For remarks and additional obſervations.

they buy at different markets, and which tliey ſell off again at Smithfield, between Chriſtmas and Ladyday. By which the farmer gains a very confiderable advantage, both im- proving his land and enriching his pocket.

Houſc- lambs.— Among the articles for which Middleſex is celebrated, that of breeding and fattening houſe-lambs for the London market, is undoubtedly one which merits par- ticular attention. It is an art which, it is believed, ori- ginated in this county, though it is now gradually ſpread- ing itſelf over other parts of the ifland, but it ſtill con- tinues to be carried on here to more advantage, and on a larger ſcale, than in any other part of the kingdom. With- out entering into any minute detail of this ſpecies of traf- fick, it may be ſuffcient, in this haſty ſketch, to remark, that it not only involves in it a very profitable branch of farming, but alſo furniſhes a market for the aftermath of the country, when made into hay, which, if ſtacked, in to- lerable order, is ſaid to afford a food very proper for the ewes during the time of ſuckling; and, if the ſeaſon proves ſo unfavourable that this ſecond,(and ſometimes third) crop of graſs, is not fit for the above uſe, it is ſold in London for packing China, glaſs, and other goods, for which the ſoftneſs of its texture makes it a proper material. Some calves are alſo reared in this county, but not to the ſame extent as houſe-lamb.

Earhy graſidamb.— The vicinity to Smithfield- market makes early graſs-lambs an object of confiderable im- portance. The Dorſet ewes are chiefly ſelected for this purpoſe. They are purchaſed at Wey-hill-fair the be- ginning of October, forward enough to drop their lambs about Chriſtmas. The price from 24 to 285. They give them turnips in the ſpring, and will ſometimes ſell the lambs in the months of April and May at 205. a head.

The

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