Rocky Mountain Sheep.

Manawatu Herald, 9 December 1897, Page 3

Rocky Mountain Sheep.

When the House was in Committee of Supply a short time ago, Mr Tanner wished for information from the Minister as to the introduction" of rtickjr m'oudtaid sheep; and the reply was that they nad ndfc got information so far to induce them to import these sheep, but it was deemed advisable to again vote the money. It appears that the Government have been induced to consider the Question of importing these animals with a view of liberating them on the weßt coast of the South Island, where there was a large territory and ranges where there were no animals, and also with an idea of providing sport. The efforts of the Colonists baVe been to improve our type of sheep) and some members tery properly raised their voice against this importation for fear that they would prove a serious nuisance to nintiolders. The Minis ter of Lands does not appear to have given very much attention to the subject, but relies on the statement of a gentleman in New Zealand who knew all about the habits of these sheep in America, that they would not cross or in any way contaminate the sheep in the colony. Fortu nately the Minister has agreed before importing any of these sheep to take the advice of the Agricultural and Stock Committee as to whether it is advisable to do so.

There are many kinds of wild sheep, but the only indigenous form in America is the rocky mountain sheep. This sheep the wit montana, or Bighorn, is so called from the immense size of its horns, whioh resemble tho3e of the argali, but are shorter and comparatively stouter and not so spiral. The animal in other respects resembles, and is closely related to, the a*gali (the large wild sheep of Asia, supposed to be the original stock of the domestic sheep) of which ifc is the American representative. In colour it is grayish-brown, with whitish buttocks, like the other wild sheep. It stands about 8£ feet at the withers, and is very stoutly built. It inhabits the higher mountain ranges of the western United States. It is much hunted for its flesh, which makes excellent mutton. Like other wild sheep it is gregarious.