A SHEEP DECREASE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1085, 25 March 1911, Page 8

A SHEEP DECREASE.

NEW SOUTH WALES RETURNS. ' A progress return of the stock in New South Wales, compiled by tho stock branch, Department of Agriculture, gives the estimated number of horses, cattle, and sheep in tho State on December i, 1311.'- The estimated total ."gives 529,085 h0r5e5, ; 2,694,183 cattle, and 433553,105 sheep, as against the actual total tiublishod for tho; year, January' 1, 1910, in the annual stock , rer.ort, viz., 576,693- horses, 2,CJG,300 cattle, and •14,144,571 sheep,. showing an increase of 12,392 horses,. 47,883 cattle, and a decrease of 591,4CG sheep. It is anticipated, however, says tho Sydney "Herald,"'when tho inspectors have been furnished with returns for all stock in their respective districts, _ and the correct totals arrived at, that it will bo found the shortago in sheep, as hero shown, will considerably, if not wholly, disappear. ' Tho increase in horses and cattle is attributed to good seasons, more breedin'", and increased settlement. Tho decreaso in sheep is attributed to the cutting lip of large estates, substitution o£ cerealgrowing for sheen-raising, noor lambin<\ owing to cold wiather, dry seasons in °a few districts, and Temoval of stock that were ou agistment, and large sales in some districts in connection with freezing industry, and in-anticipation of water famine. .