu- man race. To the husbandman they will prove a certain and profitable branch of business, so long as our native produce, is so very far below the quantity required, the deficiency of which is supplied by strangers, and supplied too, with advantage to themselves. The value of horses is comparatively less here than in most other places, there bein^ little demand and no regular market for them. Breeding them, therefore, is « hazardous and uncertain employment. In their Ar>?ep, they are expen- sive, and are, at all ages, liable to many vexatious and dangerous ca- mialties, and when assailed by age, are reduced to uselessness, but still jjustained at much cost, which they have no ability to repay; and al- •though, through our recollections of their former services, and attach- ment to a noble animal, we suffer their prolonged and enfeebled exist- ence, they are, at last, food only for Dogs ! The Ox, on the other hand, performs his work until matured bv time, he is turned to the stall, and after having paid for his food and original cost, by the labour he has performed, is then prepared for the shanxbles, and thus becomes both an additional source of profit to his owner, and a means ot suste- nance for Man ! This latter is a point in favor of the Ox, to which ilhe Horse, however excellent his breed and quality, can never be as an aj^ricultural as- IVt... ZStJ into competition with him-. '\nd which, rNlaiit, i^i He.ide Ui required t Irttion. ^. the Unite market, a causes, th dual, who is connect oiu' Hurs animals vv ail vantage If in tl of Horse latter, I li men, whc drawing t tlieir ordt sive conn pleasures to gratify To the atiricultui " The " vered ii "is fouii " labour, " become " Navy p "that*ha " nor she " quality *' even to " cause e " er the 1 " size aui " their e: " subject which " fair cor « of flesh " your re " Horse " latter, ^f^'m )untrj', where v\\h oxen, it is lived in a very Vl» 17 --upply, it is most material to consider that " our labour can be done and well done by animaL, which having at- " tained their full growth, we eat, rather than by those, which r.fter the " same period become daily of less value and eat us. "If you are desirous to know what our rate of labour is, I will in a " few words state it. We break our oxen to labour at three years old ; " the first half year's work is easy. We sell them to graziers at six *' years old and in eight months they come to Smithfield good beef. " In the intervening period my work is done at the rate of about 80 " acres of tillage to four oxen, and my twelve oxen not hicluding my *' three years old, will work thirty acres of land per week, when not em- *' ployed in the carriage of lime or manure, which is ten acres a week for " each four oxen, or five acres for each pair ; that is two acres a day *' for five days in the week for each team of four, leaving them two rest- " ing days ; their day's work is done m seven hours and a half) which *' gives them sixLeen hours for rest. If corn was allowed them they *• would probably do more ; if they did less 1 would not use them at all. " I allow one horse to every hundred acres, for extra work and no *' more." Among the number of those opposed to the advocates for Ox labour, an able and judicious Farmer appeared, under the signature of M. in that excellent work for useful Agricultural information the Edinburgli Fanner's Magazine. The following are the writer's own words. " I men *' not men " what has " eve in tl •' ticulars. " eight 8c «' ings : tl " they are «' to tJje " about hi " same wi " carts of '* carried " were a ' " bringini •' doing al " but are " rollings " were «i)e « As I " per to s " in the j " five in " feeds ol " mid-da; '■ days, tl " of oats « In SI " are put " makes " turning " filled V " led, an " any ma Here, writer to justice re consider? to have i different there, an the chart greatest < * The S -^ X?^ lority for the St meeting of "or the \mzea the horses in not oxeii se- liat country. es were from Mr. Hennell, ise who know n Wyck, in started, three rivers. The well adapted 3 difference of )f my remem- fiva minutes) suppose tliem dilL^rence of :en ; because dressing and ! by the skin. consider tliut ch having at- hich r.fter the is, I will in a •ee years old ; jraziers at six Id good beef. ; of about 80 including my when not em- res a week for c acres a day liem two rest- a half) which id them they se them at all. I work and no for Ox labour, nature of M. ;he Edinburgh words. " I mean not to enter into any reasoning on this subject, but to shew, *' not merely what can be, or ought to be done by a pair of horses, but " what has actually been performed on my own farm and under my own " eye in the course of last yeai', by a pair of Horses. To come to par- •' ticulars. In the first place, my horses ploughed one hundred and " eight Scotch* acres of strong clay soil, with all the ^larrowings and roU- " ings : they carttnl about a thousand carts (single horse carts, the way " they are always worked) of earth, from one side of an eight-acre field " to tJje other, they brought earth from a distance of two miles, to fill " about halfway up, three hundred yards of drain, three feet deep, the " same width at the top and a spade wide at the bottom : led out eighty " carts of dung to the adjoining field, brought home, thrashed out, and '* carried to market, the produce of twenty-nine acres, a heavy crop : " were a week employed carting stones for making up fences ; besides " bringing home the family coals, I suppose equal to another week ; and •' doing all the odier smaller jobs about a farm, not easily enumerated, " but are well known to be many. All these ploughings, harrowings, " rollings ami carthigs (except filling the earth and dung into the carts) " were ^)erformed by one nian. " As I have mentioned the work my horses performed,, it may be pro- " per to say how they were treated. They are always fully nine hours " in the yoke, when the season is I'ar enough advanced to admit of it-i — " five in the morning and four in the afternoon, when they get three " feeds of oats, or what I have found fiir preferable, oats morning and " mid-day, and raw potatoes at night, hay lor fodder. During the short <' days, they have but one yoking of six hours ; when they get two feeds " of oats with straw for fodder." " In summer they have cut grass in the house, during the day, and " are put in good pasture during the night. I believe being out all night " makes them more hardy and is of benefit to their health ; but before " turning them out they are allowed to cool hi the stable and to be quite " filled with cut grass. I have always found that two good horses well " led, and their work properly timed, will perform as much work as " any man is able for, and more than most of them will do." Here, having brought the statement of this intelligent and judicious writer to as close a parallel with that of the authority before quoted, as justice requires ; I must beg leave to impress upon my readers, this consideration, that, however much intlueiice this account may, and ought to have in other countries, in this, it cannot bear the same weight, so different is our situation from the farmers in Great-Britain, yet, even there, and having all those circumstances in favvj>r of horse labour which the character of the country affords, we find the subject creating the greatest difference of opinion, and on a recent occasion to have received * The Scotch Acre is one fifth moie than the Enaliib. 1, -f'h -M 20 the following in favor of the Ox fro.n the pen of an experienced and able writer— himsell' a practical and extensive farmer. « A pair of well bred sound oxen, driven by a steady experienced « man will, barring accidents, continue annually, as great a quantity of «' labour as a pair of horses, during three years, or from four, or five, to <« ei^ht, or twelve years of age; have in the interim a sufficient i-espitc «' from labour, and quit it at the conclusion hi good and saleable cou- « dition." It is this last quality, whicli render* the animal so peculiarly valuable to us in the present condition of the Province. When, therefore, selec- tion of cows is made and public encouragement offered for then- nitro- duction • it will be our wisdom not to neglect the miportation ot such stock as will generate a race of good cattle for the stall and draught as well as for the dairy. The Alderney breed, so famed for the quality of their milk, is one, amoncr the few, that would not prove beneficial to us; they are too deli- cate for our rigorous climate, mid even in Great-Britain, they are seldom found, but in the stores and parks of the noble and opulent. It has been found that ihey do not graze well after milking, and protluce flesh ot a bad quality and flavour. For whatever purpose we rec^uire our cattle, it is adviseable to select those, whose native chmate assimilates most nearly to that into which they are to be carried. Having resided many years in the Province, and having given consider- able attention to this subject, I have been led to look upon the Holder- ness and Ayrshires best adapted for our dairy purposes, the Galloways and p7ire Short Horns for general ones. How far my conclusions are iust, will be best proved by an acquaintance with the animals and a fair trial of their qualities : but if we hope to arrive at any degree of pertec- tion in either, we will do well to follow the example ot the British breeders, and keep our different species of stock, for whatever purpose they are required, pure and distinct In Nova-Scotia it is said that the Ayrshires have not turned out so well as was anticipated, but from the success of experiments made in this Province, we arc induced to attri- bute some other cause for the failure, rather than to the cattle ; and hope the disappointment only arises from the limited nature of the experiment, which has brought individuals to form concl usions too precipitately. In- deed from their own accounts in the western Counties, they have only had a cross from the Ayrshire Bull with the Nova-Scotia Cows. How far this, will authorise them to proiiounco judgment against the pure breed, we leave for themselves to decitle. Much inconvenience is said to exist, and some certainly does, hi keep- ing cattle in condition, from the clunatej the length and iucleinency oi tages. quanti !vi??