the opinion that the production of
mutton has been too much disregarded as a concomitant of the
production of wool. Near large meat markets mutton is the _prime
consideration_, and wool but the accessory."

Here, then, is a potent combination of circumstances, which were never
before brought together, guaranteeing an abundant remuneration, as I
believe, to those who may engage in this particular branch of husbandry;
and the field, although now new, will nevertheless, I have little doubt,
be very soon successfully occupied. I cannot but hope that our ambitious
and enterprising stock breeders will secure to themselves their full
share.

Perhaps I have already exhausted your patience by dwelling so long upon
this subject; but regarding it--as I most certainly do--as a very
important one, and this being an appropriate occasion for its
discussion, you will, I trust, bear with me a moment longer, whilst I
venture to make a few practical suggestions, before taking leave of it.
Let me then say, in this matter of Sheep Husbandry, in addition to what
has already been said, that you should guard against extreme views of
any kind. Merinos are undoubtedly a valuable and a very desirable breed
of sheep, as witness the noble specimens exhibited on this occasion; but
you do not want them and nothing else, unless they will pay a better
profit than any other sheep; nor should you pay an extravagantly high
price for them merely to enrich the sheep-breeders of another State; nor
because it is fashionable to do so. You should remember that the South
Downs, the Leicesters, the Cotswolds, as well as some others perhaps,
also have their respective claims to favor and are worthy of your
consideration. My own opinion is that a grade of sheep may be produced
by a cross between the Cotswolds and some other varieties, which will
furnish a staple of fine, long, combing wool of lustrous appearance,
that will prove--all things considered--quite as remunerative as fleeces
from the choicest Merinos and their grades.

You should, also, avoid the too common error of overstocking with sheep
when the price of wool is high. Sheep Husbandry has been a very
profitable branch of business for the farmers of this State; but like
every other business it may be overdone, and is liable to fluctuations
and changes. Sheep must be well fed and cared for in order to produce
heavy fleeces; and there is certainly a limit to the number which may
profitab