A HINT TO FARMERS.

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume X, Issue 953, 17 October 1891, Page 3

A HINT TO FARMERS.

It is extraordinary that more farmers m this district do no devote a portion of their time and their land to the breeding* of pedigree sheep. That such enterprise pays, there is plenty of proof. We saw for example, just recently a letter from one of the most important stock agents m the North Island addressed to Mr W. D. Lawrence with, reference to his well known Eomney Marsh rams. Some eight or nine months ago the agent pur chased thirty of these rams, and they have given such satisfaction that a second order has been now received for thirty more, and for forty to fifty to tollow shortly, and all these are sold at remunerative prices. Of course great care and judgment has to be exercised m the selection of a flock of this kind. Mr Lawrence started the breed by purchasing nearly twenty four years ago the pick of Mr Boys', of Bangiora, rams and ewes, all imported stock. Judiciously mingling this strain with a fine lot of rams ob from Dr Webster, of Oamaru, a number of ewes and rams bred by Mr Ludnam, of the Hutt, and a splendid line of fifteen ewes of the celebrated Tomlie's breed, purchased from Mr It, Wilkin, he has succeeded m establishing a flock second to none m the colony. The Jtfomney is preeminently suited to the heavy land of the Ellesmere district. It is a prolific breed — Mr Lawrence's flock averages over 120 per cent of lambs— and bears a very heavy fleece. Ewes average lOlbs of wool ; hoggets 14 lbs rams 20lbs. The breed is especially suitable for crossing with merino, the wool thus obtained generally commanding the highest price iD the London markets. It is mainly used m the North Island for crossing with the Lincdns, the moist climate and rich land being conducive to the welfare of this variety. In this district too, the Lincoln cross does remarkably well, as witness the capital flocks of Mr Henry Overton. The old saying that it is as cheap to keep a good animal a? a bad one is never more applicable than m cases oi th ; s kind. The prime cost is" the onlj expense, and m sheep breeding, as ii

i everything olse, the host, will ba found ' fcho cheapest m the long run.