1857 - Hursthouse, C. New Zealand, or Zealandia, the Britain of the South [Vol.II.] - CHAPTER XIII. PASTORAL PURSUITS.

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CHAPTER XIII.

IN natural advantages constituting a perfect "habitat" for the sheep, there is perhaps no country in either hemisphere superior to New Zealand. The surface for the most part is hilly or undulating; the soil is light, percolative, and freely impregnated with all congenial oxides, sulphates and phosphates; 1 the climate is the happy mean

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of temperature and moisture; no destructive animal exists; and there is perpetual natural pasturage with a profusion of the finest water:--a rare combination of natural gifts, creating marked exemption from disease, great prolificness, fat and early mutton, fine wool, and heavy fleece.

The sheep farmers and shepherd princes of Australia are justly reputed such high authority in all matters of their craft, that I shall commence this chapter by laying before the reader the following testimony of one of them as to the natural fitness of New Zealand for the growth of the "golden fleece." The gentleman who gives it, is an eminently practical man: a thriving Australian Squatter, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in New Zealand; and who, tempted mainly by the better climate, purposes some day to move over his flocks and herds to the Plains of Canterbury, or to some new Dumfriesshire of Otago.

"Tinwald Downs, Dumfriesshire,
Feb. 1, 1857.
"DEAR HURSTHOUSE,--You ask me to give you my impressions of New Zealand, and more particularly of the Canterbury Province, as a grazing country. I comply with pleasure, but you must bear in mind that my present experience of New Zealand is merely that of a visitor. You must not look upon my remarks, therefore, as infallible dogmas, but as the opinions of an Australian Squatter,

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paying a visit to New Zealand for the purpose of judging whether he could make an advantageous exchange from one colony to the other: a visit which has resulted in his determining to remove from New South Wales to Canterbury, or possibly to Otago.

"Before visiting New Zealand, I sometimes heard it spoken of as a country in which sheep and their owners throve; but accustomed as I was to the dry Australian climate, I could not comprehend how sheep could do well in a country possessing such a wet climate, as common report ascribed to New Zealand. On my arrival there, however, I soon saw that I had been labouring under a wrong impression: for although a great deal of rain falls in the country, the land generally is so well drained (naturally) and possesses such a porous substratum, that water cannot remain on the surface for any length of time. The excellent condition of all the stock I saw, too, convinced me that there was something in the pasturage, which did not meet the eye, peculiarly favourable to domestic animals. Australian Squatters will readily understand what is meant by this observation; for on the one hand, they must all have seen very fat stock on inferior-looking country; and on the other hand, districts where, though the grass was always beautifully green and luxuriant, no animal could be made fat. This remark, as to the condition of the stock, applies to all the provinces I visited, namely, Canterbury, Nelson, Wellington, New Plymouth, and Auckland. At Nelson, I certainly saw inferior mutton exposed in the butchers' shops; but this was explained by the circumstance of wethers having just been driven from the Wairau, over a very rough and mountainous road. At all other places the meat I saw on the table, and in the butchers' shops, was of excellent quality.

"There is little doubt, I think, about Canterbury being the best province for an emigrant possessed of a little capital, who intends to make sheep-farming his principal occupation. Otago, I imagine, is the next best, and may

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perhaps dispute the palm with her sister. They lie so near each other, however, that emigrants may easily visit both, and judge for themselves. Otago, from all I can learn, possesses one advantage over her neighbour in having abundance of wood everywhere; while Canterbury is so level and unbroken that she possesses the best, or, I may say, the only natural roads in New Zealand.

"Canterbury consists principally of an immense plain, extending from the chain of mountain, (forming the backbone of the island,) to the sea. This Plain contains about three and a half millions of acres, covered with natural pasturage of an excellent description. It is abundantly watered by streams, issuing from the mountains, but is deficient in timber; or rather what wood there is, is not well dispersed: for I think there is plenty for all practical purposes, if only it were more scattered and spread about. The whole Plain is available for depasturing sheep and cattle, except a strip along the sea (extending back a few miles) which is adapted for cattle only; but this is also first-rate agricultural land. To the north of the great Plain, there is a tract of country, about five hundred thousand acres in extent, chiefly of a limestone formation, and consisting of ridges and low spurs, extending from the mountains to the sea and well adapted for sheep; and at the southern end of the plain, there is another piece of country also available for sheep, consisting of ridges, low downs, and small plains.

"I visited several Stations in the northern portion of the Plains, and met with gentlemen of experience in sheep-farming, from Port Phillip, who gave me much useful information relative to the pastoral qualities of the Province. They all agreed that sheep-farming could be carried on with more profit, and much less trouble than in Australia. In the most favoured localities of that colony, three men (two shepherds and a watchman) are required for four thousand sheep; and in many districts the same number of sheep require six men; while on Canterbury Plains, that number of sheep can easily be

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attended to by one man, at all times except lambing time, when extra men are required in both countries. In Australia, the sheep are followed by the shepherd from morning till night, and require constant watching to prevent havoc by native dogs. At Canterbury, there being no noxious animals, the only mischief to be apprehended is mixing with a neighbour flock, and this is not a difficult matter to prevent at present, though it will of course be more liable to occur when the Runs become fully stocked. At the Stations I visited, the sheep were looked after by boys, who went out once or twice a day to see that all was right; and who were employed at other work during their spare time. In some cases, the boys went on horseback, and I think this is likely to become the custom, as much trouble is saved by the superior range of vision afforded by the elevation. Glasses are also used, and are of great assistance in distinguishing the sheep among the long grass.

"The greatest drawback to the Plains is the want of shelter in the strong gales, 'Southerly Bursters,' which occasionally occur. As the country becomes older, shelter in the shape of hedges and plantations will be provided by the more prudent flockmasters. The whin or gorse is well adapted for this purpose; as it thrives in the country, and is of rapid growth. Another drawback is the plant called 'tutu' or 'toot,' which appears to be universal over New Zealand. If eaten by sheep or cattle with empty stomachs, it acts in a similar manner to green clover, and sometimes causes death; but if partaken of sparingly, and with grass, it is said to possess highly fattening qualities. None of the graziers, however, except one, with whom I conversed on the subject, seemed to consider Toot worth notice, so it is scarcely worth while putting it down as a disadvantage; especially as it is rapidly disappearing in the older settled districts, and will doubtless soon disappear here.

"Of common sheep diseases, the province may be said to be quite free, and there are none peculiar to the country.

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On some of the runs where the soil is rich, they have occasionally a little footrot after a heavy fall of rain. Scab was introduced by some of the imported flocks; but is now all but eradicated, and with little chance of its recurrence, if the excellent laws on the subject, passed by the Provincial Council, are carried out.

"With respect to the capabilities of the country for carrying stock, the Squatters seem to consider that, in its natural state two acres are requisite for the maintenance of a sheep; but as the grass is improving every day by being eaten down, there is no doubt but that in a few years one acre will be amply sufficient for one sheep. The pasture can also be very much improved by sowing clover and grass seeds, which grow without any preparation of the soil. An energetic settler may therefore soon have his whole run covered with artificial pasturage at a trifling cost, and thus treble or quadruple its capabilities.