^*7r^^—" -•' zed and able experience(i I quantity of ir, or five, to icient i-espitc aleable cou- arly valuable retore, selec- r their intro- ttion of such 1 drauffht as milk, is one, r are too deli- ey are seldom It has been uce flesh of a } our cattle, it !S most nearly iven eonsider- , the Holder- he Galloways anclusions are lals and a fair ree of perfec- f the British tever purpose » said that the but from the luced to attri- ttle ; and hope le experiment, :ipitately. In- 2s, they have i-Scotia Cows. It against the does, hi keep- iucleiaencv oi 21 winter and quality of winter food ; yet admitting this a:; far as is necessary, still, more is claimed by these desponding climatists, than they uve en- titled to. If wc have inconveniences, we have counterbalancing advan- tages. Nature has bountifully supplied us, (with but little aid from man,) with excellent I lay ; Potatoes can be every where raised in abundance, and so might Turnips, and t!' oughout this nourishing and extensive country, we have many districts admirably adapted lor Grain. WJience then the cai-ses of this inlcriority of our Stock ? Many are disposed to think, the radical ones are, an unpardonable inattention to their comfort, irregularity of system in the various departments connected with them, together with a want of proper information on the most essential parts of the business. From the manner they are allowed to breed, we cannot look for well formed and valuable animals, and it is unreasonable to suppose, that those whose natural properties are crampt by starvation in infancy and little better provided for through life, will ever attain any. degree of superiority themselves, or yield any but a miserable imperfect progeny. Intimately connected with our subject, tlie Barn Yard forms a very important branch of rural economy, from which the greatest advantages may be derived, if duly attended to ; but it is to be regretted that, here it is woefully neglected, thereby miUlating against the interest ot hus- bandmen to a very great extent. Profit, the true estimate of the value of any system, has proved, that the Yard arrangements constitute a great point of successful farming. By it, a quantity of manure is deposited in one place, whence it can bo removed with little labour to any part of the farm— the quantity will also be increased by the confinement of the catde and the additions that will consequently arise from feeding there. The fodder being given in Yard Ilacks is less liable *o waste, than when given loose in the field, and the cattle being regularly fed in such a place tiitten quicker than when abroad, the exertion necessary to procure their food being less. Ano : ,er favourable circumstance is, that, by thus confining the catde together, the farm, "s better able to judge of the respective qualities of his stock, by die comparisons he is frequently led to make, as they feed in the yard by each other, and thereby discover many properties which he cannot when they are apart, the knowledge of which will enable him to select the good from the inferior, and thus, not only maintain the quality of his stock, but lay the surest foundation for their further improvement. Some intelligent men in the country, instead of yarding, prefer feed- ing altogether in the stall, during winter, turning the beasts out only for water and exercise. This system may be pursued with ad- vantage ; much food being saved, by feeding in the house, and a great quantity of manure made, if straw be had in Gufikient qiuvntitiej to litter well. 1-^ I 1 / I .1( t22 Various plans have been at ilini-n-nt times given, fir Farm Yards, the 'reneralitv of which diiler only in the ailoUncnt of their parts lor the sundry purposes they arc intended, but all a«,yrecinrresponding every opera- peai to youi" «8 " wisdom and patriotism, to the real interests and public spirit of the " Country, for zealous co-o|wration in the measures and exertions *' necessary to relieve the Province from this most serious difficulty." All diat is necessary to insure attention to this interesting subject, is to be found in the above brief appeal ; an appeal, dictated by the most sound and etdightened zeal for a people's welfare, and which, we are happy to observe, has already, in a great degree, been met by a jiiost laudable spirit of enmlation and exertion in llie Farmers throughout many districts of the Country. This spirit of improvement — now dawning with so bright a promise in the various departments of husl>andry, must, if steadily aiid judiciously pursued, bear to every individual in the community, directly or indi- rectlv, interests of a permanent and extensive nature, and stamp a value on the yet hidden and dormant resources of the Country, beyond any ca^ ition we would venture to make, at the present hour upon the sulject, but for the full realization of which, we have the fairest groinuls to hope. Whilst through t'le agency of such a general and praiseworthy emulation, tlie progress of information is gradually and silently dissi- ijjating from the minds of the Husbandmen the mists of prejudice with which they have been enveloped, and our fields, by the adoption of improved systems of tillage, yielding a more generous return for our labours ; its effects will more immediately display themselves in the improved condition arul increased value of our Cattle, the state of the native supply for our markets, and the decreased consumption of foreign food. The course of this improving system carries with It, therefore, as a natiu'al consequence, amelioration in the condition of the S H E E P, than which, no animal is of greater importance to tlie Countiy, more worthy the attention of those Societies having Agricultural ailvance- mem
. 3d. The Guinea Sheep, are found in Africa and India, arc of a larger, stronger, and •wifter race than the common ; bright hairy skin, with pe«'»»l«"\«^»'-* «"^ ''l^;* '^,'';;;' and a sort of dew lap under the chin ; are said to be best adapted for precar ous fo- rest lift, but like all other animals of such a nature, depend upon man foi protection. riitlon to and fully probation mended f< disposed ' This C( shire whe by whose f o him ( the best ( of havin<; lettered tl tise of brc Consid Well attac an article animal w lishing, ft' ujion the '' shape, ; " food." with a lln The p( secure, I a given q\ auu quul The m ing diiic races. The fii the great he select nel by wl througho w In the place, un ? poscessed districts of of success ; e shepherds ■f were soon interesting id nianage- ?ted war In of improve- sld fordi to I assiduity, a Britain, are or Dish ley, ore, Heath, folk, Herd- li Cross.* id according ; admit, tlie ision of this y, here, the our present ly ourselves as we find utility, and ied, there to arks tar be- lt of all the mt purpose, our conside- Counlrics into ; the great dif- i different parti ine. he tails of these iegree of care ; r, «tronger, and nd ihort horns, r precarious fo- 1 tot protection. 2.5 fiitlon to a breed vvljose reputation as an improving cro^s has been long and fully established, and, which, as such, has received the general ap- probation of breeders, and may therefore be, with confidence reconi mended for introduction into this country. The selection will, I an disposed to think, readily be made from the am DISHLEY OR Improved Leicester B recti. This celebrated race derived their name from the farm in Leicester- shire where Bakewell, the great improver of Sheep husbandry resided^ hv whose name they are likewise known, in common with the above. 1*0 him Great-Britain is indebted for much valuable information arid the best examples in general cattle-breeding, and he has also the credit of having broken down the barriers of prejudice which had so long lettered the cause of improvement, by establishing the beneficial prac- tise of breedings and in, since, so mucli distinguished and adopted. Considering Sheep, as an animal designed as food for man, Bake- Well attached the greatest importance ^o the production of so valuable an article, and zeaiously applied himself to perfect those points in the animal which indicate a disposition to make fht at an early age, estabr lishing, fi-om long and sedulous observation, his fundamental principles upon the ground, that " Like produces like, thin pelts and tb3 barrel " shape, are soonest and most jiroductivc of tat, at the least expenge of " food." Subse(juent improvers have clothed the bodies of these Sheep with a liner wool, than they had in BakeweU's time. The ))oints, therelorc, which the improving farmer will ever strive to secure, 1 take to be, early attainmenL of proof or tsocight of' carcase from a given quantity (ffood, together "vith a corresponding return in quantity anu ipudity of' Fleece. The modes of improving, are eidicr, by l^reeding In and In, — Cross- ing ditierent tinnilies of the same rjux-, — and ("rossing from ditTerent laces. The first waR the practise of Bakewell, in following which he gave the greatest consideration to the constitucion and figures of the animals he selected for his improving stores, the males of which, as the chan- nel by which the improved blooii could be most extensively circulated throughout the Country, received the utmost attention. In the year 1760, the first sale of his in and in bred Dishley's took place, under all the disadvantagoii attentling an experiment looked upon n *i ^ ■4 2G Trith an unfavorable eye by the Country ; notwithstanuing which, the superiority of his Stock was acknowledged and success attended his en terprise. Before his death, which occurred in 1795, his breed had become so celebrated that he received the greatest sums ever known for the mere service of his Tups, affording the most unquestionable testimony of the estimation in which his breed and system were lield by that Country, which had at first opposed him. It is almost incredible, yet nevertheless true, that the sevrices of one Tup, for one year only, brought the immense sum of Twelve Hundred Guineas ! Crossing different families of the same Race, may have its advan- tages, as the different situations in which they are placed and the food they receive may affect their constitutions either favorably or the re- verse ; if the latter, a dash from thfe original Stock may recover them — if tlie former, the advantages are evident. Crossing from differeni Races, we, must of necessity, resort to under our present circumstances, until distinct and pure breeds are established in the Province, when I apprehend, either of the former modes will best serve the interest of the farmer, impressed, as I am, with the opinion that forcing unions between breeds too remote from each other in their native properties is not attended with the advantages too frequently looked for. Nature has given us distinct species of the same animals and may permit their improvement by intermixing to a certain degree, but annihilation of these distinctions would be the consequeHce of unre- strained promiscuous crossing, and so *ar from improvement being the resultj deterioration would inevitably follow. " This measure (crossing from different races) can only be reconi- " mended, when neither of the iormer methods will answer the pur- " pose of giving properties which we wish to acquire, or free us of tle- " fects which it is desirable to remove."