MERITS OF ROMNEY MARSH SHEEP.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 329, 29 December 1888, Page 4

MERITS OF ROMNEY MARSH SHEEP.

I We have received the following communication^ under date November 23rd :— Having read with pleasure the article oh "MrCobb's Sheep Stud" in the currentnuin- ' ber of your valuable paper, I venture td Supplement it with some remarks on the stud — also Romney Marsh — of Messrs Bryant Broe., who have been long most favourably known as breede s of this class of stock in ', the south of this island, viz., at Ohariu Valley, near Wellington, and Fitzherbert, near Palmerston North. lam the 'more encouraged to do this as I notice that you, Sir, in youv editorial note, evidently coincide in my own opinion as to the superiority of the llomney Marsh sheep over Liticolns for hardihood and all round profitableness. I may cay that this question, Romneys vzraus Lin coins, is now much exercising the minds of all settlers in these parts, and therefore I should like to give your numerous readers a few particulars as to where Romney^Marsh or Kentish sheep will do : though, of course, I am quite unable to say whether ifc is a breed suitable to Auckland, though from a hurried trip through your province I am inclined to think it is suitable. \ Many years ago the Messrs Bryant Bros. wete depasturing Lincoln sheep on their land — formerly bush — near Wellington, but, getting tired of the heavy losses in lionets, the length of time before the wet tiers were fit for the butcher, the excessne amount of feed they required, and other detects of this breed, obey decided to try llomney Marsh sheep. Starting with the best blood procurable, they have steadily, and with much judgment, improved their 1 strains, with the result that to day theitf' flock, some eight thousand (8.000), is remarkable for its even and high excellence. One of their purchases of pedigree stock was the celebrated Jumbo (whose portrait you give), whom they bought from Mb Cobb for, I think, 50 guineas. From thife fine animal they have some rare good stock which they intended exhibiting, with otheis, at the Palmerston North Agricultural and Pastoral Show last week. "Unfortunately, they were prevented by a serious landslip which occurred on the Wellington and Manawatu railway, and stopped the possibility of getting the sheep up there in time. I was fortunate enough to see these sheep in ihe wool, and they were real pictures — grand in carcase and wool. There were 14 in all, mostly Jumbo's progeny. I may say that I saw them shorn when the rams clipped 131b to 151b, and the ewes 121b to 141b of wool (which the late heavy rains had washed almosb clean), long and close in staple of very bright and well-conditioned lustre. lam sure, Sir, you will agree with me that it ia stock of this class that we want all over the counfciy. 1 am also sure that as regards hardihood, fecundity, and early maturity, there aie no &heep known equal to the Romney Marsh. Hoping you can hnd space for this letter and thanking you in anticipation therefor, I am, yours, etc. , Shephkrl*. Ohariu Valley, Wellington December 23rd, 1888.