"As a wool-growing country the whole of New Zealand ranks high: although generally the wool has been sent to market in a very rough state, and consequently sold at apparently low prices. It possesses a peculiar softness, which is prized by manufacturers; and is much longer in the staple than the wool of similar sheep in Australia. In Canterbury, the sheep are principally of the Merino breed (the original stocks having been imported from Sydney and Melbourne), and the average weight of fleece may be set down at 3 1/4 lbs.--about a pound more than the Australian average. I heard 3 1/2 and 4 lbs. spoken of as the average; but allowing half a pound for grease and dirt, which might have been removed by a little more care in washing, I am of opinion that 3 1/4 lbs. will be found to be nearer the mark. Most of the runs possess great facilities for washing the sheep and getting the wool up well; but the scarcity of labour has prevented the Squatters from taking the pains they otherwise would have done; and consequently the wool has always brought from 1d. to 3d. per pound less than it should have done.

"The wethers attain a weight of sixty pounds at two

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years, and are generally sold to the butcher at that age; but, in my opinion, as long as a Run is not fully stocked it would be more profitable for the grazier to keep them another year: the wool and additional weight of mutton would afford a high rate of interest for the value of the sheep; the expenses of the station would be very little increased by keeping them another year, and the grass which they consume would otherwise be wasted.

"In a country like New Zealand, where all stock increases so quickly, it becomes a question whether there will always be a meat market for the fat stock without resorting to the wasteful practice of 'boiling-down.' 2

"I conceive that there will be; for as New Zealand appears likely to become the favourite 'home-planting' emigration field of the day, we may reasonably expect that port and city populations will arise to consume the

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mutton of the hills and plains. At present, there is an excellent market for butcher meat in Auckland and Wellington and the various provincial towns; and should fat stock eventually increase to such an extent in New Zealand that 'boiling-down' must be resorted to, you may console yourselves with the reflection that fat stock in New Zealand is fat stock, and that the quantity and quality of your tallow will produce you a goodly annual income. So much for sheep and shepherds.

"Provoking to relate, I, an old Squatter, half my life in the saddle, and used to chasing wild cattle over countries where no fox would be fool enough to go, took a gallop with our hounds the other day, got a fall and came home with fractured leg: this, keeping me in doors, makes writing an amusement, and hence the long letter which you get.

"I wonder where 'La Lucie' is, and whether Dieppe has recovered from the excitement of our arrival. 3 My mother-in-law and wife are well; and your old friend, Jamie, strong and hearty as an infant Squatter ought to be.

"Hoping we may eventually meet in New Zealand to see the Waitera thrown open; and to discuss short horns and merinos under the peach trees,

"I am, dear Hursthouse,
"Yours truly,
"ROBERT WILKIN."

To this Australian testimony I append the statement of Sir William Congreve (an English

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baronet who appears to have turned New Zealand colonist, and like a second Jason to have sought and found the "golden fleece"), and some remarks on the wild herbage of the colony from the published "Journal of a Somersetshire Farmer:"--

"I have just returned from the Far West, which, after having settled my shepherds, &c, at Nelson, I travelled to see. The more experience I acquire of the country, the better satisfied I am that I never acted more wisely than I did when I embarked for New Zealand: indeed, the only regret I now have is, that I did not start two or three years sooner. Advise all those who are disposed to emigrate to come here: they will be independent, and happier than in any other of the English colonies. The salubrity of New Zealand and the great internal resources it possesses, render it a most eligible place for parties who have only a moderate capital. People at home have no idea of the nature of industry to which this country is best adapted. For instance, a short time before I left home, Capt. ------ informed me that New Zealand was not in any degree suitable to sheep-farming: whereas the reverse is exactly the case; as no country possesses, to the same extent, the necessary requisites for the abundant and successful growing of wool. I mention this, to show you how little reliance is to be placed on the opinions of parties who have not lived some little time in the country. We live here much as at home, with this difference, that there is infinitely less formality and slavery to the rules of society than with you. We also have our amusements, such as horse-racing and shooting * * * * * * "

THE HERBAGE OF THE COLONY.

"A great portion of this north island is covered with fern; but in a few years, I have not the least doubt but it will nearly disappear, by the sheep and cattle

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feeding on it and treading it down, and from their feeding on the clover and other grasses when seeding, of which they are very fond. They then carry the seeds to different parts of their feeding ground, uninjured by mastication, and this proves an excellent way of propagating it; so that in a few years this country will be covered with herbage of this description. I will not presume to give an estimate of what the pastoral exports then will be. They will be immense; as the hills, which are very numerous, will be our best land for depasturing sheep and cattle, as they are rich and fertile. The middle island is more adapted for sheep at present, being more grassy and more free from fern. I prefer this, however, as I consider the climate is superior, and which I think cannot be surpassed in the world."

NUMBERS AND BREED OF SHEEP.--The number of sheep at, present in the colony may be estimated at upwards of a million, chiefly Australian Merinos; 4 and the value of this year's clip may perhaps be estimated at nearly £200,000. The sheep, like every domestic animal introduced from Australia into New Zealand, becomes larger in the new land: the Australian Merino fleece averages 2 1/2 lbs., the New Zealand Merino nearly 3 1/2 lbs. Common two-year New Zealand Merino wethers will weigh 15 lbs. a quarter; half-bred Southdowns are frequently killed at New Plymouth weighing 30 lbs. a quarter; and of a 100 Merino wethers, killed at Welling-

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ton, the loose inside fat, averaged the astonishing weight of 30 lbs. each carcass.

The uninitiated reader should understand that the Merino is the sheep of Australia and New Zealand, because of the fineness of the wool. 5 In size, meat, and fattening merits, the Merino stands low on the list. But the fleece is so fine compared with any other, that whilst the finest wool of our English mutton-producing breeds is never worth more than 2s., Spanish and Saxon Merino have frequently realised 3s. to 5s. per lb.

Nevertheless, although the Merino may remain sheep-king of New Zealand, it may be questioned whether the more general introduction of pure Cotswold and Southdown, for the "crop and meat growing" purposes of the arable and grazing farms, would not be attended with considerable profit to the agriculturist. Fine-dressed gentleman as Merino, especially Saxon Merino, may be, his coat is very scant; he is one of the tenderest and least prolific of breeds; and where fine meat and plenty of it is wanted, Saxon Merino certainly is not the sheep to supply it.

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With deference to Mr. Weld, 6 we might perhaps say, Merino for the Squatter on the hills and plains; and Southdown, Cotswold and Leicester for the farmed-fields and the butcher; whilst if quantity of wool, meat and tallow should ever become a desideratum in New Zealand, the Lincolnshire sheep might well turn emigrant and astonish the natives with his coat and legs. The rich farm pastures of New Zealand would graze this fen countryman of mine to his full proportions; when he would weigh 200 lbs., carry a twelve pound fleece, and in wool, meat and tallow, would be worth almost as much as a little cow." 7

NEW ZEALAND WOOL.--New Zealand Merino does not command quite so high a price in the London market as the Australian Merino. The imported Australian Merinos, which have formed the New Zealand breeding-stock, have consisted not so much of the purest of the Australian flocks as of mongrel-culls; and the comparative inferiority of New Zealand wool, thus created, has been further increased by the want of that practical knowledge in the art of "getting-up" for market, which the tyro young flockmasters of New Zealand have naturally displayed.