* The general reputation of the Hakewell or Dishley breed induced me, when I had an bpjiortunity, to visit stores in Great-Britain where they were kept in the liighest purity, and to accjuire such information respecting them as would enable me to judge hiirly of their character when opposed to other breeds. The result is, a conviction, that they possess in the highest degree those qualities, which we are in want of to improve our degenerate breed. In addition to the ojal information I thus received and the personal observations I was enabled to make, I have carefully examined various • General Report. writers on ving race For the ley's well i< « The) by theii <' barrel 1 " make fs «' the bef( " is reasc " mals. « The " also foi " large k " many i «' led brc «« The «\ "Tht " Inches " Thi « of the " one se " what e " may S( *' for on " Ewes " one y{ " one se « Thre( «Ou " nerall " their ♦' weant ♦A tv Norfolk, pouiulb— ig which, the tended his en id had become nown for the ie testimony of that Country, lerrices of one elve Hundred v'c its advan and the food ly or the re ;over them — if esort to under ue established lodes will best h the opinion other in their LOO frequently same animals ertain degree, LieHce of unre- eiit being the nly be reconi- nswcr the pur- ■ free us of tie- breed induced Britain where h information heir character tion, that thev in want ol" to 1 the personal mined various 27 writers on the subject and find the excellence of this breed as an impro- ving race generally acknowledged and recommended. For the following account of them I am indebted to old George Cul- ley's well known "Observations." « They are peculiarly distinguished from other long-woolled breeds, « by their fine lively eyes, clean heads, straight, broad., flat backs, round <' barrel like bodies, very fine small bone,* thin pelts and incUnation to « make fat at an early age ; this last property is most probably owing to « the before specified qualities, and which from long experience there " is reason to believe, extends through every species of domestic uni- " mals. « The Dishley breed is not only peculiar for its mutton being fat, but « also for the fineness of the grain and superior flavour above all other « large long-woolled Sheep, so as to fetch nearly as good a price m « many markets as the Mutton of the small Highland and short-woui- " led breeds. (( The general weight is, " Ewes 3 to 4 years old, Irom 18lbs. to 26lbs. per quarter. «V ethers 2 „ „ 20 ., 30 „ ditto. )5 " The wool upon an average G to 8lbs. per fleece, the length 6 to 1 1 " Inches. "This improved breed is making its wa^' very rapidly into all parts « of the Kingdom by the practice of hiring 1 ups, the price ot which, for " one season only is astonishing, and to those who do not know with " what eagerness this breed is sought after (by all who have tried them,) may seem incredible ; yet it is a fact, that Mr. Bakcwell, has let tups for one season only, for Four Hundred Guineas each, and taken m " Ewes to be tupped at Ten Guineas each ; one hundred and twenty m " one year makes the sum of ' VELVE HUNDRED Guineas, lor « one season only : besides th ..o, he let several every year, at 1 wo and " Three Hundied Guineas each." (t (( Our mode of management of this breed is as follows. The Ewes gc- « nerallv himb in March, wli.n we give them a few Turnips to increase " their milk ; the latter end olMuiicor bcgiimmg ot.Iuly, the lambs are " weaned, and sent to midiUiug pasluies, Uic Ewes arc milked two ov * A two slicar wether, kiilo.J »nine vfsr* afjo J.y a Mr. Mo.icyhiM, of Wptrnlcn, NortolK, wciglicd niiiPty-foiir poiHiils. 'Jhc wciulu of wliuie boiic \^a^onl}tour pouiitib— beui'; in tlic fioiiuiliynuriiaaiK Iwtiitv lount. Tf I i I V " three times to ease their tulders, and such as are not meant to be " continued for breedincr are culled out nnd put to clover, when this " fails they get turnips, and are sold about Christmas, very fat to the " butchers," " The Lambs after being weaned take the name of hogs" (in some districts hogrils) " they are generally put to turnij)s in the beginning of " November and continue at them till the niiddle of April or l)eginning " of May, when the winter hogs are put upon good pasture or second " gear's clover. The second winter they have turnips, till the clover •' IS sufficiently grown to receive tliem, which is generally about the *' middle of April. They are clipped about the middle of May, and ge- *' nerally all sold by the middle of June. " We generally reckon one third of the P2wes to have two Lambs " each ;* that is, every sixty Ewes have eighty J ,imbs. They are put *' tc Tup so as to have Lambs at two years old, and kept for breeding " yntil three or four years old, exceptiiig such as are of particularly good *' forms, or have other valuable properlics, these we keep as long as *' ever they will breed. Such as are defective in shape, suspected of be- *' ing slow feeders, or other unprofitable (jualities we never put to the ** tup, or allow others to breed from them." It was with this breed that Bakewell proved to the world, tliat, with- out crossing, an animal might be brought to the highest state of perfec- tion by SELECTION — attention being always paid to the pexuliar })ro- pertiesof the individual. Sir J. B. Sebright is the only writer I have met with who does not subscribe to Bakewell's opinions of breeding in and in, and instances failures in his own practice, with diflerenl domestic ani- mals, but fully agrees with him respecting selection, and declares, "' The *' alteration which may be made in any breed of animals, by selection *' can hardly be conceived, by those who have not paid some attention " to this subject, they attribute every improvement to a cross, when it is *' merely the effect of judicious selections." To this important point it behoves us to give every attention, as it is ■with difficulty we can procure specimens of the most approved breeds from England, the importation being attended with so inuch risk and expense, that few individuals feel patriotic enough to hazard the expe- riment. *♦ As like produces like;" and '« we can but breed from the best ;"' when *'Thev have frequently three ; and I have been infitniird that this fpcunditv U rn- ther againit them. It certainly weakens the H'vp ami shr is miflhlp to iTiir m> miinv Lambs well. Frequent accidents occur aboiu the time ul' [laruiiiiioii, \\1i'jii ilie uU ?nost vigilance of the ijbeplierd is netesiai v. we have i not only the excel I have put with state of i dered ult relating 1 seen the down an prospects above 53 was proh nient wh blood im and will j nitors. There ing in an objection that such the varioi never ha the cons( proved < have amj a Nobler tinct fron their prei they wcr( tlal Baro t/ie dust's It is n( not dege our read< When oppositio lish shou morality l)lood ev( M'litiinen ( iili<'lileii minds th leant to be , when this y lilt to the ;s" (in some beginning of tr l)eginning ; or second I the clover ly about the tayj anc ge- two Lambs hey are put for breeding cuhuiy good ) as long as ected of be- put to the , that, with- ite of perfec- ex'uliar })ro- r I have met 'ding in and omestic ani- lares, •■' The by selection le attention IS, when it is on, as It IS ;n'ed breeds ch risk and rd the cxpe- best ;"' when "•(•iindilv i'J rn- iTiir si> miiMV wll'JU lllO UL- we have an opportunity of using an animal of superior quality, w-e mu?t not only avail oinselves of his services, but strive to retain and improve the excellent properties which he will engender in our flocks. I have witneiv wUh no small degree of regret, the best means put within the reach of individuals to carry their stores to a high state of improvement, only received in a partial limited degree and ren- dered ultimately of no avail, through the fastidious and absurd prejudice relating to copulation amongst animals of the same family. We have seen the Sheep of a neighbouring Country tupped with a fine South- down and Dishley breed, and yielding a produce offering the fairest prospects of success, but owing to the aversion existing against the above system, intercourse between the half-breeds and pure stock was prohibited; the consequence is, instead of the progressive improve- ment which would have attended the farther union, deterioration of blood immediately commenced among the descendants of the half-breeds, and will go on until they scarcely retain a c/a^A of their improved proge- nitors. There are many, no doubt, who do not follow the practice of breed- ing in and in from conscientious scruples, but we do not think their objections are founded on any reasonable ground, for we are of opinion that such intercouWiC must have been permitted by nature, otherwise, the various distinctions in the different species of created animals could never have been kept up. The apprehension of a degenerate race being the consequen.c, is equally groundless, for not only have W3 the im- proved condition of animals thus bred, daily before our eyes, but we have ample testimony that ages will not affect them. On the domain of a Nobleman in England, a race of wild catde lias been preserved dis- tinct from all other breeds for centuries : from former descriptions and their present appearance, they are said to be as fine a breed of animals as diey were ■' the days of olil, when they formed the noble sport of the feu- dal BarouM five hundred veai's nf^o, and have bred in a?id in and from the closest ajffinitics