152 On the Breed of Sheep.[Sept

are by no means adverse ta my description, the correctness

of which was disputed by Mr. Bartley.

The practice of Mr. Bell, of Norfolk, of devoting the milk of seveh cows, fire,&c. to the use of bis Anglo-merino flock* on the approach of; and during the lJambing Season, will pro- bably be viewed as very unfavourable to that breed. But, though I am desirous that theze Sheep Shoald not appear in a better dress, or form, than that which really belongs to them, IT am at the Same time, very unwilling that any false impres- SIons Should 90 abroad to their prejudice; for though I have Opposed their introduction int9 our productive pastures, and warmly contended, that upon Such lands, they are much in- ferior to the New Leicesters, yet,[ am of opinion that con- Siderable advantages would arise from asSigning a portion of our mddling pastures to Anglo-merino flocks, obtained by crossSing South-down and Ryeland ewes with Spanish rams. I must, therefore, 0Ppose to Mr. Bell's practice, wbich will, doubtless, convey an Idea of very delicate construcetions, the rezults of the experiments made with his Majesty's Sheep, and also those of Lord Somerville, Mr. Bartley, Dr. Parry, Mr. Tollet) and ömhers, All 6E wilich clearly prove, that the climate of our Southern counties is not only favourable to the Constitutions of the Merinos, but that, in these Parts, the wool continues as fine in quality, and as great in quantity, as

that produced in Spain.

When we consider the practice of the Spaniards in not castrating any of their lambs, we cannot be Surprised at tbe ugly frames of their Sheep. But we have only to advert to the principles and Practice of Bakewell, and other eminent British breeders, to be satisfied that by proper Selections, the torn" of the carcase is Susceptible of great improvement. Of this I am convinced from long experience in breeding both Jong and Short wooled Sheep.

These important facts, relating to constitution, wool, and improvemenbin form, being ascertained, I have no hesitation in etating, that one million, or fifteen hundred thousand Üüne woolled Anglo-merinos,(the number, which I pre Sume, would amply Supply our manufacturers of Supertine cloth), would considerably augment our national prosperity. Not, however, to the extent which Some have asserted. My reasons for this latter opinion, I may, perhaps, State at length, accompanied with calculations, ere Mr. B. and-1 ar- rive at the end of our dispute.

It zems undeniable, that by crossing Soath-down and Rye

* Which is but ſmall,