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Now, however, that wool-growing is becoming one of the organized pursuits of the colony, pure Merinos are being imported from Europe; and as the great "washing-advantages" of the New Zealand sheep-farmer endow him with extraordinary facilities for cleansing his wool, we may expect that New Zealand fleeces will soon come to market materially improved both in staple and condition. The New Zealand Merino may never be so fine in fibre as the Australian; but it possesses a peculiar "softness," and a greater length, which may make it quite as valuable per pound. And if not, the extra weight of fleece would more than compensate for the inferior quality, as may be evidenced by half a dozen figures:--

Australian Merino, 2 1/2 lbs. fleece, say 1s. 3d. per lb. in the colony.........3s 1 1/2d per fleece.
New Zealand Merino, 3 1/2 lbs. fleece, say 1s. per lb. in the colony............3s 6d

Since writing these remarks on the breeds of sheep best adapted for New Zealand, and on the quality of New Zealand wool, I have been favoured by the kindness of Messrs. Willis, Gann, and Co. with Mr. Tiffin's admirable article on the same subject, supplied by their late files of New Zealand journals.

"Our readers will thank us for printing to-day some valuable suggestions on the kind of wool likely to form the most profitable export from New Zealand; by an English manufacturer. These have been kindly furnished to us by Mr. Tiffin, who has also placed at our disposal some notes of his own; the results of a careful

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examination of the wools of different European breeds of sheep exhibited at the Paris Exhibition, notes made by him with the view of selecting, for importation into the colony, certain breeding-stock from the flocks best adapted to improve our breed of sheep in New Zealand.

"The question, which is the best sort of wool for New Zealand, the wool the colony is best adapted to produce, the wool which would be the most profitable export, and best remunerate the wool-grower, is one of great importance to the colony and to flock-owners; and affords a theme for profitable and interesting discussion to practical men. Hitherto, we believe, not much attention has been paid to the subject; the sheep in New Zealand have been imported from the Australian colonies, and any difference in the wools has been a difference produced by the change from a dry to a moist climate. The chief difference seems to be a greater length of staple, that is to say, the wool is of greater length; consequently, the fleece is of greater weight in New Zealand than it would be from the same sheep in Australia. It appears that the effect of good feed and a more humid climate, is to increase the length and strength of the wool; while in a dry climate like New South Wales, if the wool be finer, it is shorter in staple, and the fleece is consequently less in weight, and not equal in elasticity and strength to New Zealand wool. The advice given in the suggestions printed below by a practical manufacturer point to this result; namely, that the most profitable wool to be grown in New Zealand is that which in a certain amount of fineness is combined with length and strength of staple, and that it is better to try and attain this result, than to aim at fineness of wool alone to the neglect of the other qualities. Our object in these remarks is to draw attention to the papers we have referred to; so as to provoke discussion on a subject of great importance; for wool will constitute the chief export of our colony. The demand for Australian wools by the French manufacturers which has lately arisen, and which it is probable will

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become still greater, has been frequently noticed by the colonial papers. One cause which we have heard assigned is interesting and worthy to be noted--it is the falling off in the quantity of fine German wools brought into the market; and this is attributed to the improved condition generally of the people on the Continent, and the greater consumption by them of animal food than was the case some twenty years ago. This makes it more profitable to the German flock master to look to the weight of carcass than to the quality of wool. Such a cause is likely to be permanent, and its effect will be to keep up the value of Australian and New Zealand wools in the market. Another cause which has brought wools of the quality produced in New Zealand into more general request, has been the great improvement in machinery, which allows combing-wools to be used for carding purposes, and this, it will be observed, is strongly dwelt upon in Mr. Beard-sill's remarks.

"The following is the letter from Mr. Beardsill (an experienced English wool-stapler)to Mr. Tiffin:--

"'I have examined your samples of wool, and enclose you my opinion upon them. Your object will be, no doubt, to grow that kind of wool which will pay you the best; and in order to do this, I am confident your best policy will be to increase the weight of your fleece, and at the same time to grow a wool which will make a good useful combing-wool, a sort for which there is sure to be a great demand for many years to come. The sound long wools would be taken for clothing purposes; but the cloth manufacturers cannot compete with the combers in price: the combers can afford to give more than the clothiers. I have little doubt you might produce a fleece of 4 1/2 lbs., of which the wool, being well adapted for combing, would be worth as much per lb. as a fleece of 3 or 3 1/2 lbs. of clothing-wool: this would make a good deal of difference in a flock of 5000 sheep. From what I have seen of New Zealand wool, I am convinced the colony

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is as well calculated for growing combing-wool as any country in the world; but I don't think it is so well calculated for growing fine clothing-wool as many parts of Australia. If you aim at growing a fine clothing-wool, you will, I think, be disappointed. You should aim to grow wool with length and strength of staple for combing; and by a judicious crossing with the improved Spanish you may also get weight of fleece. This kind of wool is sure to fetch a better price than the short wools, if they are even considerably finer. You should endeavour to avoid breaks in the staple. I have noticed the working-up of nearly all kinds of wool for many years, indeed, all my life; and can speak with confidence, both practically and theoretically. Beside the growing of the wool, a great deal depends upon the proper getting-up of it. You should keep the fleece of the sheep as free from seeds and burs as possible: let the fleece of the sheep be well washed before it is shorn, and care should be taken in packing not to have all kinds mixed together. The fleeces should not be tied up with string as is the case sometimes; the lint mixes with the wool, and makes what we call 'burls.' The best Hogg fleeces and the lower Hogg fleeces should be packed separate; and the same plan should be adopted with the ewes, wethers, rams, and lambs: the locks should be kept separate also. One great defect in New Zealand wool has been the slovenly way in which it has been got up: that is, washed and assorted for packing. In endeavouring to improve the breed of sheep, you would find the plan adopted by the careful sheep-breeders in Germany very useful: they put a ram to a certain number of sheep, the produce are numbered and entered into a stock-book kept for the purpose; a cut of the wool is taken and kept for comparison, and if not satisfactory, the breed is stopped, or promoted, if otherwise. I have seen them pick a sheep out of a flock, and they could trace its pedigree by its number or mark. If you will only aim at growing wool decidedly better in quality than the average of English wool (say 3d. to 6d. per pound better) and long,

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sound, clean, and free in the staple, you are sure to be right, and sure to be producing the kind of wool likely to pay you best.'

"NOTES ON THE FINE WOOLS IN THE PARIS EXHIBITION. WITH REMARKS ON SOME OF THE MOST CELEBRATED FLOCKS ON THE CONTINENT.

"By H. S. TIFFIN, Esq., a New Zealand colonist visiting Europe for the purpose of selecting fresh breeding sheep for importation into the colony.

"The wool of the finest staple which I observed, was that of Moravia and Bohemia; next was that of Silesia. The whole of these are strictly carding-wools of a very high value; but as they have been for the last century bred entirely for their wool, and been depastured on very poor land, the breed has become exceedingly small; the sheep are very ill-formed, and weigh but 36 lbs. dead weight. Their fleece when washed scarcely ever exceeds 1 3/4 lb.; but the price of this wool is quoted at 4s. per lb. Beautiful as were these samples, I was from the first convinced that if we, in New Zealand, attempted to breed such a kind of sheep, our abundant pastures would develope the frame of their progeny, and the character would become quite changed. In this, I was confirmed by M. Yvart, the celebrated Directeur of Agriculture in France. He has made wool and sheep his constant study for many years; and his opinion is, that, unless fine-woolled sheep (such as those of Moravia) are kept low in condition, and are nightly housed, the quality of the fleece cannot be maintained. He moreover argues strongly that the demand for this kind of wool is fast decreasing: confirmatory of which, we find that superior carding-wool, washed on the sheep's back, in 1829, realised from 10s. to 12s. per lb.--at the present time the same sorts fetch from 3s. to 3s. 6d.