without degenerating. It is not, however, sufficient for our purpose to show that animals do not degenerate by being bred in this manner, it is necessary to satisfy our readers that they improve. When Bakcwell commenced this system he met witli very general opposition, and we do not wonder that a people so refined as the P^ng-r lish should ojipose a proetico, which many considered as verging on ini- niorality by warranting a sexual intercourse in the nearest alhnities of blood even in the brute creation. Although impressed with Uiese adverse sentiments, a candid iiH|uiry on the subject was instituted amongst these ( iiligliteiK'd opponents, the rt'sult of wiiich curried conviction to their minds thai, their pivjudicc was not suj)purteil by any suDicicnt reason, J I and it therefore gave place to more liberal sentiments, and now the long period of seventy-five years, has witnessed the progressive adoption of a course of breeding, which has tended more than any other to ameliorate the condition of Live Stock. The ratio of improvement given by one of the ablest practical men in England after long experience and successful practice, shows that Stock thus bred not only improves but improves most rapidly. He thus puU the matter in the* clearest point of view. " Supposing the Ram, whose qualities we wish to incorporate in our flocks, to be designated. No. 1. The common Ewe to be coupled with him will be denoted O. The qualities of the produce oUhe ^ist generation will be denoted 1 more than O or ^. The Ram in the second generation being No. 1. the Ewe which is to be crossed with him, h av in jr received a degree of amelioration, will (as just noticed) be marked ^, The Lamb that will proceed from such union, will participate in the qualities of its sire in proportion of f . The Ram of the third generation being still No. 1. the Ewe crossed with him will be |ths, and the progeny of such cross, will possess of the qualities of its sire l^ths. The s\re for the fonrtJi generation being No. 1. and the Ewe to be put to him |ths. The Lamb from such coupling will possess the sires qualities 15-16ths. ./inally, the Ram for the ^ fifth generation being invariably No. 1. and the Ewe of the fourth generation to be crossed bj' him being 15-16ths. Theirjoint offspring will partake of its sires qualities in the proportion of 35-36ths and consequently will be, in character, nearly equal to its sire. In proportion to the degree of perfection existing in the Tups, de- stined to serve our flocks, the more quickly will improvement be acce- lerated ; and in breeding with a view to improvement it is absolutely necessary, that the Tup which you subsequently put to your Sheep, be of the same quality as the one first used, otherwise you will totally im- pede or, at least, materially retard the progress of the object you are de- sirous of attaining. Could we at all times command the use of Tups of the first quality to cross with our improving stort's, without applying to tliose so doselv allied, I might be inclined to exciuile my Ewco iioni intercourse with In us. „&£i^ 51 ow the long ioption of a i? ameliorate tical men in 's that Stock le thus puts orate m our ;oupled with be denoted which is to ion, will (as i such union, Ewe crossed )osscss ol'the 'we to be put uss the sires ly No. 1. and injT 15-16ths. e proportion equal to its le Tups, de- nent be acce- is absolutely )ur Sheep, be ill totally im- zt you are dc- tlieir relations — then only, however, in case the strangers were fully equal, in every point, to my own ; but as these thorough-bred animals are not always to be procured, and as so much benefit has been found to follow the union of those most closely connected, it is not saying too much, that, we are reprehensible if we do not avail ourselves of the means which nature has put in our power to improve our flocks and thereby render essential service to the human race, by pursuing a prac- tice against which there exists no religious or moral barrier, but which on the contrary we have reason to believe is sanctioned m the works of creation itself; ample and unequivocal evidence of which is afforded in the markeil distinctions and unmixed character maintained in all ani- mals in a wild state. « By whatever mode of breeding we choose to proceed to improve our flocks, there are standing points which are indispensibly necessary in tlie individuals we intend to breed from, viz. width of chest* — deptk of carcase — breadth of loin — produce in quantity and quality of jieece, " The merits of the Dishley as an improving cross, their grand point *' of utility, being undeniably great"f to them we may confidently look to produce most effectually the change so necessary and disirable in the character of our Sheep. Having succeeded in attaining our first object, viz. increased the weight of our Sheep, another point opens for the experiments of the rural phi- losopher, — to cover those enlarged carcases with a more valuable quality vf Fleece, In considering this part of our subject, it is necessary, not merely to regard the present condition of the country, but to extend our views to its future state of improvement, and so, now, to lay a judicious and solid foundation for advancing its progress, that when the period arrives, for a portion of its inhabitants to direct their attention to the manufacture of, at least a part of, their own woollens, they may not have to reproach us, with neglecting to pave the way for a successful prosecution of so important a branch of domestic industry. Some may make it a question, whether the present period is not too early for commencing such an undertaking, with such views ? — but if doubts should exist on the subject — it is hoped, those entertaining them, will reflect, on the length of time required to bring a neglected oranch of industry into a state of tolerable perfection ; and that, in the present advanced nnd imjn'oved state of the mechanical arts, we can easily pos- sess oiirsel/es of the necessary means to manufacture the finest wools. I! irst quality to ise so flusoly .sc with :our; * It wBt tlie opinion of the late Dr. Jeuner, that no nurrow cheiteJ animal would fatten well. , f Lawi-eiit'f. but ere we can avail ourselves of these means, we inuit have tlie proper staple to work upon. I do not advance these remarks under the vague idea, tliat we are soon to become our own manufacturers, nor would I hazard the supposition of our being so at any definite period ; but 1 do maintain, that, if no- thing further is done or looked for, beyond supplying our countrymen with a greater quantity, and better quality of material from which they may manufacture their Homespuns and other articles of domestic utili- ty, it is the wisdom of the improving shepherd to pursue those means, which will put them in possession of such material. The attempts already made to make the coarser narrow cloths, have been attended with a very respectable degree of success. In the improvement of Wool, Great-Britain has been so eminently successful, that although little more than twenty years have elapsed smce the introduction of the foreign improving stores— she is able, and has lately sent some of her fine woolled Sheep, back to improve those of the country from which they originally came.* In the promotion of that great national object, the influence and ta- lent of the most exalted characters of the Country were engaged, and first in patriotic zeal as in station, stood, our late revered and lamented Sovereign, who took the best means of introducing the Merinos into the Country and with personal anxiety marked their progress. Those bred from the Royal flocks at Windsor were disposed of to such enterpri- sing individuals in the Country as were desirous of procuring these valuable acquisitions to their flocks. A late noble President of the Board of Aorlculturc — Lord Somer- viLLE — repaired to the continent with the laudable intent of selecting them himself, which he, most successfuly did, from tb" ^'^lebrated travel- ling JlocJcs of Spain, these he, with equal and merited su -jcss, crossed with the English Southdowns. The establishment of shows anti Sheep- shearings, by the patriotic Duke of Bedford, had the hap})iest effects, while the talents of Lord Sheffield, Mr. Coke. Dr. Parry and ma- ny other highly distinguished individuals, were most advantagtously employed in li.e same laudable cause. The results of the labours of such intelligent men being communica- ted to the Board of Agi'iculture, and published in its lieports, have giv- en to the Country the most extensive and valuable information on this, as on many other subjects connected with Agriculture. In the libraries of Agricultural Societies, these Annals, would form un inestimable standard work. \ Uutil 1 had been the atter it, whilst have a pi different were gro had char tion and original ( iniprovin to sheep, southern proving j sent by '. The fc of figure, pursued gree of tion of Lord So ly good, are thp t of a very Dish ley ; per (j[uari Cv "vE, oi ville's Sli « The " hardy ; " ture — 1 " and pr TheD have esGii teristic o ceeds anj mits \eYi doubted evidence writers c< f^«»n«»r ve the prope: fit we are soon le supposition that, if no- ■ countrymen 1 which they lomestic utili- those means, cloths, have so eminently have elapsed ■ she is able, k to improve ence and ta- ^ngaged, and and Tarn en led trinos into the Those bred ich enterpri- jcuring these Lord SoMER- t of selecting- brated travel- , crossed with i anti Sheep- jpiest effects, RRY and ma- Ivantagvously [ communica- •rts, havegiv- ation on this, 11 the libraries 1 inestimable O.I Until the sales of the Windsor Merinos took place, little progress had been made in extending the breed, owing to the difficulty attending the attempts of the enterprising Wool-growers to get possession of it, whilst others were apprehensive that the climate of Britain might have a prejudicial effect upon the imported stores, and produce an in- dillerent progeny. The process of time, however, shewed their fears were groundless, and the evidence of the eminent character who then had charge of the Royal flocks, Sir Joseph Banks, set at rest the ques- tion and proved that, the anglo-merinos were losing nothing of their original excellence, but, tliat on tlie conti'ary in some points they were improving, although their keep was not better than that usually given to sheep. Not only have these animals retained their qualities in the southern districts of the Island, but they have been found to be an im- proving stock even as far north as the Orknies, whither they were first sent by Mr. Laing, the Scotch Historian. The forms of the Span. Sheep are, according to the British ideas of figure, defective; but the adicious system of breeding and selection j)ursued with the anglo-merinos, has brought them to a very high de- gree of excellence. In the improvement of fleece, the introduc- tion of the Soudidowns, (and also Ryelands, with both of which Lord SoMERViLT.E crossed the Spaniards, and thought them equal- ly good,) might be attended with favourable consequences. They are thp best of tlie British short woolled Sheep — their mutton is also of a very fine grain and excellent flavour, although not so large as the Dishley ; the average wether — weight at two years old, being about 18lbs. per (;[uarter, but specimens have been fed to enormous weight. Mr. Cv ;e, of Holkham, Noriblk, having produced at one of Lord Somer- ville's Shows, a two shear wether, that weighed 40lbs. per quarter. " There arc few situations in which they will not thrive, they are " hardy and will bear the greatest cold, if unaccompanied with mois- " ture — are quiet and healthy, quick and easy feeders, with good fleece " and produce good weight."