154 On ix Breed of Sheep.[March,

We differ again respecting the relative quantity of wool to be produced, 8ay froin an acre of pasture.

I am willing to concede, that Leicester Sheep produce as much wool from the acre as any other British breed, and it may be more. Should this be true in fact, it is the only eir- cumstance“ of superiority that I can conceive appertaining to them; and it is coarse combing wool 50 desirable in the ap- prehension of Pastorius.

After this concession, I hold fast my opinion, that I can ex hibit Merino Sheep shall produce still more, not of coarse but of fine combing wool; the aversion of Pastorius, which aver- SIon, however, no doubt, would be done away Should my con- clusion prove to be correct.

But at what period Shall we meet in our conclusion, by marching, counter-marching, and skirmishing on paper?

Let us then put the question at rest by fair experiment, the only possible method.

Let two or four acres of the richest or the poorest pasture in*tbis neighbourhood, be equally divided and Securely bounded. On one division let Pastorius' Stock according to discretion, with his chosen Leicester ot any or all deseription, tups, weders, and ewes, which yet may be obtained here in abundance, neither are we wanting in advocates for the breed, although they are greatly diminished. On the other division, I would propose to Stock with Merino keep in like discretion« But here 1 would just notice the great odds proposed to be given Pastorius, Since for one full crossed Merino, he would have it in his power to Select from more than one hundred Leicester Sheep. Again, let the Sheep be put on their assigned Pasture, immediately after Shear-trrimmed, both divisions 40 be Shorn on the same day, abd so let them remain till he next Shearing Scason; at which time, Lhold thatthe Merino Should produce the greatest weight in wool, both to be scoured by the Same person, or 1 would forfeit all the rent, expense, and cost of whatever nature, attending the experiment; on the other hand, if I Succeed, the cost would be fo Pastorius.

On a former occasion, 1 Stated the aggregate locks of Great Britain alone to consist of about twenty million individual Sheep, intending clearly notto comprehend Ireland; the omis- Sion proceeding from the circumstance of not having been in PosSesSIOn of any authentic estimate, applying to that impor- tant partof the empire; and not, as your Correspondent would geem to infer, from considerations of local predilection. In a general way, perhaps, considerations of that Sort attach to-me as Slightly as to most other /ubourers in the republic of agricul- wie. For none do I entertain a higher esteetn, than for(hose ot Leland, and North Britain. And I am proud to add, that 1 have the honour and the gratification to be in habits ot inti-