"I was particularly attracted by some wether wool from Saxony, which had gained the prize as carding-wool at the

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Agricultural Exhibition in Paris. Four fleeces were exhibited in the grease:--

"I could not ascertain the value per lb. of this particular lot, as it scarcely ever appears in the English markets; but from samples somewhat similar, I believe, if well washed, it would realise 4s. per pound. This was, however, only a clothing-wool; and as the exhibitor has a flock of 4000, it is reasonable to suppose these four fleeces were picked from a large lot. The mode of treatment pursued with these sheep is similar to that of Moravia, &c. When I visited this flock, I became fully aware that the average clip would not exceed 2 1/4 lbs. of washed wool, and that the dead weight of the wethers would not exceed 52 lbs.

"The most celebrated of the Spanish flocks belong to the race of Leon. The rams have the horns of a middling size, close in; the ewes are well made, with particularly fine short wool, which is, however, deficient in strength: again owing to the poorness of their condition. This breed of sheep is very small: I should scarecely imagine that the wethers would net more than 40 lbs.; and the ewe fleeces certainly would not weigh more than 1 1/2 lb., when washed on the sheep's back. The actual difference between these sheep and the Electoral breed is very small: the Electoral is perhaps rather larger, is more leggy, has no depth of flank, and rather a larger head. The Negretti breed resembles both the Electoral and Leon breeds: it is larger, with better-rounded limbs, and more woolled than either; the wool is longer, too, of greater strength, elasticity, and abundance, than that of Leon; but it is not quite so fine. The Negrettis m,ay be known at once by the numerous plaits of wool round the neck, which forms a kind of collar. The average weight of fleece is about 4 lbs., the weight of carcass 60 lbs. In some flocks I have visited, the average

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weight of the fleece washed on the sheep's back would probably be 5 lbs., and the weight of carcass 70 lbs. to 80 lbs.; but in these cases leguminous plants and artificial grasses are raised so as to keep the sheep always high fed. In reality, the Negretti is of the Leon breed, which, by better feeding, has become more developed; it is not a necessary mark of their purity of blood, that they should be horned--some of the choicest rams that I have seen anywhere were polled.

"In the district of Gex (Ain) there is a very beautiful flock of Merinos, imported by General Girod in 1798. From the name of the farm on which they were first placed, they are called the breed of 'Naz.' They are of the Negretti race, and their wool is very valuable. This farm lying close to the Jura Mountains is very poor: the sheep have, therefore, gradually decreased in size; and at the present moment the live weight of the wethers is probably not more than 60 lbs. I believe, that if properly washed, the fleeces would average from 1 1/2 lb. to 2 lbs. The General is at all times ready to sell: as long back as 20 years, he shipped a lot to Sydney; and has exported to the Crimea and to the Cape of Good Hope.

"The Negretti, it became evident to me, was the best breed for New Zealand. The 'Royal Society of Bohemia for the Improvement of the Race of Sheep' has produced wonderful results with this breed: the samples of wool from the royal sheepfold at Frankenfelde, in Prussia, show how, by careful selection, the length of staple and weight of fleece can be increased without loss of fineness. At Roth-Schoenberg there is a celebrated flock, tracing its pedigree ninety years through the Negretti; the fleeces from this flock average 3 1/2 lbs. At Wrugen, in Brandenburg, the same breed averages 3 lbs.: the wool exquisitely fine. At Sevry there is a flock of Negrettis, no stain in their blood for eighty years: with this flock fineness of wool only has been taken into account, and their frame is no larger than that of the Leon. Their live weight may be taken at 60 lbs.; and fleece, at 2 lbs., valued at 4s. per lb. That

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this breed, by good feeding and careful selection, may be increased very materially in size so as to be useful for household purposes, the experiments carried on at Rambouillet afford convincing proof.

"The flock I have now imported from is of pure Negretti blood, raised without cross from 200 ewes and 11 rams. The entire flock contains 2400 sheep, which are now nearly of double the size of the sheep of the original family in Spain: they yield three times the quantity of wool, a trifle coarser, but more valuable, through its strength, elasticity, and length. I was at once forcibly struck with this flock, as being the most perfect type among all the fine wool-growing sheep adapted for our use; and in this opinion I was confirmed by the number of prizes that the proprietor has gained during the last ten years: the fine rams he annually reserves for his own use are irreproachable.

"From the first the owner of this flock formed an idea that the smallness of the Merino took its rise from their being reared in a half-starved condition. The name they had of being bad mothers he attributed to the same cause. He commenced with giving his sheep at all times abundance of food, and by selecting his breeding-stock with due regard to symmetry as well as weight and fineness of wool-- it being a study in which he takes great delight, and having a correct eye for form, he has succeeded in performing wonders; his sheep are elegantly made, and the wool fine throughout. The rams clipped last year 14 1/2 lbs. in the grease, this year 8 lbs. well-washed wool. No cross has been allowed in this flock, therefore its present condition rests entirely in the careful selection that he has made of breeding stock; at the same time it is a convincing proof that the true Merino is capable of greater improvement than it has yet had credit for.

"Another striking example is in the Imperial flock at Rambouillet. The foundation of this flock was an importation from Spain in 1786 of the truest Negretti Merinos that could be procured. The intelligent Director Le Bon

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Daurier showed me portraits of the sheep and samples of their wool at the time of their importation; hungry, stinted, bony, tucked-up looking animals (the sheep in Spain to the present time are no better). The flock at Rambouillet has now sheep three times heavier in carcass as well as fleece than they originally were. Earlier maturity is obtained and many of the defects of symmetry in the Spanish sheep are fast disappearing. It is a pity that the proprietors in the neighbourhood of Rambouillet, who procure sheep from the Imperial farm, do not aid in keeping up the breed to its present excellence; but unfortunately it is not so, a great number of Rambouillet sheep consequently are cross-bred; indeed the only ones that can be fully depended upon are those bred at the Imperial farm.

"At this establishment is exhibited a series of wool from 1786 to the present time; at the point of departure the wool appears as of short staple and brittle; from thence the staple increases in length and elasticity; the pile remains as close; and what trifle is lost in its value by becoming coarser is far more than compensated for by its softness and elasticity.

"Now they have the wool three times as long as that of 1786, and owing to the carcass being more than double in size, the clip is five or six times greater than that of 1786.

"The wool is said to have the ascendancy over that of Saxony and Silesia for clothing purposes; the latter has more silkiness, but is much less strong and elastic.

"In the course of my investigations it occurred to me that these large sheep would require far more room for depasturing on; but I have been several times assured that the small Spanish sheep eats as much, if not more, than the Rambouillet.

"My objections to this breed are the great looseness of skin about their thighs and flanks, and because they have been bred too much for mutton, and not enough for wool; consequently the thigh and breech wool is very apt to be too coarse; and I am inclined to believe that whenever

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great improvements are aimed at in Merino sheep, the increase of size should not he carried to so great a pitch as they have done at Rambouillet. I have in every instance seen that where moderate size and great compactness have been observed, the wool maintains its original fineness, increasing in weight and strength.