* The Dorsets are a beautiful and excellent Sheep, at least those which have escaped deterioration from injudicious crossing. A striking charac- teristic of diis breed is, the uncommon fecundity of the Ewes, which ex- ceeds any other race ; they have a peculiarity of constitution whicL d- mits very early intercourse with the male, after lambing. Culley doubted their great powers of increase, but, afterwards, upon sufficient evidence renounced his forir.er opinions, and other and subsequent writers confirm dieir reputation in this way. General Treatise. E ■ if •I 'i — sm In '^'i D'k I find in the work of a Mr. Houseman — a Journal of a Commercial and Agricultural Tour through England — the following extraoidinary account of their generative powers, as appeared in the Dorset Hocks of Mr. Ducket, a very eminent and highly distinguished farmer in Surry. He thus writes, " Mr. Ducket is equally attentive to the management of " his Sheep : they are the Dorsetshire breed, with long horns, white ** faces and legs, fine wool, and have lambs at all times of the year ; ** which last remarkable property is the reason why he prefers them to " any other sorts. " His vicinity to London enables him to sell his winter Lambs to the ** greatest advantage. The fecundity of these Ewes is very surprising ; " it is very common for one of them to yean five or six Lambs a year ; ** and Mr. Ducket tells me, he had one Ewe which yeaned ten Lambs ** in less than eighteen months : the first time she had four, the second ** three, and the third three ; all of which were fatted and went to mar- « ket. " He always keeps his Lambs in a house for the purpose, and brings *' his Ewes to suckle them there, at regular intervals, both day and *' night, after which they are turned out into the pasture again. The ** Lambs suck the Ewes promiscuously. This judicious farmer has ** been honored with repeated visits from their Majesties, in order to view his highly cultivated farm." <( The Cheviot Sheep, have the character of being excellent for the fla- vour of their mutton, a quality which seems to characterise all mountain sheep, to which class the principle part of the Cheviots belong. Those of the vales around the Borders have received a cross of the Disliley. The pure Cheviots are defective in the fore (|uarters, a point whieii mi- litates against them as a cross. They produce but a light fleece and that not of a very fine quality. Their weight when fed from 12 to 18lb. per quarter. Travelling northward, we have the Heath Sheep and a mixed breed of Cheviot and Heath, and in the western districts the Dun-laced, a very small breed with delicious mutton and fine wool. They are siij- posed to have been established there from the stock on board the Spa- nish Armada, which suffered so severely on those coasts. — Their weight only 6 to 7 lb. per quarter. On the opposite side of the country, in Aberdeenshire, the well-known Blackfaced sheep are met with in great plenty ; in the higljlands of this county the Shetland breed was originally bretl, the wool of which is valued so highly. Lawrence says. " it is of the softest texture, fit fbr " the finest manufacture ,and in some instances rivalling even Spanish -- wool, iliuii whicli it is somewhat longer in the staple and not so t-las- « tic. A< « of this 1 " is its so " of great « ket." These i hiable, bi found in tlie puresi Hitherl those who the more this obsta selves of To J of many highest 01 « The dental an but to rt which nal perties, b the certai their offsj the utmo ments of to produc " The tremes o bad eff'ec the reach quantity < and even \>y the sk pellents t the mixtii ficient yo the pile, wetness < Pcrfeci all varieli *5«(^i(i~ ■i^fipi^s^s 35 I Commercial jxtrnoidinary rset Hocks of iier in Suri'V' ana«yGment of horns, white of" the year ; jfers them to Lambs to the y surprising ; :imbs n year ; id ten Lambs r, the second went to mar- e, and brings oth clay and again. Tiie s farmer has , in order to It for the fla- all mountain ang. Those the Di.slilev. nt which ml- it fleece and u 12 to 181b. mixed breed ^un-lhced, a hey are suj- ard the Spa- Their weight ; well-known lands ol'this of which is xture, fit fbr ven Spanish not so elas- ** tic. According to the Bath Society Papers, stockings have been made " of this wool, which >ycre sold for five or six guineas a pair : and such " is its soilness and lustre, that the skin with the lleece on, makes a fur " of great value, specimens of which have been sent to the China mar- «ket." These sheep, whose colour is various, pure white being the most va- luable, but as fur the silver grey is most esteemed, are now only to be found in the Orkney and Shetland Inlands — in the laiter, they are in the purest state. Hitherto the prohibiting policy of Great-Britain has interfered with those who were desirous of transporting Sheep into the Colonies, but the more liberal measures of the present admmistration have removed this obstacle to improvement, and we are now at liberty to avail our- selves of the means thus put within our power. To J oduce improvement in the fleece, has called forth the talents of many well informed men. By one, whose abilities stand in the highest order, the following judicious remarks, are laid down : " The wool grower is counselled to place no dependance upon acci- dental and external circumstances, for the production of good fleeces, but to rely entirely and with confidence upon the properties with which nature has endowed his Sheep. The perpetuity of animal pro- perties, being scarcely any where more strikingly exhibited, than in the certainty and regularity with which the parent Sheep convey to their offspring, their own distinguishing characteristics. Breed is of the utmost consequence. It is the basis upon which all improve- ments of the flock are founded, the only source of hope that attempts to produce fine wool will be followed with succ ~,s. " The Shepherd ought not unnecessarily to expose his flock to ex- tremes of heat and cold, nor to any capricious changes. The bad effects of water upon the pile, while growing, may be owing to the readiness with which it mixes with the yolk, and carries off a quantity of that animal soap, which is so necessary to the good quality and even existence of the fleece, for if care be taken to prevent this, \>y the skilful application of tar mingled with butter, which act as re- pellents to the water, the lower part of the staple, which grew after the mixture was applied, contains a sufficient quantity of rich and suf- ficient yolk, and is of a much superior sort of wool to those points of the pile, which have been exposed, without protection, to the dripping wetness of the winter season. Perfect whiteness is eminently desirable in all kinds of wool, and all variolies of colour in brcetluig are to be iivoidutl^ an/1 [)arlitula r \ -1 f \i%n SO all artificial tinges with ruddle or ochres, or any such substance, which is injurious to the pile for the Dyer's purjjose. Well formed Tups, bearing the kind of fleece required, and suffi- cient ample keeping throughout the year, are the means of attaining the objects. Mr. Bakewell strongly recommends the practice of salving or greasing, as the best preservative, using only no greater quantity of tar than to give the mixture tenacity. This he warrants will be equally beneficial to the wool, promoting both its increas!' winter. Additional and very powerful inducements to adopt the practice, are — the ointment destroys the sheep tick, and has a tendency to pre- vent cutaneous distempers, and to preserve Sheep from the stroke of the fly. Farther, a considerable quantity of wool will be saved, which is torn off by the Sheep when rubbing diemselves, in order to allay the irritation of the skin, which is occasioned by those causes." Bakewell also ingenuously and rationally conjectures, that the ointment, by keeping the skin in a soft state, is favourable to the production of finer wool, from the opening of pores or vessels for the extrusion of wool, which had been closed and ceased to act, on the too great exposure of the skin to the air and soil, and that thus the pile grows closer and a larger fleece is produced — the Sheej) seem like- wise to be rendered more comfortable when gra/jng, by a compurisou with those who are ungreased. The preparation is generally; from 16 lb. to 201b. butter are placed over the fire and melted, a gallon of tar is then added, and stirred un- til amalgamated into a tenacious ointment. Great care must be taken in the appUcation. If merely rubbed on the wool,* it attracts and mixes with the soil and proves most injurious to the fleece — this should be propprly divided and the ointment applioil to the skin, whence it is diffused throughout the whole fleece. To avcrasrc size Sheep, one gallon of tar and twenty poimds of butter will be suff cient for lorly or fifty. Greased fleeces sell more readily than un';-rcascd, ami do not *Ii :he " Modern Agriculture," before mentioned, the aiifiuir