RAPE AS A FOOD FOR BREEDING EWES.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1200, 14 November 1882, Page 2

RAPE AS A FOOD FOR BREEDING EWES.

The following letter to the Editor of the “Times” (London), appears in the issue of that paper, dated sth September, 1882 ■ OUR MUTTON SUPPLY. Sir, —It is a serious fact for the producers and consumers of mutton that the sheep population of England diminishes while the human population increases, and it is well worth consideration how this serious but irremediable misfortune may best be met. In the first place, with good keep, (just at this season green rape given freely is the best food for the purposa for the proposed mothers of our J 883 production of lambs with which they may bo indulged), the result would be an addition of 30 per cent to our lamb and mutton supply of 1883 and 1884. In seems to me that in this instance flockmasters have neglected to observe causes and effects. Farmers should remember that every well bred lamb that makes its appearance is worth about 20s at its birth, hence it follows that a sheep-farm of 300 acres, maintaining 300 ewes, which, in the hands of an inconsiderate farmer would raise 300 lambs, in those of the more skilful one might produce 500, much to his own profit as a producer, while conferring an important benefit on consumers. The increased number in many cases might pay the whole rent of the farm by the judicious use of a few acres of rape. If any of your readers are incredulous I will give them facts. My neighbour, Mr John Westrope, ot Guilden Morden, Cambs, has informed me that his flock of 200 longwool ewes have brought him an average ot two lambs each, as many triplets as singles, and his flock has produced an approximation to this for several years past. This year I have been following in my neighbours footsteps, and have raised 200 twin lambs in an aggregate of 320, aud have sold 113 of them for £6CO for breeding purposes. My twin flock are rewarded with a liberal supply of corn, for which they are very grateful, and on the clover leys , always left me the legacy of a splendid wheat crop. England expects every man to do his duty, and I feel that if 1 did not give the public this result of my own experience and observation, I should be deficient in doing mine.—l am &c., E. King Fordham. The Bury, Ashwell, Herts, Sept. 2nd.