"The great arguments against importing sheep that will yield only an extremely fine clothing-wool, are these: -- Firstly, that the demand is annually decreasing, and will, probably, be far less than the supply. Secondly, because combing-wool of good quality fetches nearly as much per lb. as the average of clothing, whilst the clip is doubled or trebled, and the demand unlimited. Thirdly, because we cannot, in the colony, house our sheep during inclement weather and at night, as they do in Moravia, Bohemia, and Silesia; and as sure as the exceeding fine-woolled sheep are allowed to feed out during wintry weather, so sure, will their wool become coarser. Fourthly, the carcass of a sheep producing a medium carding-wool would not net more than 50 lbs., whilst that of a sheep yielding a prime combing-wool may, by careful selection of breeding-stock, be raised to the net weight of 80 lbs.; indeed, some Negrettis I am expecting next year are said to kill at 100 lbs. weight, and the wool to be of a very superior combing quality.

"Kind of Wool most profitable.--The object of all no doubt is to grow that kind of wool which will return the greatest profit to the breeder. In order to do this, it is necessary that we should increase the fleece in length and weight, paying a due regard to fineness; thus producing a prime combing-wool, for which there is sure to be a continuous demand,--as a good combing-wool can be well used for 'clothing' purposes; and is eagerly sought after by the clothiers, if only of the requisite degree of fineness.

"A fleece of 5 lbs. weight of combing-wool can be easily produced of equal value per lb. as a 3 lbs. fleece of clothing-wool.

"The greater humidity of the climate in New Zealand than in Australia, renders it impossible, I think, for us to be

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able to compete with Australians in growing fine clothing-wool: their wool, in many instances, equals the best samples from Saxony; on the other hand, their pasture is too scant for sheep producing combing-wool.

"In the extremely fine wool-growing countries, as Moravia, Bohemia, Silesia, the sheep are always housed at night, and also during inclement weather; else the wool would lose its character for extreme fineness. A celebrated breeder told me that if fine-woolled sheep 'camp on the damp ground,' the great silkiness, which the wool from the choicest flocks exhibits, would be, in a measure, destroyed. If, by importation and very careful breeding, we brought our flocks to a like excellence with those of Moravia, &c, without adopting similar precautions, the fineness of the wool could not be maintained; and if we attempted a similar course to that practised there, the expenses on every 1000 sheep, according to the rate of wages in this country, would not be less than £500. If, in New Zealand, we attempt growing clothing-wool without similar precautions, we shall find we are only producing a very inferior article; far less in value than that grown without extra care in Australia. The demand for such a kind of wool is never great, and is fast diminishing; the greatest proof of which perhaps is, that many breeders of clothing-woolled sheep are taking steps to change the character of their wool into combing.

"Length, strength, elasticity, and fineness are the four things necessary. 8

"At the London November wool sales, in 1855, I met one of the most extensive woollen manufacturers, who informed me that if Australian and New Zealand wool, being of similar fineness, were sold ou the same day, the New Zealand wool would fetch 2d. per lb. more than the

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Australian, owing to its superior length and elasticity, and through its being so free from joints.

"WASHING.--The washing must be more carefully performed, and the sheep be shorn sooner after they are washed. The yolk is generally allowed to rise too much after washing; consequently, when the wool reaches England, it is found caked in the bales; such being the case, when the wool is sampled, it has the appearance of broken wool.

"In 1855, some wool, hand-washed on the sheep's back, was sold in England, and it was evident great pains had been taken to make it thoroughly clean; but the rubbing had knotted the points of the wool so much, as to decrease its value 3d. per lb. When so washed, no process can lay it fit for combing.

"The following statement will show that wool washed on the sheep's back pays better than either if scoured or in the grease:--

160 lbs. Wool in the grease is equal in weight to
90 lbs. washed, or to
60 lbs. scoured.

"SORTING.--The clip should be sorted: the fleece wool

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into three or four classes as the case requires; the fine combing, coarse combing, and clothing, being kept distinct, and marked accordingly; the broken wool should be kept by itself also.

"Complaints are made of New Zealand wool that too many of the locks, and too much 'stained' wool are rolled up with the fleeces; the locks should constitute one-twelfth of the clip, or nearly so; an extra bale or two of this kind gives confidence to the buyers, and will always be found to raise the value of the remainder; no further sorting is necessary, and indeed, if attempted without a thorough knowledge of the trade, may be prejudicial. Some samples sold at the July sales were materially diminished through injudicious sorting. A purchaser, from Bradford, of some of the Wellington wool, at prices varying from 1s. 8d. to 1s. 6d., told me that the same wool, a little better washed, and better sorted, would have fetched from 1s. 6d. to 1s. 8d.

"SCOURING.--Wool is found to lose one-third in weight by scouring--that is, supposing it to have been, in the first place, from a well-washed flock. The cost in England is for scouring, about 6d. for 80 lbs.; the subsequent drying, which is done by the aid of stones, costs double that sum; it is highly probable that it might be sun-dried with us at a much cheaper rate. It is necessary that the quality of the wool be very even for scouring; otherwise, clothing-wool and combing-wool of different qualities will, in the process, become so intermixed as to reduce the value of the whole to the lowest-priced kind.

"Again, if the wool is not thoroughly cleaned, it is more difficult to cleanse on arrival in England; and, from numerous trials. I am inclined to believe it loses a portion of its strength on passage home.

"LAMBS' WOOL.--A great quantity of wool that is sent from New Zealand as 'Lambs'' is actually shorn from sheep nine months old. Great dissatisfaction has occasionally been expressed at this, and the brokers wish par-

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ticular attention to be called to it. No fleece that will hold together should be called lambs' wool.

"PACKING.--The fleeces should not be tied up with strings; the lint mixes with the wool, and makes what are called 'burls;' no tying is requisite.

"The bales should be pressed about 300 lbs. in a small bale--a neat, square-looking, well-packed lot carries a better impress with it that care has been taken in the 'getting up,'and is not unlikely to turn the scale in favour of the seller. It is oftentimes found that a few greasy fleeces are packed with the washed; in all cases, this is a serious detriment to the whole. If a few unwashed sheep are shorn, and their fleeces are not sufficient to fill a bale, either retain them, put them among the locks and pieces, which nearly assimilate in value, or else pack them in a bale, and mark thus:--

A similar course should be pursued in all cases where two kinds of wool are packed in the same bale.

"Occasionally, when the wool arrives in England, the brand is obliterated through getting wet on board the vessel: it is therefore recommended that both ends be marked. Never mark the bales ou the sides only, as they are exhibited for sale end on.

"BROKER.--With every parcel of wool, an invoice should be forwarded, handing marks, numbers, weights, and any specifications calling the broker's attention to any superior kinds. This is not of so much consequence where the broker samples and lots the wool on sale, for his own in-

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spection; but in cases where such a duty devolves on subordinates, it is not unlikely that good and indifferent wool may occasionally be lotted together.

"If all the New Zealand wools were intrusted to one or two brokers, buyers of that kind would pay more attention to the sales of these brokers than they would to small parcels offered by several salesmen.

"CONCLUSION.--New Zealand wool is decidedly a favourite article with the manufacturers; but, although they admit we have a little improved in our mode of getting it up, still they complain of our slovenly manner. All assure me that we lose 3d. per lb. through not attending to the sorting, and through leaving it too 'wastey' (that is, with too much grease in it), either by not washing enough, or by letting the yolk rise too much after washing.

