56 AGRIOULTURAL REPORT.

attributes its superior quality to the climate of that region, although it was grown nearly two degrees south of the scope of country of which I am treating, and not in the true grass region. Whether Mr. Cockrill is correct or not in his opinion, the fact is incontrovertible that the climate has worked no deterioration in the quality of the wool in the many years he has given wool-growing his attention. But whatever difference of opinion may exist on this subject, it is estab- lished beyond doubt that wool grown in a warm climate has a longer and softer fibre than that produced in the colder countries, although there may be no difference in the fineness of either; and the manu- facturer will give a decided preference to the longer and softer staple. Since the introduction of the Saxon sheep at the North, it is found that they are not capable of resisting the severity of that climate, and the breeding of them is abandoned as unprofitable; but it is reasonable to conclude that this most valuable variety of fine-woolled sheep, before long, will find its fixed place of habitation in the more congenial climate of the South.. 1 There are but few wolves in this region, and as-they commit their depredations only at night, all danger from them may be obviated by penning the flocks at such time, when they will also be secure from

the attacks of curs, which are unfortunately but too plentiful in this

wild and uncultivated region.

REPORT ON ASIATIC GOATS.

By a resolution of the Southern Central Agricultural Association of Georgia, a committee was appointed to report on the goats now in the possession of Mr. Richard Peters, of Atlanta; and, in compliance therewith, presented, through Dr. John Bachman, of Charleston, South Carolina, their chairman, an elaborate report, from which the fol- Jowing is an abstract:

Among all the domesticated animals introduced into our country, the goat has hitherto been regarded as the least valuable. The several large breeds, such as the Scind, the Maltese, and the Swiss goats, which were, from time to time, introduced as milking animals, were, after a period, neglected and considered as of no great value in comparison with the cow; and we are not aware that their milk is converted into cheese in any portion of our country. The hair was too coarse for manufacturing purposes, and the flesh was considered inferior to that of veal or mutton; hence the goat was scarcely regarded as deserving of notice among the herds of the farmer. The wisdom of Providence has, however, so ordered it that, in all the species of animals intended for the use of man, distinct and per- manent varieties are produced in different localities, which varieties, by proper attention, may be preserved for ages without change or deterioration. Breeds of horses have been produced, adapted to the various necessities of man. The breeds which have originated from our domesticated horned cattle are equally varied, and so organized