says, " tlic si^lve || rubbed over the fleeces" — u more pcnucious jiracticc cannut be lollowed. ;tance, vvriich 2cl, and sufTi-. of attuiuiiiii )f salving or r quantity of •ants will be isught not to deter us from making a beginning, but to stimulate us, to a» M^i mn«0 ^ % n wholesome water, wliicli the animals take into their stomachs, wet the grass, induce flatent cholic, diarrhoea, or scouring, and interniittents, ending in a general waste or consumption. The only palliative remedy, Avhere no means exist of su])porting Sheep, but by this exposure, is to allow them hay in the njorning or to fill them witli straw. Sheep are good Straw- Yard Stock, but unless the straw be bruised for them, it is apt by its harshness to damage their mouths, on which account the straw from a thrashing machine suits Sheep. It is a very old rule to drive the flock over the dewy field in every part previous to suffering them to feed, in order to brush oil' as much as possible of the moisture from the top of the grass. The shorter and finer the grass, the fitter for Sheep ; yet there Is no pasture so good or so fine, but with continued use Sheep will weiiry of it, except the Shepherd remedy this fiiult by giving them salt, the use of which is still in estimation in feeding Stock. Hard stocking with Sheep will render the coarser grasses fine — a most use- ful memento in many situations — it has, however, concomitant dis- advantages, by impregnating the soil with the raidv manure and urine of the flock, which causes them to lothe it, and even affects the young grass produced by the superabundant niaiuu'e. Before the bad effects take place, the pasture should be changed both oil account of the Sheep and soil. Grass which springs up suddenly in swampy soils, also corn which shoots up after harvest, among the stubbles, particularly barley, is said to be dangerous to Sheej). Wet unsound fallows, and lauds which have been flooded, rot Sheep ; it is saitl, in some places, that the lime-stone land has the same effect, and that you may make any land rot Sheep. We find it recommended in the IJath pa})ers, to fold Sheep before the dew falls in places subject to rot,* and keep them in until it exhales, spring and summer. No Ewe ever rots whilst she has a Lamb by hor side ; place vSheep that have the rot, where they can get at bark and young shoots of elder. Heavy rains, especially if attended with hail, or a moist, foggy, sul- try and stagnant state of the atmosphere in summer, sometimes })ro- duce a very sudden putrescence of humours in Sheep, which is thea denominated the swt/i rot. Should necessity subject the farmer to keep his flocks in such situations as above — the preventives which suggest themselves, are, not to allow the sheep to rest, tiir less to re- main on such dangerous layers, but to pick as much grass as may be necessary and expedient and then driven to high and dry grounds, or folds where they may receive a sulliciency of dry Ibotl — hay or straw — which washy chs, wet the iteriiittents, live remedy, exposure, is aw, V be bruised mouths, on iiits Slieep. ield in every »i'ush oil' as >s. yet tliere Is Sheep will giving them )ck. Hard a most use- >mitant dis- luanure and even affects le. Bel'ore •ed both oil corn which r bar lev, is , and lauds places, that ly make any I pa})ers, to t,* and keep place Sheep g shoots ot" netimes })ro- hich is then e farmer to itives which ir less to re- ss as may be ting su"h measures for the preservation of our flocks throughout this Province are very great and must have presented themselves to every one who has travelled in it, on viewing the excel- lent sheep-walks on the high lands which bound our extensive and lux- uriant intervals and marslies. Few countries are better calculated for an extensive and successful prosecution of sheei>husbandry. After leaving the immediate neighbourhood of the sea in whichever direction you travel, a fine field for such a purpose presents itself, but from some unfortuuiite causes, it is left without cultivation, or at all events without such cultivation as it merits and demands. A sad obstruction to im- provement in the various departments of husbandry, exists with but few- exceptions, in the prejudices of our countrymen in favor of their own imperfect systems, and apprehensions that the adoption of others would prove unsuccessful from the nature of our climate. The existence of feelings operating in a manner so prejudicial to their own interests is the more to be regretted, as the inhabitants of this Pro- vince, are as liberal in their habits of thinking as any people sin.ilarly situated can be, but such a paralysing impression have these ideas made upon the minds of a great prop, tionofthem, that the attempts made to remove them, and to introduce in their stead more sound principles of reasoning and action, have been attended with very limited success. Nothing but the evidence arising from witnessing the superiority of other systems will effectually banish those injurious sentiments from amongst them, and which we so constantly find displayed whenever agricultural improvement is the subject. \Vere our climate still more unpropitious, than it really is, the only lesson it should teach us, is, to convince us, how necessary it therefore must be to resort to such means as will tend most materially to counteract the unfortunate effects which spring froin such a cause, and that will be best accomplished by the adoption of better systems of management in our stock departments, a perseverance in which, will afford the most convincing testimony, that, nature /lere^ as every where else, is more the fi-iend of man thali he is willing to allow. The effect of a change of climate upon the first importation of stock, I do not look upon, even if it is unfavorable, a matter sufficient to de- ter us from a prosecution of our improving designs. If a loss is sus^ tained amongst individuals of the originaf importations from such a cause, it is attended with some favorable circumstances, as none but the w I . I J 40 weak nnd those of unsound constitutions will be afl'ccted by it, and vvitli such we can part with satisfaction. Sheej) seem adapted for all climates, and wherever a material change takes place in the progeny of a particu- lar breed we may almost invariably attribute it to inattention in preser- ving them from mixing with breeds foreign to their original character ; and not to the ellect of climate. Those entertaining the opinion that imported stock of all kinds de- generates in this climate, bring forward in support of their positions, the little improvement which has attended any importations yet made, and it is readily admitted, that litde indeed has taken place, but this seems attributable solely to the very limited extent to which the introduction of any breed of neat cattle or sheep has yet been carried and the neglect which has attended breeding from it. It is therefore, to be hoped, that such trials will soon be made by ex- tensive and general importations throughout the Province and a steady system of breeding pursued, so that, a short time v/ill open the eyes of those interested in such »aatters to the true sense of the advantage of possessing good stock and a good mode of managing it. To establish any pure and distinct breed, the aliens must be kept rigidly apart from our native stores, and as we tlesire to succeed in improving these latters we will find the most ex})editious anil certain method, that of breeding m and in ; and by })ursuiiig such a course and attending to the feeding and comfort of our stock, we need entertain no apprehension of any bad effects arising to them from the inlluence of either soil or climate. Turnip, hay, straw, potatoes, oats, and oil cake, are usually given to sheep, when hittening, the quantity of which is regulated entirely by the character of the breed. Turnips or Pototocs should be given cut — and salt occasionally, is alike a panacea with .siieep as neat cattle. Cutting hay or straw in feeding will be found a most economical mode, i'ully repay- ing any additional labour necessary. From the abundance of hay in this country little straw is used and where a large stock is kept it is pro- bably as profitably applied in being used only as litter, the quantity of manure behig nmch increased thereby. Little attention has been paid here to the culture of Turnip, and It is to be regretted that it has been so much neglected, few crops yield a greater return, and their nutritious qualities render them a most valuable article on the stock-farm. It is more properly the province of a work solely devoted to tillage to treat of such subjects as the one before us, but it is not straying far from our own sphere, to beg the attention of our readers to a more extensive cultivation of this most useful crop. van'. t>y, Amongst the variety of this root, those most in estimation arc the y it, and willi r all climates, ola particu- i\\ ill pre.'jcr- al cluiructer ; all kinds de- leir positions, ns yet made, n place, but ;nt to which has yet been (Vom it. It made by ex- aiid a steady ill the eyes of advantage of mist be kept o succeed ill i and certain a course and ! entertain no ! inlluence of lally given to iitirely by the veil cut — and tie. Cutting I, fully rcpay- ice of hay in cept it is pro- le quantity of p, and It is to ield a irreatcr ible article on olc'lv devoted but it is not :' our readers Ltion arc the ■ 4t Ruta Haga, (Swedisli or Lapland,) and the Aberdeenshire yellow 1 u?nfa Other kinds yield weightier crops, but none retain their nutritious proper- ties so long, or bear the elTect of frost so well. The Aberdeenshire Yellow has been raised with success for some years past in West- morland, where they are in great repute. In their native soil they are exposed to the vicissitudes of the season for a length of time, with- out injury. The tiohile globe turnips will be found to yield the heaviest crop,* but diey do not beai- the frost and are only fit for early winter food, whilst the Swetlish is found in a state of good preservation until spring is far ad- van'jcd. In Westmorland, some gentlemen have successfully preserved the Aberdeen Yellow in pits during winter and found them when requi- red in sjiring in very excellent order for use. The jjeculiar natural advantages possessed by that county render it i fine field for the successful advancement