"Clothing-wool has, within the last twenty-seven years, fallen from 10s. 6d. per lb. to 3s. per lb.; it is now very little above the price of prime combing, and it is highly probable a very few years more will find it lower. Sheep bearing a good clothing-wool will not clip more than 2 1/2 lbs. on the average, and their carcasses will not average more than 50 lbs. A prime combing-wool can he produced with us, averaging 5 lbs. per fleece, and the carcass be brought to an average of 80 lbs. I have samples of wool of the finest kind, varying from 5s. per lb., scoured to 3s. per lb., hand-washed, in all cases, from sheep of about 48 lbs. (dead weight). I have also samples of combing-wool which handwashed, fetched 3s. per lb., averaging 4 1/2 lbs., and which would slaughter at a weight of 90 lbs.

"In every instance, I have had my inquiries met with this advice:--'Aim to grow a prime combing-wool, for which there will be a certain demand for many years to come.' One manufacturer writes, in addition to this:-- 'If you attempt to grow fine clothing-wool, you will be sure to be disappointed; you should aim to grow wool with length and strength of staple for combing, and by judicious cross with the improved Negretti, you may also get weight

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of fleece. This kind of wool is sure to fetch a better price than the short wools, if the latter is even considerably finer.'"

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DISEASES.--Of the three fatal epidemics which so reduce the profits of sheep-farming in Australia-- catarrh, rot and scab--the latter, only, is known in New Zealand. It was introduced by some one of the Australian importations; but is disappearing under the beneficial operation of the various local "scab acts." Foot rot, and the various minor diseases to which the animal is subject in England, are of very rare occurrence; 9 and a flock of New Zealand Merinos generally presents an appearance of bright-looking plumpness and robust health, indicating both fine wool and mutton--and verging even on the "picturesque." 10

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BREEDING.--Some difference of opinion exists as to whether spring or early autumn be the best season for lambing. By choosing the latter, there are no young lambs in the way to interfere with the early summer clipping; and autumn lambs are weaned on early spring grasses and have good fleeces by shearing time. On the other hand, more and finer lambs are dropped by spring

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lambing; and assuredly in the colder parts of the country, where the winter nights would nip the ewe and lambkin, and perhaps everywhere, Spring is the preferable season. Ewes will lamb twelve years in succession; and the net annual increase of a flock of ewes will average nearly, if not quite, ninety per cent., or about ten per cent, more than in Australia--a high ratio of increase when we remember that the sheep is the Merino, one of the least productive of breeds; and the one the most liable to casualties of parturition.

SHEEP FARMING.--Four-fifths of the New Zealand flocks are depastured on wild lands of the colony. Under some of the regulations of Chapter XVII., the sheep-farmer, or "Squatter," as he is generally called, leases of the Government 15,000 to 30,000 acres of some of the wild grassy districts of the country--where, pastoral Robinson Crusoe dwelling ten miles from a neighbour, he puts up a hut or two for himself and shepherds; procures his flour and groceries by bullock-dray from the nearest village; and rudely breeds, feeds, clips, and fattens his flock, under what is popularly termed the "Squatting system."

The profits of this peculiar pursuit have been variously estimated. The smallest capital on which it can fairly be commenced is about £1000, starting with a flock of some 700 ewes; but a more economical and profitable commencement is one with a capital of some £2000 and a double-size flock.

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Any young man landing in New Zealand with a clear £500 or £600, and desirous of embarking in pastoral pursuits, should never attempt to make an independent beginning on his own account. His best plan is to get acquainted with some practical flock-master in the neighbourhood, and to make the arrangement of "thirds." He will buy, say 400 or 500 ewes, and place them with the flockmaster, who will generally take them on his run, on condition of receiving "one-third" of the wool and annual increase; and will sometimes provide the young beginner with free quarters on the station for himself and horse, and make him an inmate of the hut or household, in consideration of his giving his services in the general management and business of the station. The Tyro thus practically learns the pastoral craft at little or no expense; and, at the expiration of two or three years, may lease a station, drive away his increased flock and little stud, and commence business on his own account --an accomplished squatter and pastoral cavalier, sans peur, sans reproche. 11

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Of a dozen squatting "balance-sheets," composed by lettered shepherds of the plains, I give the reader the gist of two: 12 --No. 1, the result of a

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balance sheet drawn up by my Australian friend, whose calculation is most careful and minute; and No. 2, the mean result of various balance sheets, drawn up by myself and by other New Zealand colonists, who have paid attention to the subject:--

The mean profit here, £850, is a profit of not more than seventeen per cent, per annum on the capital employed; and if the reader assumes £1500 to £2000 to be the "commencing-capital," and will estimate the profit to be about twenty per cent, per annum, he will obtain a fair idea of the first profits of Squatting begun on a small scale and on a moderate scale. Those larger cumulative profits of colonial sheep farming of which we read, are not pocketed until a later period than five years, when annual clip and increase of flock have become considerably greater, under the figures of arithmetical progression.

EVILS OF THE "SQUATTING SYSTEM."--"Squatting sheep-farming"--a pursuit of which the motto might well be "great cry and little wool"--was

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introduced into New Zealand from Australia; and it is a pastoral system about as suitable for New Zealand, as the agricultural system of Timbuctoo might be suitable for Great Britain.

The inherent evils of the "squatting system" are these:--More or less, it entails on its votaries a rude, isolated, semi-savage, existence; whilst, locking up immense tracts of territory as pastoral deserts and preserves, it stops the plough, blights the growth of farm and village, prevents the peopling of the wilderness, and arrests the spread of humanizing civilisation. The one good it returns for all this evil, the one crop it grows from the desert it creates, is the "golden fleece"--but it grows even this one crop so scantily, that the "farm-field system," which it prevents, would grow a ten-fold larger crop. True, these evils have been little felt in Australia. Australia is a vast country of hills and plains, where flocks and herds might roam for ages, and bar no peopling of the desert waste. Australia, too, is a country where "squatting" is the only system of grazing which is possible--for owing to poverty of soil, heats and droughts, that artificial field-pasturage, essential to the success of any other system, cannot be obtained there.

But New Zealand, as compared to the droughty continent of Australia, is a garden clothed with perpetual verdure: a land of which some future bellman may some day sing--

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A country of such narrow limits, that flocks and herds could not roam almost "force naturae," as in Australia, without committing trespass, or creating an injurious monopoly. In New Zealand, too, thanks to soil and climate, that artificial field-pasturage, essential to any better system of grazing, can be obtained; and that, too, in the greatest luxuriance and perfection of feed.

In truth, no two countries, so near together as Australia and New Zealand, are so unlike in physical features; and to argue that the "squatting system" is suitable for the one, because it is suitable for the other, is to argue that the sugar-cane and coffee-plant are cultivable in England and Scotland, because they are cultivable in Egypt and the Brazils.

However, though there can be no question that, if all New Zealand's wild-depastured stock could be converted into farm-stock, grazed on field pastures, the annual production of corn, wool, meat, and tallow, would soon be quadrupled, such conversion, practically, would be an agricultural revolution impossible to bring about. It is to be hoped that New Zealand farmers will see the necessity of changing their wretched, "no-stock," exclusively arable system; and that, adding grazing to corn-growing, they will double their produce by enriching their fields with short-horn, south-down, or Merino. But for a few years, at least, until population flows in and actually requires the wild lands of the country for the plough, the pastoral

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pursuit of depasturing stock on such lands will remain a distinct industrial pursuit; and "squatting," though inherently an evil in a country like New Zealand, must for some time to come remain a necessary evil. We cannot convert the fertile wastes of New Zealand into rich pasture fields by stroke of pen--spread of population can alone do that, and until spread of population does that, it is better that our wild lands should feed sheep at the rate of one on three acres, than that they should feed no sheep at all.

