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single shepherd could guard a flock of several thousands, more espe- cially if he called to his assistance the large shepherd-dog from the Swiss mountains. They would not only astonish the marauding wolf, but his prowling relative, the cur. It is not impossible that, among the many varieties of goats existing in the far distant and almost in- accessible regions of the Eastern World, some breeds may yet be found more valuable to our country than this; but at present, we know of none that can be compared with it.

WHAT IMPROVEMENT CAN BE MADE IN THIS BREED OF GOATS?

Since it possesses the characteristics of all the other domesticated animals, we have reason to believe that, by judicious breeding, and devoting to this subject the same attention that breeders in England bestow on their horses, cattle, sheep, and swine, an equal number of improved varieties will be produced. We are at present unacquainted with any superior variety of goat with which this might be crossed to improve the fineness of the wool. Improved individuals, however, spring up in these varieties themselves, without any foreign admix- ture; and by selecting these, and separating them from the common stock, we have at once a new breed, which soon becomes a perma- nent race. Let us in these matters follow the teachings of Nature in all her departments. How were the varieties of Sea Island cotton, of large rice, of prolific corn, wheat,&c., produced? A few stalks of these superior qualities were detected in the fields. Thus far it was the free gift of a beneficent Creator. Man, his agent, now se- lected and cultivated them separate from all others. Thus a valuable variety was obtained that may, by proper care, be perpetuated. In the Courrier des Eats Unis we have a long and interesting account of a Merino sheep in France, which, instead of wool, produced fine silken hair. The breed was perpetuated, and goes under the name of“ Cashmere sheep.“ At the ‧Universal Exhibition,“ in Paris, it was affirmed by the judges of one of the shawls made from this hair, that they found this(as they named it) native Cashmere as soft and as brilliant as the imported, and that it was superior to the latter on account of its regularity of detail.“

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we may be asked, whether we are induced to believe that, from the many good properties of this goat, it will eventually supersede the sheep in husbandry? We answer, certainly not. 4 gift of Providence so valuable as the sheep is not to be cast aside by any intruder on its rightful domains. The sheep and the goat have each their appropriate sphere in the economy of Nature, and there are good properties in each that cannot be supplanted by the other. The Creator, in his munificent benevolence, has given a limited number of valuable domestic animals and poultry, grains, fruits, and vegetables to man, all capable ef producing varieties, and of acoom- panying him in his migrations over the world. Each has its limits

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