of husbandry, and admirably adai)t it for stock and dairy farms. To its inhabitants therefore, and to the country generally, the cultivation of Turnip is a matter of the utmost importance. They are, in conjunction with Clover, justly said to be, i/ie main pillars of the best courses of husbandry — they have contributed more to preserve and augment the fertility of soil for producing grain — to EXLARGE and IMPROVE our breeds (f Cattle and Sheep — and to ajjbrda regular supply of butcher's meat all the year ^ than any other crops, ■ In introducing Stock into this Country, it may be found expedient to select a portion of it from the northern parts of the Mother Coun- try, where, from the attention now paid to breeding it, by many of the Scotch proprietors^ and farmers, we may receive specimens of the best cluuacter. The nature of diis part of our subject has led me to notice a greater variety of breeds of Sheep, than I at first intended, although I have done so as briefly as possible. But to proceed : * A gooil crop of white globe turnips usimlly weighs from twenty-five to thirty toni per acre, the Yellow aiid bwtdiih commonly a few tons less. — Farmeri Mag. fin the number of those conspicuous for their Agricultural improvements in Scet- lanil, ( ptain Barclay ALLAnuicE, of Ury, stands in the first rank. The celebrity of this (ientleman as a Pedestrian, is only surpassed by his success and eminence as an Aj^'riculturist; of which character, as well as the former, he is the hereditary pAssesser. Tlie benefits arising from a diligc it and enlightened prosecution of husbandry, is no where more exemplified than in the progressive increase of the value of the property of this distinguished family. The rentafof the estate of Ury was raised by his father, from three hundred to several thoiiswiids, and " Captain Barclay, by pursuing tho "plan adopted by liii immediate predecessor, ha* greatly augmented the value of hU " pr«)perty, which is still eucrcasinj, and in a few years will produce t«n thouiandl " pounds unuuallv." ! I I -I ;i I I,** I.-** 42 »i I The species of Stock which next claims our attention is one tipott which most people look with disgust, but however much the native fil^ thy habits of the animal may warrant such a feeling, we must allow, that in the catalogue of domestic animals we have not a more substan- tial and productive source of human food, from means the most econo- mical, than what arises from the possession of a good store of SWINE. Of this Stock it has been said, and with much justice, that it yields the greatest return for the Capital invested in it, of any other Live Stock whatever ; and when we consider the great demand for its pro- duce, both in its fresh and cured state, and the early age at which it can be used, we are not surprised that it should be so reputed. Considerable apprehension was entertained by the Agricultural in- terest, that the political changes which are about to take place in the Commercial world, would prejudicially affect them, by the admission of Beef and Pork, from Foreign Countries, but the promulgation of those regulations has not only set at rest their fears, but also shewn, how well the Parent State watches over the general interest of her children. It remains for us, therefore, to benefit by the advantages we enjmr, not by an apathatic confidence that we are aiways to hate the produce of our farm yards thus protected, and diat other parts of the community must receive it at our prices, but bv availing ourselves of the present exclusion of strangers from competition with us, so to im- prove our Live Stock that, should it be thought expedient at a future day to open the Colonial seaports for the introduction of those inter- dicted articles, we may be able not merely to rival, but to exclude them, oy the excellence and abundance of our native supplies, which from the natural connection existing between the communities of town and country, will meet with a readier sale, as both benefit by the inter- change of their respective commodities, and it is where reciprocal be- nefits spring from the domestic employments and labours of mankind without the assistance of foreign agricultural supplies, that the true and solid nches of a country are found. As therefore the capital, in whatever manner invested, of the City purchases the produce of the Country, and the abundance of the Coun- try draws from the City a portion of its wealth, it is evidently the in- terest of the farmer to cultivate with assiduity such produce as will yield him the greatest supply of necessary and useful articles from the citizen. The subject now before us has long been accounted a very essential means of adduig to the farmer's capitnf. It is dillicult to account, why, under circumstances so favorable for the imi)ortation oFtlws StcK-k from Uaigland, so bad a race should be found amongst ui, de\oid of every requisite modellec they de\ Stock ar< The deir pay well ply, the channels derations and chai therefore sures sh( not only versive o and fair considers improver The vs and may tion, Lui breeds at For th found a(] in great : but none depth of with gooi li/ fed an the Hani ent whicl Of the are in tl Dairies, i and beiuj 1 unde Pigs hav( Scarcely some Sto easy tern breeding, moved, from on i ■■.■:^.mi^:.% r*^^-«5^»:; is one (ipoii ;he native fil- ! must allow, lore substan- most econo- ore of hat it yields 1 other Live d for its pro- ;e at which it ited. riciiltiiral in- I place in the le admission )romuIgation t also shewn, :erest of her Ivantages we to have the parts of the ourselves of IS, so to im- t at a future " those inter- ; to exclude iplies, which ities of town by the inter- sciprocal be- of mankind the true and of the City jf the Coun- ently the in- LJuce as will ies from the cry essentia! ccount, why, > SttK'k from Old of ever}' 45 requisite that constitute* a good or valuable animal, and generally so modelled, as to yield no adequate return for the quantity of victuals they devour. An improvement and more extensive breeding of this Stock are matters, not only of private interest but of public importance* The demand for Pork is regular and great, and the price such as will pay well for feeding and curing. To make up the deficiency of our sup- ply, the merchant imports large quantities through the fair and regular channels of his business, whilst many, too many, discarding all consi- derations of the legality of their actions and at all hazards of property and character rqsort to the basest means for supplying themselves. It therefore is surely a matter of the deepest consequence, that some mea- sures should be adopted to remedy, if possible, such an evil, an evil, not only active in the violation of the laws of our country, but sub- versive of all principles of probity, and most prejudicial to the farmer and fair trader ; and it is because of such consequences, as well as in consideration of its advantages, that the attention of our readers to the improvement of Live Stock is so earnestly claimed. The varieties of Swine, nee >sary for our purpose, are very limited, and may be classed, in the larger breeds for the supply of our Naviga- tion, Lumbermen, and other Commercial purposes, and the smauer breeds as jporking stores for family use. For the former purpose, the breeds of Berks and Hampshire, will be found admirably calculated; their character, throughout England, is in great repute. There are larger breeds to be found there thmi either, but none possessing better qualities — in their forms, they have great depth of carcase, breadth of chest and loin, and proportionate length, with good gammons and fine legs, have large pendulous ears, are quick- ly fed and brought to -proof. So little difference is there made between the Hants and Berkshire Hogs, that dealers at Smitlifield are indiffer- ent which to choose. Of the smaller breeds for Pork for the family supply, the Chinese are in the greatest estimation, and also their cross with the Oxford Dairies, for delicacy of meat, fineness of bone, and quickness of proof, and being easily itd, they stand unrivalled. 1 understand some specimens of pure Chinese, half bred and Berks Pigs have been imported, and it is to be hoped more will soon follow. Scarcely a vessel arrives in the ports of the Province, without having some Stock of this kind on board, which could be procured on very easy terms, antl by repeating the importations and preserving them for breeding, we should soon find our slow feeding gaunt inciimbrances re- moved. We need not be apprehensive of getting u bad breed of Pigs from on board a ship from England, for through overburden their stomaclss, but rather to keep the nppetitcb kct:r: ar,d severe. leed never eilent stock o trill V an- Tiven much t additional , therefore, nost exten- He says, but not too ally known ifortable to ended with substituted. ; in vain to til the pigs obstructed, nerous first t is benefi- e too much comfortably ice forward •, excepting state, cab- nd wash. t) it is pre- em abroad, cts of the ffect young SIX to nine ous. Milk iirticles be- le stomachs '( can be re- ?s keen and "tobeijln esjicct," to auiiiial be period to ^ kctn ai'id 45 troughs constantly empty, excepting at meal times, whicli should be three times a day instead of twice which is generally the practice. In breeding where there is a certain demand for stock, the Farmer will be well repaid for purchasing food ; but there are many so situated, that they have a full supply from their own establishments, dairies — mills— breweries, &c. and to these. Pigs will always be an advantagepus stock. Breeding is much more profitable than purchasing stores, and those who intend to breed for sale should always en .oavour to procure a well shaped breed, which will always command a preference. The Sow is capable of procreating at seven months, but the male is of httle or no use until twelve, but his best stock will be found from his being two to five years old. The Sow brings forth a few days after four months. Of stock that are prone to fattening it is recommended to allow the Sow the company of the male as early as possible, which lessons the risk of parturition in such cases, and by frequent repetition keeps her in a good breeding state. .January and July are the best pigging months, as suckiings in the. former they are not so liable to catch cold as if wean- ed, and