The "squatting system" cannot be at once abolished. All, therefore, which, in these days, we can hope to do, is to increase its fruits, to moderate its evils, and to train it in such a way that it shall smoothly and gradually convert itself into that "home-field system" which we desire to set up in its place. This is what we want to do; and, with the aid of the provincial legislatures, this is what we easily could do.

To see clearly the desirableness of improving our "squatting system," the reader should hold together the following commonly-admitted facts:--1st, that the natural wild land pastures of New Zealand will not, on the average, graze more than one sheep to three acres; 2nd, that owing to the large tracts of these lands which monopolist squatters have been allowed to lease, squatters are not able, on the average, to do more than quarter stock them, even at this meagre rate; and that, thus, these wild pastures are not in reality supporting more than one

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sheep, on ten acres; 13 3rd, that the same wild lands, rudely sown with English grasses, would graze four sheep to one acre--that is, they would become forty-fold more productive; 4th, that full half such wild lands (seed included) is capable of being laid down in English grasses at a cost of £1 per acre; 14 and

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5th, that the diseases of sheep are fewer, the annual increase greater, the mutton earlier, the wool finer, the fleece capable of being better "got-up" for market, when the flock, domitae naturae, is farmed on semi-artificial pasture, than when (as under the rude "squatting system") it is suffered to roam, all but ferae naturae, over the wild lands of the colony, exposed to every vicissitude of a semi-savage life. The desirableness of improving our "squatting system" is thus clearly evidenced--the practicability of improving it would, I think, at once be found in the

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adoption of some such squatting regulations as I have ventured to suggest in Chapter XVII.

Let us deal fairly and sensibly with our Squatter. Do not abuse him for being a Squatter, and at the same time debar him from becoming anything better than a Squatter. Lease him never more than 10,000 acres for ten years, and demand a fair rent and a full "stocking." But do away with the ridiculous eighty-acre cabbage-plot, and extend his pre-emptive right of purchase to 1000 or 2000 acres. Do this, and we should convert our "Robinson-Crusoe" Squatter and his shepherd "Man-Friday" into a clean-shaven, estate-creating grazier prince; make him a popular productive member of society, instead of a barren obstructive nuisance; dot our distant hills and plains with a thousand pastoral frontier farms, and produce more of the "golden fleece" export in one clip, than we now do in a dozen.

CATTLE.--Counting native and European owned herds, New Zealand may possess some 100,000 head of cattle.

Like the sheep, the original stock was imported from Australia. But unlike the sheep, Australian and New Zealand cattle make no pretensions to be of any particular breed: short horns, long horns, no horns, a dozen varieties, are so crossed and blended that Youatt himself would scarcely distinguish the predominant strain. 15 New Zealand, in

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some respects, is even a better habitat for cattle than for sheep; as many of the rugged tracts and forest districts, inaccessible to sheep, constitute excellent grazing and browsing ground for horned stock.

New Zealand beef, like New Zealand mutton, is excellent in quality. Four-year old, wild-grazed, bullocks, frequently weigh 1200 lbs. During my last visit to New Plymouth I saw a herd of native-owned cattle, browsing among the wild shrubberies of the Waitera, some of which would have done for the Smithfield Christmas show; whilst the richness of the natural and artificial pasturage for dairy purposes, is tastefully proved by Canterbury's fat cheeses, and New Plymouth's Devonshire cream.

Like sheep, three-fourths of the New Zealand cattle are grazed by the Squatters on the wild lands of the colony. Generally some portion of a Run (either some lower-lying, moister, pasture; or some more broken or bushy "browsing" ground) is better suited for horned stock than for sheep; and such portion is frequently devoted to a herd of cattle, as a sort of second string to our Squatter's bow. The two descriptions of stock do not, however, mix kindly; and in Australia, and indeed on the larger New Zealand runs, "cattle-squatting" and "sheep-squatting" are generally followed as semi-distinct pursuits.

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As bullocks are much used for farm draught-stock; as dairy produce is a very profitable commodity; and as there is already a considerable demand for beef, for the supply of the towns and the shipping, "cattle-breeding" bids fair to become an important pursuit in New Zealand; and will unquestionably figure as the second great branch of Pastoral Industry.

HORSES.--Of native and European-owned horses New Zealand may count about 12,000. The original stock was imported from Australia; but has been considerably improved by fresh blood from England. The Hon. Henry Petre (a fellow-passenger on my first expedition to New Zealand) took out the two thorough-breds Ether and Riddlesworth; and several fine animals have been more recently imported. The horse is a favourite animal in New Zealand: pastoral colonists and natives are bold and dashing riders; gigs and carriages are scarce, and roads bad; and country ladies frequently visit friends and descend on the towns, shopping, on horseback. Well-conducted annual races are held in every settlement. Those of Auckland (attracting the Governor, the court, the regimental band, and a mixed concourse of colonists, citizens, soldiers, sailors, and thousands of natives, all in gala array) form a most picturesque and animated scene; and save for the absence of the "thimble-rig" fraternity, the Guards' "drag," and the nymphs of St. John's Wood, the Auckland

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Races might well pass for the New Zealand Derby.

There is a considerable and an increasing demand both for draught and riding horses, in New Zealand; and the prices rule high and remunerative to the breeder.

A few horses are generally bred with great advantage on the sheep runs; and the second extract below (taken from the letter of an Indian officer settled in Canterbury) suggests the establishment in New Zealand of breeding studs for the Indian cavalry service.

"Before I turn from this part of the subject, it may not be amiss to add a few words with regard to cattle-breeding. There is decidedly less risk in cattle than in sheep breeding. The stock is less subject to disease, and requires far less care and expense. On the other hand, the profits are more uncertain; and I am inclined to think (even when a system of salting down shall be established) will fall somewhat short of those of sheep farming. I am not, however, sure, but that for a small capitalist I should rather recommend cattle. I do not approve of mixed stations of sheep and cattle. They do not do well on the same ground; and one or other is generally neglected. Horses, on the other hand, thrive on a sheep station. A certain number of course are necessary, and, consequently, it is no extra expense to keep a few well-selected breeding mares besides the work-horses. They are little or no trouble, disease amongst them being almost unknown. They run at large the whole year round; and their sleek coats and high condition bear another testimony to the superiority of our climate. But though every stock-master will take a pride in his little herd of horses, and will find them as profitable as they are interesting and ornamental, I should be inclined to consider

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it speculative for a man to invest his whole capital in horse breeding."--Weld on Sheep Farming.

"Any horses required can be bred on these plains, from the English dray horse to the English racer. This is a question that nearly touches the Indian Government, and one that should not be dismissed without some consideration. Are the horses for the artillery and the dragoons up to the work required? No; most certainly not. Where can the horses required be obtained? The objection to the Australian horse is that he is allowed to run wild till he can never be quite broken in. At any rate, those exported seldom are: the reason being that a large tract of land is required to graze them. Both cattle and horses in Australia become as wild as those of the Pampas, and many a broken bone does the Squatter receive in the desperate chase, and still more desperate encounter with these semi-wild animals. But in New Zealand they may be domesticated as in England, and with this extra advantage: the climate is so good, they require no cover, and as no snow lies on the ground, they can graze all the year round. I maintain, that were the Indian Government to take up a Run, lay a portion of it down with English grass, and import stallions from England and mares from Australia, they could breed horses cheaper than they could procure from any part of the world. For such a trade too, New Zealand is at least as well placed as any settlement in Australia, save Swan River. The route, for all, is through Torres Straits. When the monsoon is from the south-east, when the Straits are shut, the eastern passage through the China Seas with a cargo of horses on board would be preferable to beating round that stormy Cape, the Lewin, and in this case New Zealand has the advantage."--Letter from Canterbury.

PIGS. -- No data exist even for guessing at the number of wild pigs in New Zealand. Their name is legion (see page 124), and poor Hood,

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probably had New Zealand in his eye when he wrote:--

Of English sty-fed pigs, and native tame pigs, the various settlements may number some 100,000.

All fattening roots are so easily grown in New Zealand; fine hams and bacon command so good a price in various Australian and foreign markets; and the home and colonial shipping promise to create so brisk a demand for salt-pork, that "pig-feeding," as a branch of dairy farming, bids fair to become an important branch of agricultural industry.

The animal fattens kindly and attains a great size in New Zealand. The "Wellington Independent" has seen one weighing over six hundredweight; but the author has seen one, of a celebrated local breed, fed at the New Plymouth Brewery, which, to the best of his recollection, weighed nearer half a ton.

"Messrs. Luxford and Ling slaughtered five large pigs this week, the smallest of which weighed, when cleaned, upwards of four hundredweight. Notwithstanding the immense size of the animals, the meat appeared to be of a very fine quality. The five taken together are the largest we have ever seen killed in Wellington; indeed we only remember one which surpassed them in weight, namely, that fed by Mr. M'Masters, which weighed upwards of six hundredweight."--Wellington Independent.

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GOATS.--I trust the reader will not think I mention the goat as an animal worthy to rank with pastoral or farm stock. Capricornus is a nuisance in any civilised country where he may be tolerated; and I only name him here in caution to any patriotic emigrant Welshmen. Accompanying some friends once, to select our cabins in one of Messrs. Willis' Liners, I met a gentleman on board anxiously inquiring about the accommodation for two goats he was taking out--the couple, landed, would have cost some £10; and the profitable character of the venture will be made evident to the reader, when I tell him that a flock of fine goats once sold at auction, by my brother in New Plymouth, realized sevenpence halfpenny per head.

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EMIGRANTS TAKING OUT BREEDING-STOCK.

Emigrants of small means cannot take out too few things and too much money; and the investment of any portion of their little capitals in a costly article like breeding-stock, would be, as a general rule, a rash and ill-advised proceeding.

With that increasing class of emigrants, the men of larger means, however, those who go in time, the case is somewhat different; and any gentleman acquainted with stock and now going to New Zealand to invest a thousand or two in agricultural or pastoral pursuits, might do worse than take half a score sheep, a pair of young short horns, or a colt or filly.

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Choice breeding-stock commands high prices in New Zealand. Mr. Tiffin--whose excellent letter the reader has seen at page 384--will, I think, make money by his "Negrettis;" and the following extract from a recent price current shows that pure Merino lambs have lately fetched £10 a head in Auckland.

"Wheat is held for 7s. to 7s. 6d., with large quantities coming in from the coast. Neither oats nor barley in the market. The season's wool and oil are both all shipped. The value of our New Zealand wool is at length being appreciated in the home markets, and a recent importation of Merino sheep will tend to its further improvement. Than the Merino, and the half-bred Merino and Leicester fleeces of the Auckland district, no finer wool is produced in the Australian colonies. The climate of our Province, combining the genial atmosphere of the south of Europe with more humidity to foster, and without either frost or snow to check the growth of wool, a staple is produced which, in strength and elasticity, is equal to the finest samples in the home market. In its felting qualities it is as yet unrivalled. With the attention it is now receiving, this staple bids fair to become a source of great wealth to our colonists. Pure Merino lambs, reared in the immediate neighbourhood of Auckland, are readily purchased from the only holder at £10 each. Large orders from sheep holders, both in New South Wales and Victoria, are now in hand for these Merino lambs, which cannot be executed before October or November. Hides are becoming an export of some value, and more attention than hitherto is being paid to collecting them."

Sheep would probably be found a safer and less troublesome venture than larger stock. Pure Cotswold, Southdown, or Leicester would all, I think, prove valuable introductions; whilst the following

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extract from Milburn's popular Handbook on Sheep (price 1s., Stanford, 6, Charing Cross, London), would seem to show that Mr. Sturgeon's crossed Merinos would be admirably suited for New Zealand.

"Mr. Sturgeon (of the 'Elms,' Grays, Essex) states that our climate seems to affect both the carcass and the wool of imported sheep. He lately showed some tups which were bred from sheep selected in Silesia by his son, from the flocks of Prince Tichnowsky and Baron Bartenstein; and we noticed that the wool was nearly double the length of that produced by either the sire or the dam.

"Nature appears to refuse to give the finest wool to the largest carcass; but Mr. Sturgeon's exertions for the last thirty years seem to have induced some relaxation in his favour; for on sheep that would, if fatted, weigh ten or twelve stones, we find a quality of wool that can hardly be surpassed; and such sheep as (possessing the requisites of size and form, and the constitution peculiar to English-bred animals) must always be in request by our colonists, and have the preference over the German-bred animals, which seem to want the size, form, constitution, and length of staple they are sent to restore.

"Mr. Sturgeon's Merinos are the result of an amalgamation of the flock of his late Majesty George the Third with those of the late Lord Western and Mrs. Dorien, both of whose flocks he purchased at their death. To these he has added the best blood of the Continent; and now, we are assured, possesses such sheep as were never before bred in this country." 16

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The present rates of freight on breeding-stock are about, as follows: sheep 5, young bull 50, and horse 60 guineas--the insurance against death and accidents is about £20 per cent.

The following passage from a colonist's letter may supply the "stock-taking" emigrant reader with some useful practical hints.

"It is of the utmost importance, if you intend to be an owner of flocks and herds, to begin with stock which you know to possess genuine blood. By early application to the broker of the ship in which you are going, you may generally secure a free passage for a cow with her calf, in order that the cabin table may be supplied with milk; so that you will only have to insure against loss and to provide food. Otherwise, you have to pay also for the freight of water and provisions, for fittings and for attendance. A cow should be sent, if possible, with her first calf by her side. A bull should be two years old when put on board. The cost will vary according to the ship, and the arrangements that can be made. As some guide, here is a rough account of the expenses actually incurred on a bull that was sent from England to Wellington in the year 1844:--

"The provisions for the voyage for a cow and a calf will cost about £8. The insurance is against all risks, including mortality and jetsam, and varies from fifteen to twenty per cent."

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No more profitable Horse could, I think, be taken to New Zealand than a large-boned, and nearly thorough-bred, hunter colt or filly; whilst the Clydesdale and Suffolk Punch breed, would be extremely suitable for general draught and farm purposes. I should, however, regard Horses as a less safe and certain speculation than Sheep or Cattle. Of course, the reader will perceive that in taking out any stock to New Zealand, the breed should be one of the greatest purity and established celebrity: an Ewe whose lambs would not fetch £1 each in New Zealand, costs just as much to take thither as an Ewe whose lambs would fetch £10 each.

DOGS.--Dogs are occasionally taken; the freight is about £5. Sporting dogs and fancy dogs are not, however, as yet "the right dogs in the right place," in New Zealand: and the only three animals (at present) worth taking, are the Scotch colley; any strong, pig-catching, terrier; and any sort of retriever, equal to flushing and fetching a wild duck by river or lake.