those dropped in July are strong before the season gets too severe. The advantages of this species of live stock is by no means confined to the good quality of their flesh ; taking their distinct merits into consi- deration, it is extremely probable, that they are, to the individual feeder and the country at large, the most profitable of all domestic animals. The sow produces more young than any other quadruped, and pork can be fattened more speedily than any other flesh we eat; Pigs may be made excellent pork in six we'eks. The sow will bring properly and without injury two litters within the year ; and if we add to this, the early matu- rity of die young females, it will easily appear, how soon avast and multitudinous stock of pigs may be raised ; and it is well known to ob- servers of the times how materially instrumental this species of stock is in restraining exorbitance of price in other articles of the flesh market. Swine have ever been accounted the gleaners of all refuse and waste of a farm and the only animal capable of converting into nourishment the produce of the forest ; hence it has been too generally supposed that it is not profitable to extend their province, or to increase tlie number to the degree of rendering it necessary to grow provisions expressfy for their saj)port — a very erroneous opinion and very injurious to the public interest, since uiicler' judicious management, none of our own animals will pay a better price for what they consume. Any farming situation n;ay be rendeixtl suitable for Pigs, and in many it would be very advan- taj4^:o!is ii' they .. onstituted the chief stock— tiie dung of lattcnmg or ud! fcil bog? 16 oigrent importance to the improvement t-f land." 1^^, I iii^K" 46 IQ I") I i I Havinff stated that the Ikrkeshire breed is tlie best adapted for yield- ing pork for commercial purposes, I shall add an example of the weight to which they may be brought, at no very advanced age. A hog was fed and killed some years ago in Cheshire, that measured nine feet eight inches from the nose to the end of his tail, and in height four feet five and a half inches, when alive, he weighed 12 cwt. 2 qrs. 10 lbs. when killed and dressed 10 cwt. 3 qrs. lllbs. or 86 stone lUbs. averdupois. Lawrence is of opinion, that individuals may be fattened to the weight of more than one hundred and twenty to one hundred and thirty stone. The largest breed in Britain is supposed to be found on the borders of Sussex and Surry, where they feed to an almost incre- dible size at an early age. It is highly n'^cessary for the safety of young Stock, to seperate the in-pig Sow from all others during the latter days of gestation, and to give careful attention during the time of parturition, as some mothers are apt to neglect and even to destroy their offspring. No animal dif- fers more in disposition than Swine. Individuals of the same family have been known, the one to yield large litters and imrse them with the greatest tenderness, whilst another only produced huUthe number, and generally lost great part of that half from inat*iiitiou, or I may say cruelty of disposition. Having as fully as the nature of the present work would admit, refer- red to the different species of stock, the possesssion of which, it is thought, would prove advantageous to the Province ; it will be expedient to advert to such means as may most effectually and permanently establish them in the country ; the difficulty however of doing so in a satisfactory manner is deeply felt, the suggestions therefore now offered, are made with the greatest deference to the opinions of odiers, but as they spring from long and serious consideration of the importance of the suliject, so are they honestly given, and whenever they are found at varionce with sentiments of others, the author, will carefully attend to the objections they may bring forward : well aware that, it is only by the conviction which arises from candid discussion, that the prejudices of mankind can be vanquished and truth thoroughly established. The most eligible and efficient means, then, which first present them- selves for our adoption, I take to be through the liberality of the Legis- lature and the patriotic exertion of the different Agricultural Societies established in the Province, by a simultaneous importation from Gieat- Britain of specimens of the different stock desired, and that upon as extensive a scale as the bounty of the former and the funds of the latter will allow ; and although, we find some celebrated lots bringing enor- mous prices in Britain, we may procure in various districts of that coun- try most excellent specimens, upon moderate terms, if we adcmt a judi- cious course in making our application. regular c 1 for viclil- the wei- ply of improving live stock, but that difference, we are disposed to thiiik would cease, were the parties fully aware of the superiority of that of the, former country, a superiority readily allowed by the better informed farmers of tlie latter. In the United States, Agricultural improvement is persued in all its branches with the most praise-worthy anxiety and activity, and so sensible are the agriculturalists of that country of the Vast advantage derived from the possession of British stock, that they spare neither trouble or expence to procure them. A gentleman ac- quainted with some of those in England, who are in the habit of supply- ing others in the States, has furnished the author of these Remark's,, with a letter, wherein his friend states having received, fi'om a gentleman near Philadelphia, a sum equal to one hundred pounds currency, lor a Bull of his Short Horn breed, one year and nine months old. That men thus interested and engagetf in the cause of improving, stock will part with the best produce, (and we should accept none but the best) of their im}:)orted stores is not to be expected ; if, therefore, we will apply to them for our improving stock, we can look only for the least valuable individuals that are produced from their im- portations, whilst on the othej.- hand, if we apply directly to igland, the pure fountain to which they resort, we will secure to ourselves a gcnui, ' reed of the sj)ccies vve require, and equal in every point to those sent to United Stales. Ilie preference here given to the cattle of Great-Fi lin docs not arise from any contracted principle, k is the difspring of observation of the cattle of both countries and the evident superiority of the 13ritish. If, as individuals, we choose to make up a stock from either country, the means of doing so are within our power and wc may exert them, as prejudice or partiality may direct, but the public, purse is public pioperty aiul when once it is opened to forward and promote a jiatriotic purpo'.o, those cntiusted with the application of its ri «i4MlU.J,JBl'!i',J" ^> 48 contents, ought to lay aside all private or selfish motives, for they have a sacred resportsibility to discharge to the countiy of which they are members. One of the most efficient and speedy means of disseminating a know- ledge of husbandry in Great-Britain was the establishment ot Experi- mental Farms, and to the present day, we find her example followed by the greater part of continental Europe. To this Country such an insti- tution, however limited its extent, could not fail but be of infinite advan- tage, as well in the general branches of Agriculture, as in the Stock and Dairy departments. The expence attending the establishment would not be great ; the sale of the produce and stock, would meet a great part of it, whilst the instruction allbrded to the rising ^;eneration of Farmers, (many of whom are likely soon to be extensive and opulent proprietors,) would over-balance any trifling sum which might be required to keep the establishment on the footing it should be, and render it a well orga- nized and regulated Provincial School of Agriculture. The variety of Soil, the difference of situation and other peculiar cir- cumstances possessed by this young and flourishing country render it a most promising field for such an experiment, the more especially so, as we can confidently rely on the zeal, wisdom and ability, of the present Executive in directing such an institution to the lasting advantage of the Province and its inhabitants; and as the btuiuty and durability of an edifice consist in its design, material and workmanship, and its fitness for the purposes intended, and usefulness to a community are displayed in the effects of its internal arrangements and government, so we have the firm- est grounds to believe, that, in such an institution, under these auspices, such regulations would be adopted and acted upon, as would be produc- tive of the most beneficial consequences, and it is only by the indication of a thorough knowledge of rural economy in all its branches, and a practical application of that knowledge* to the various departments of husbandry, that individual interest can be forwarded, or any real weal'.;h accumulate and permanently remain in an Agricultural counuu- nity. As the object of these Remarks has been to convey the best in- formation which is furnished from the intelligence and experience of the practical men of chat country where Husbandry has been carried to an unrivalled state of excellence, I need, I trust, offer no apology for having applied to such for their opinions on our subject, when it is considered that those opinions are the received authorities in * The works of the Agricola of Nova-Scotin, have been of infinite service in rou»'ng a spirit of inquiry and disseminating much useful inforuiatiun in the country. It is almost unnecessary to mention those of tii&r eminent Agriculturiiit and Secre- tary to the British Board of Agriculture, AuintK Yolnu. )r tlicy have lich they are innfa know- ot Experi- tollowed bv iicii an insti- finite advan- e Stock and inent would a great part of Farmers, proprietors,) ired to keep a well orga- peculiar cir- ntry render specially so, :' the present nta(;e oi'the ibihty ol' an its fitness for played in the ive the finn- ?.se auspices, 1 be produc- ? indication ches, and a )artnients of ar any real ural counnu- the best in- experience ry has been ust, offer no our subject, luthorities in rvice in rou'^ng jntry. uiiit and Secre- ^ 4{) the Mother Country, and may be acted upon in this Province with the (rreatest ndvantu